To get a high school diploma in New York State, you have to pass five Regents exams with a minimum score of 65.
- Integrated Algebra (formerly Math A)
- Global History and Geography
- U.S. History and Government
- Comprehensive English
- A science test in physical science (Earth Science, Chemistry or Physics) OR in life science (Living Environment)
In math and English/language arts, score at least a 75 to show you’re college ready.
To earn an advanced Regents diploma, which helps you to get into college, you’ll need four* more exams.
- Another science test: physical science or life science (whichever one you didn’t take before)
- Geometry*
- Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
- A foreign language exam: French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin or Spanish
*In the past students needed to pass one additional math test for an advanced diploma, but the state is phasing out the Math B exam and replacing it with two exams: Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. The last administration of Math B is in June 2010.
That’s a lot of tests! But no sweat… Here’s how you can crank them out:
- Freshman year—Pass at least one Regents.
- Sophomore year—Pass two more Regents.
- Junior year—Pass the last two Regents you need for graduation.
- Senior year—Work toward your advanced diploma by taking the additional Regents in math, science and foreign language. Or, if you’re not going for the advanced diploma, spend this year taking a sequence of career-themed courses to get yourself ready for the workforce.
Stick to this schedule, and when graduation comes around, you'll be good to go.