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Looking for all the answers to your AP Human Geography exam questions? Dive into our ultimate AP Human Geography guide for the upcoming 2024 exam. We’ll cover all the basics of the exam, and provide ten practical study tips that will set you up for success.

The AP Human Geography exam offers a comprehensive assessment of students' understanding of how humans have interacted with the Earth's surface. It requires the ability to think critically with spatial processes and utilize the tools of geographers to analyze patterns of human population, migration, and land use.

When is the AP Human Geography exam in 2024?

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 7th, 2024—the date of the AP Human Geography exam. This crucial assessment spans a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, testing your knowledge and analytical skills in human geography.

For students within the mainland United States and its territories, Canada, or a U.S. Department of Defense Dependents School, the exam fee is $96. However, outside these areas, the fee is $126. Don't forget about the financial aid program, offering a $36 fee reduction for eligible candidates. Be sure to apply by April 30th to take advantage of this opportunity. For more information, check out the details 

The AP Human Geography exam is one of the few AP exams that do not have prerequisite course requirements. This means that the exam does not build upon prior foundational skills as much as other AP courses. As such, many students choose to take the AP Human Geography exam during 9th or 10th grade. Not only is it a great introduction to the world of AP exams, but it also helps students develop skills in time management and structured testing methods required to successfully pass other AP courses.

Absolutely! Beyond honing test-taking skills, mastering AP Human Geography content provides valuable insights applicable across various disciplines, including economics, history, anthropology, and politics. Moreover, many colleges accept AP Human Geography credits, offering students a head start in their academic journey. Students armed with the knowledge taught in this course have a stronger ability to provide high level analysis on contemporary problems.

Additionally, several colleges accept AP Human Geography towards college credit, saving students time and money as they continue their education. Find out if a college you are interested in provides AP Human Geography credit 

The exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, and consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section.

How many questions are on the AP Human Geography exam?

The multiple-choice section comprises 60 questions to be answered within 60 minutes, while the free-response section features three questions to be completed in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Within the free response section, there are three types of questions. One no stimuli question, one singular stimuli question, and one two stimulus question.

The topics are split into 7 units, which are generally evenly distributed across the questions in the exam. Here is a brief description of each unit:

This unit introduces the fundamental tools and methods geographers use, with a particular focus on spatial analysis at different scales.

Population and Migration Patterns and Processes: 

Various aspects of population and migration are covered in this unit, including population density, population growth and decline, and the causes and effects of migration.

Language, religion, and other cultural practices are studied in this unit.

This unit focuses on understanding the political organization of the world, including types of political entities and forms of government.

Agricultural and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes: 

This unit ranges from the origin of agriculture to the challenges facing farmers today.

Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes:

 Similarly, this unit ranges from the origin of urbanization to the factors shaping urban design today.

Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes: 

Finally, this unit covers the origin of industrialization and the role it plays in shaping economic development.

Read the full breakdown of each topic on the College Board’s website 

What should I bring to the AP Human Geography exam?

All you need to bring is a pencil with an eraser, and perhaps a spare pencil, just in case. A watch that does not have access to the internet is also handy. While not absolutely necessary, we always recommend that students bring a drink and snack. You can’t bring food and drinks into the exam room, but you can fuel up in the 10 minute break between sections.

The AP Human Geography exam has straightforward scoring with no point deductions for incorrect answers. It is scored on a scale of 1 to 5 (like all AP tests), with 5 being the highest score you can get. On the free response, each question is worth 7 points total.

With approximately 47% of students scoring a 2 or lower in 2022, the AP Human Geography exam is considered relatively challenging compared to other AP exams.

The AP Human Geography exam has a pass rate of 59%, which means scoring a 3 or higher. As compared to other AP exams, the average AP exam has a pass rate of 71%. This makes the AP Human Geography exam appear to be more difficult than average, and in order to make sure you pass, be sure to follow the tips below. 

What is the average score on the AP Human Geography exam?

The average score for the 2023 AP Human Geography exam was a 2.75, with a total of 247,043 students taking the exam.

What percentage is a 5 on the AP Human Geography exam?

Typically, a 70 to 75 percent out of 100 translates to a 5. Around 15% of students scored a 5 in 2022.

What happens if you fail the AP Human Geography exam?

If you fail the exam, don’t fret! You can always retake the exam the following year. Failing the exam does not have significant consequences beyond the inability to acquire college credit. The AP Exam does not impact your high school GPA, and unless you choose to send the score to colleges, it will not impact your college admissions.

10 Tips on How to Study for AP Human Geography

: Engage in discussions with classmates, study groups, or a tutor to deepen your understanding of how different concepts in AP Human Geography relate to each other. Sharing perspectives and insights can help solidify your knowledge.

: Familiarize yourself with the format of FRQs and ensure your responses are straightforward and directly address the prompts. Reviewing scoring guidelines can help you understand what examiners are looking for.

: Understand the economic, political, and cultural climates of different regions worldwide over time. Being able to identify regions on a map and their key countries is essential for contextualizing geographic concepts.

: Use flashcards to memorize key terms and concepts of the course. Understanding and being able to recall these terms will be crucial during the exam.

Connect concepts to contemporary scenarios

: Practice connecting geographic concepts to real-world situations and contemporary events. This can help you apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios effectively.

: Stay informed about basic current events facts, as many questions may relate to contemporary scenarios. Ivy Tutors can provide valuable resources to help you stay up-to-date.

: Familiarize yourself with different geographic models and their applications. Questions may ask about various models or comment on data sets, so understanding these concepts is essential.

: Practice reading and interpreting maps, tables, charts, graphs, infographics, images, and landscapes. Visual stimuli questions are increasingly common, so honing these skills is vital.

 available on the AP Central website from the College Board. These resources provide valuable insight into the exam format, types of questions, and areas to focus on during your study sessions. Additionally, you can find free response examples up to 2023 and purchase practice tests to further enhance your preparation.

Utilize resources like Ivy Tutors Network

: Preparing for one of the most challenging AP Exams while managing other commitments can be daunting. A robust study plan, consistent use of practice materials, and simulation through mock exams are crucial. Leverage the specialized support offered by Ivy Tutors, which equips AP Human Geography students with extensive study materials, practice tests, and personalized expert guidance. Instead of spending time finding materials and tracking you're progress, a tutor can streamline your study process with custom feedback and curated resources. This tailored approach with a tutor will simplify your test preparation process so that you can focus on building the knowledge required to succeed.

Start with a diagnostic SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, TACHS, or AP test so you know where you stand and where you need improvement. Knowledge is power!

AP Human Geography Exam: Your Ultimate Guide 2024

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The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized exam utilized by private parochial high schools as a component of the admission process for eighth-grade students. Alongside factors such as GPA, transcripts, applications, essays, and interviews where applicable, the HSPT forms part of the application package. The results of the HSPT play a crucial role in schools' decisions regarding admissions, curriculum placement, and – what sets it apart from other high school entrance exams – 


The HSPT’s primary purpose is to assess students' current knowledge and skill sets, ensuring they are appropriately placed within the high school course curriculum. For a more comprehensive understanding of high school admissions, one can refer to additional resources such as this article: 

Everything You Need to Know About Private School Admissions

How is HSPT different from ISEE and SSAT?

 are all standardized tests utilized for admission to various independent, parochial, and boarding schools. While many schools may accept either the 

, it is crucial to examine the specific requirements of each institution before determining which exam to take. Notably, private schools typically rely on the ISEE and SSAT for admitting freshmen and class placement, whereas Catholic high schools generally do not utilize these tests, although some may require them.

The HSPT is specifically designed for ninth-grade entry, differing from the ISEE, which accommodates students from second to twelfth grade, and the SSAT, which caters to students from fifth to twelfth grade.

What is the difference between HSPT, COOP and TACHS?

The HSPT, COOP, and TACHS are all standardized tests utilized for admission to various Catholic high schools. While the TACHS and HSPT cover similar material, the 

 is generally perceived as more straightforward and offers more time per question compared to the HSPT. The HSPT

Specifically known as the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools, the TACHS is exclusively required for eighth-graders seeking admission to 

 within the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens and the Archdiocese of New York.

Meanwhile, the COOP, formally known as the Cooperative Admissions Examination Program, is administered to eighth-graders aspiring to attend Catholic high schools within New Jersey's Archdiocese of Newark or Diocese of Paterson.

The HSPT is accepted by several of New York City's most competitive Catholic high schools, encompassing institutions such as Regis, Xavier, Loyola, and Fordham. Numerous private schools across New York City utilize the HSPT as a scholarship test such as Xavier High School, Xaverian High School, St. Peter’s Prep, Loyola, Fordham Prep, Marymont, Fontbonne Hall Academy, and St. Joseph Hill.

It's important to note that while many schools accept the HSPT, it's always advisable to check with the administration of the schools your child is interested in to ascertain which test they prefer or accept for admission.

The HSPT test is typically held on a Saturday in the winter, usually in late November or early December. The test can only be taken once.

For accurate and up-to-date information on the specific 2024 test date for admittance in the 2025-2026 school year, it's recommended to refer to the 

 or contact the administration of the relevant schools.

It's important to note that the test for the 2024-2025 school year has already been administered in November of 2023.

To register for the HSPT, it's essential to understand that the school where you plan to take the exam may have specific criteria and procedures for registration. Therefore, the first step is to contact the high school where you intend to take the test and inquire about their registration process.

Typically, the cost of the HSPT registration ranges from $20 to $25, depending on the school administering the test.

For detailed information about registration and any other requirements, it's recommended to contact each school individually. This ensures you have the most up-to-date and relevant information tailored to the specific school's policies and procedures.

The HSPT comprises five required sections, which are Verbal Skills, Reading, Mathematics, Quantitative Skills, and Language. Additionally, there are three optional sections—Science, Mechanical Aptitude, and Catholic Religion— which may be required depending on the policies of the school you are applying to. It's important to note that while scores on the optional sections are not factored into the composite score, they may influence curriculum placement.

The Verbal Skills section of the HSPT is timed for 16 minutes and contains 60 questions, allowing approximately 16 seconds per question. Within this section, you can expect questions covering various specific topics. Analogy questions, for instance, require you to identify pairs of words with similar relationships, such as "kitten is to cat as puppy is to dog." Logic questions are also included, featuring basic reasoning scenarios where you need to deduce the validity of statements based on given premises, such as comparing heights among individuals. Additionally, verbal classification questions ask you to categorize words, typically nouns, such as determining that a car is a vehicle. Furthermore, you'll encounter synonyms, where you must select the word closest in meaning to the provided one, as well as antonyms, where you need to identify the word most opposite in meaning.

The Reading section of the HSPT is allotted 25 minutes and comprises 62 questions, providing approximately 24 seconds per question. This segment is divided into two parts: comprehension and vocabulary. The vocabulary component typically includes words derived from 8th-grade reading materials. Meanwhile, the comprehension part consists of passages followed by questions that assess your ability to understand various aspects of the text.

Within the comprehension part, you can expect questions covering specific topics such as informational text, craft and structure, integration of ideas, literary text, literary techniques, and vocabulary. These questions are designed to evaluate your comprehension skills, including your ability to analyze and interpret different types of texts effectively.

The Mathematics section of the HSPT is scheduled for 45 minutes and consists of 64 questions, allowing approximately 42 seconds per question.

The questions within this section cover various specific topics, which are also mirrored in the Quantitative Skills section. These topics include sequence, reasoning, geometric comparison, and non-geometric comparison. You'll encounter questions that require you to apply mathematical principles to analyze sequences, make logical deductions, compare geometric shapes, and make comparisons between non-geometric quantities.

The Quantitative Skills section of the HSPT is allotted 30 minutes and consists of 52 questions, providing approximately 34 seconds per question.

While there is considerable overlap in concepts between the Quantitative Skills and Mathematics sections of the HSPT, the Quantitative Skills section tends to present these concepts more as word problems rather than equations. This means you'll be required to apply mathematical reasoning to interpret and solve problems presented in a contextual format.

The Language section of the HSPT lasts for 25 minutes and comprises 60 questions, allowing approximately 25 seconds per question.

The questions within this section cover topics such as punctuation, capitalization, spelling, usage of parts of speech, and composition. You'll encounter questions that require you to demonstrate your understanding and application of proper punctuation and capitalization rules, as well as your ability to spell correctly. Additionally, you'll be tested on your knowledge of the usage of different parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

Furthermore, the composition aspect of this section may involve questions related to sentence structure, grammar, and overall coherence and clarity of written expression.

The HSPT has a total duration of 2 hours and 21 minutes for completing all the required sections. However, it's important to plan for a total test time of about 3 hours, including breaks.

The HSPT consists of a total of 298 questions across all its sections.

The scale the test is scored on provides a possibility of 200 to 800 points for the test. Each school sets the score they require a student to receive.

The test derives a raw score by adding up the number of correct answers in each section.

This raw score is then converted into a composite standard score (200-800). Each student’s standard score is compared to test results from a national sample of students or a local sample of students to produce a national percentile (NP) or local percentile (LP) ranking respectively.

The percentile ranking indicates what percentage of students in the sample scored less than you.

Standard score and either the NP and LP rank are 3 of the normative scores that a school may decide to use, the other two are Grade Equivalent (GE) and Cognitive Skills Quotient (CSQ).

This GE score compares your performance with the average performance of students at other grade levels. The CSQ score serves to predict your future academic performance, replacing the traditional IQ score. It can be interpreted using the same IQ score guide.

The HSPT is widely recognized as a very challenging exam, requiring dedicated study and preparation for success. Unlike other standardized tests where students may rely on being strong in one subject area, such as math or language, the HSPT demands a well-rounded understanding across all sections. It's essential for students to commit to comprehensive study to excel on the exam.

Compared to other high school admission tests like the TACHS, ISEE, and SSAT, the HSPT typically provides less time per question. This means that students must not only master the content but also develop strong time-management skills to ensure they can complete each section within the allotted time frame.

Additionally, it's important to recognize that the material covered on the HSPT is at a level comparable to medium-level material on the SAT. This underscores the importance of mastering the material on the HSPT, as it will serve as a foundation for future academic success. Students should approach the HSPT with diligence and dedication, understanding that their performance on this exam can significantly impact their high school admissions process and future academic endeavors.

Determining what constitutes a good HSPT score depends on various factors such as your individual goals and the specific schools you're applying to. To be considered for admission to most schools, a score above 500 is generally advisable. For more competitive institutions, aiming for a score closer to 700 or higher may be necessary.

In addition to considering the raw scores, it's also helpful to evaluate your percentile ranking, particularly the Local Percentile (LP) rank. A good HSPT score often correlates with achieving around 75% on the LP rank. This percentile ranking compares your performance to other students at the same grade level locally, providing valuable context for your score.

An average HSPT score typically falls within the 24th to 75th percentile range. It's important to note that local percentile scores are often more relevant since the test is administered nationwide, and performance can vary regionally.

In terms of standard scores, 500 is considered the mean nationwide. This means that a standard score of 500 represents the average performance on the HSPT across the country. However, it's essential to interpret scores within the context of percentile rankings and local norms to understand how they compare to other students in your area or those applying to similar schools.

Overall, while a standard score of 500 may represent the national average, local percentile rankings provide a more accurate measure of where an individual's score falls relative to their peers in their specific region or school community.

How many questions do you need to get correct on HSPT test?

Ultimately, the definition of a good HSPT score will vary based on your personal aspirations and the admission requirements of the schools you're targeting. It's essential to research the expectations of your desired institutions and aim to achieve a score that aligns with their standards and expectations.

What happens if you score low on the HSPT? Can you fail the HSPT?

Unfortunately you are only able to take the HSPT once. However, it is important to keep in mind that the HSPT is only one part of your application package, so otherwise having a strong application package may influence the admissions team more than your HSPT score. If you do not get accepted to your school of choice based on your HSPT score, then you can also look into the other high school placement tests, namely the TACHS, COOP, SSAT, SHSAT, or ISEE.

Parents/Guardians of a student who took the test will receive a HSPT Score Report in their email. Results will be emailed from 

. If no email is received parents should contact the school and request a new copy of their child's scores.

Some Catholic high schools and programs will use the HSPT score to decide whether to award a scholarship. So a high HSPT score could save you money, sometimes even thousands of dollars! Families cannot apply for Presidential Scholarships. They are awarded by the Admissions Committee at the time of admission to incoming freshmen only.

The best plan for studying involves starting as soon as you learn your test date, ideally at least 3 months before the scheduled test date. However, many students start prepping for all their high school entrance exams 6 months to 1 year before the exam dates. If you plan to use the summer months for intensive study, you can start prepping in spring or summer. Otherwise, we recommend taking a diagnostic exam anytime starting with November of 7th grade. A diagnostic exam can tell you where your learning gaps are and how far away you are from your goal score, which helps you make the best study plan going forward.

There are many reputable HSPT prep books that range in price and the number of practice problems/tests they provide. The best prep book depends on your budget and the amount of time you are able to spend preparing and studying for the test. There are also free tests and sections that you can access online from reputable sources such as 

. Remember that test preparation involves 3 elements: making sure you have learned the materials the exam is testing, learning test taking strategies, and practicing using test-like conditions and with the same question types that the test uses. It’s important to master the content and strategies before you start to take many practice tests, so you’re not practicing making the same mistakes over and over.

Points are not deducted for leaving an answer blank. However, it's important to note that points are also not deducted for incorrect answers either. Therefore, you should guess rather than leave a question unanswered. By guessing, you have a chance of earning points, even if it's only a 25% chance, compared to 0% if you skip the question entirely. Guessing strategically can potentially increase your chances of earning points, especially if you can eliminate one or more answer choices as clearly incorrect.

Are you allowed to use a calculator during HSPT?

How to study for HSPT? 7 tips from HSPT Tutors

An effective study approach involves breaking down the test into its individual components. For instance, starting with the Math section ensures thorough review of those concepts before transitioning to Verbal preparation.

Practice! Practice! And then practice some more!


Although it may seem tedious to undergo multiple practice tests, engaging in this process is an excellent method of HSPT preparation. Practicing exams offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to refine your timing skills. Since each section of the test has a specific time limit, practicing completing the HSPT within these constraints enhances your speed and efficiency.

Pay attention to which questions are hard.


When reviewing free HSPT practice tests, focus on three key groups of questions: those you answered incorrectly, those you guessed on (even if you guessed correctly), and those you found challenging or time-consuming. This process helps identify your weaknesses and areas requiring more study time. Reflect on why these questions posed difficulties. Was it due to lack of understanding, unfamiliarity with vocabulary, or needing more practice for speed and confidence? Delve into these questions to strengthen your weaker areas as you review the material.

Strive to establish an environment conducive to productive study habits. This might entail relocating your desk to a quieter area or finding a library with operating hours that align with your schedule. The objective is to discover a space that facilitates effective learning and enables you to optimize your preparation time.

An additional effective strategy is to engage in reading. Simply dedicating time to reading can acquaint you with vocabulary, improve comprehension abilities, and deepen your grasp of grammar and syntax.

To maximize your performance on the HSPT, prioritize getting ample sleep the night before and consuming a nutritious breakfast. These steps can contribute to your success on the exam. Additionally, remind yourself that you've diligently prepared for this moment – you're more prepared than you think. Approach the HSPT with confidence and demonstrate your knowledge. Success is within reach, just a few hours away!

If you want to be fully prepared, take advantage of the expertise of an Ivy Network Tutor. Ivy Network tutors is dedicated to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for the HSPT!

design Take a Diagnostic Exam in NYC Start with a diagnostic SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, TACHS, or AP test so you know where you stand and where you need improvement. Knowledge is power!

Prepare for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) with our comprehensive guide. Explore test format, content, study strategies, and HSPT expert tips for success.

HSPT: Everything You Should Know

Everything You Should Know About the HSPT

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Students in New York are very familiar with the term ‘Regents Exams’, but if you’re a middle school or high school student, you might be wondering what they are exactly, and how you can best prepare for them. This blog breaks down everything you need to know to be mentally and academically ready to perform successfully on these tests and earn your high school diploma.

The NYSED Regents Exams are statewide standardized tests in core high school subjects, such as English, Algebra, and Science. There are 10 exams in total, and students must pass a certain number of regents exams to graduate from public high school. The exact number depends on the type of diploma a student is pursuing.

The Regents Exams were - and still are - designed to test students’ preparation for college or the workforce in key subject areas. They 

 when the New York State Board of Regents determined it was important to test the knowledge of exiting eighth graders throughout the states. They became a set of high school exams in the 1870s and the subjects tested have changed and adapted based on societal and cultural expectations; for example, starting in 1927 “vocational homemaking” was the subject of a Regents Exam. The core subjects were most recently changed in 2011 with the state-wide adoption of the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS).

What are the New York State Regents Exams in 2024?

There are ten total regents exams in the following categories:

Additionally, students may choose to test themselves on their knowledge of a non-English language (French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish) or take a Career and Technical Education (CTE) assessment. See 

The Regents Exams are offered in January, June, and August of 2024. 

Students should check with their specific school to ensure accurate times and locations.

Why is New York the only state with Regents Exams?

Several other states require high school exit exams, but only New York calls them Regents Exams. In general, exit exams have fallen out of favor across the country with many states preferring to offer standardized testing at regular intervals throughout the educational journey of students, rather than making them a graduation requirement.

There is not a universally “easiest” Regents Exam. Which Regents Exam you will find easiest depends on your interests and knowledge. Preparation will go a long way to ensuring you perform well on all your exams. That being said, for the 

, the fewest number of students (53%) passed the Geometry Regents, while the highest number of students passed English Language Arts (81%) and Global History & Geography II (80%).

While high school exit exams are no longer the norm across the country, NYC public school transcripts list not only your grade in the class, but (in a special section at the bottom of the transcript) also the Regents Exam score. Since Regents exam scores show up very visibly on the transcript, this test score is particularly important for college admissions. It’s important to remember this and to leave lots of time to study for Regents exams at the end of the school year. 

We’ve seen many students who have done really well in a class think that they don’t need to study, only to learn on test day that they don’t remember the topics taught at the beginning of the year. What makes these tests challenging is that they are cumulative. Studying for them and showing a top score on your transcript is one way for college admissions departments to assess your college readiness. 

In addition, some high school teachers will use the Regents score as 1 or even 2 test grades when they are calculating your final class grade. So the Regents score can also affect your class average, although this varies by teacher. Make sure you ask your teacher how they will treat the Regents score when calculating your class grade.

The structure of each Regents Exam varies slightly, but all but one - the Earth Sciences exam - consists of a single 3-hour testing period. The Earth Sciences Regents Exam has an additional laboratory component of just under 45 minutes that takes place two weeks before the written portion.

The exams are composed of several different question types including:

Constructed response questions (open ended questions that often require the use of graphs, tables, images, or source documents to answer).

To prepare for each subject's test, students should look at the format and type of questions that will be required. Ivy Tutors Network currently has guides to the following tests:

Regents Exams are scored from 0-100 but a student’s score is not a “raw” measure - i.e. it is not based solely on the number of questions answered correctly. Rather, the score is calculated based on several factors including number of questions answered correctly, difficulty of each of the correctly answered questions, and which skills the question(s) measured.

Regents Exams for the 2023-24 school year may not be “waived”. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cancellation of most Regents Exams between June 2020 and August 2021, the NYSED allowed students who met certain eligibility requirements to get exam waivers on some examinations. Waiver policies were extended in some situations through June 2023 to account for variations in learning that occurred during the pandemic.

Once available, scores will be sent to each school with participating students and the schools will in turn notify and release scores to individual students.

What happens if you fail the Regents Exam?

To pass a Regents Exam you must earn a 65 or higher, though accommodations may be made for certain disabilities. Students who fail an exam may still pass the course, but will need to retake the exam. If their in-class performance was also poor, they may be required to retake the course in summer school before re-taking the test.

Students have the right to retake a test as many times as is needed in order to pass. Work with your guidance counselor to schedule a retake the next time it is offered, typically in June, August, and January. But each exam schedule is different, so make sure to 

To earn a Regents Diploma in the state of New York, students must pass 5 Regents exams. Students must take one test from each of the major subject areas, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, as well as one additional test. The additional test choices, or “

Pass any other of the other 6 Regents Exams of the student’s choosing

Successfully complete all the requirements for the 

, including the associated 3-part technical assessment

Students who average a score of 90 or higher on 1 life science Regents Exam, 1 Physical Science Regents Exam, the English Regents, and a Social Studies Regents Exam (5 exams total) will earn a NYS Regents Diploma with Honors.

To earn an Advanced Regents Diploma, students must complete the requirements for the standard Regents Diploma as well as pass three additional tests, two in Math and one in Science.

Are Some Schools Exempt from Regents Exams?

Project-based and Consortium schools are able to apply for a Regents exemption and in place of most Regents exams, PBA (project-based assessments) are conducted. The only Regents Exam required at these schools is the English test. Learn more about the 36 Consortium School in New York City by following 

Private school students are also not required to take Regents Exams.

10 Tips on How to Prepare for the New York Regents Exams

 This one might seem obvious, but attending class is the foundation for doing well on any Regents Exam. Unlike other standardized tests, Regents Exams are designed to measure what you learn in your coursework. The curriculum and the exam go hand in hand, making attendance and participation a key component of success on test day.

Making time to regularly review what you’re learning will not only help you in class, it will help the information stay in your brain, meaning you’ll need to do less “cramming” prior to the Regents Exam.

Keep tests and assignments from coursework. 

Past tests and assignments are a great indicator of what you understood well from class and what you could use a little more focused time with. Save work in a digital folder, or act like it’s the 90s and get yourself a colorful folder to save paperwork.

Don’t study what you already feel confident in. Mastered the Krebs Cycle but can’t remember cellular respiration? Don’t waste time reviewing what you know and instead take extra time in areas of struggle.

 Tests are offered in January, June and August of each year. Most students choose to take the exams closest to when they finish the coursework, but you could choose to space them out differently. Some students like to align them with when they’re taking the corresponding AP test. Others choose to give themselves extra study time for subjects in which they struggle.

Practice exams are one of the best ways to determine your preparedness level for a test. Since the 

all students have access to these as practice.

 There’s a lot to be said for independent study, particularly when it comes to staying on task, but group study offers a lot of benefits as well. Remember to set a goal for the entire group at the start of the session (i.e. know all the important dates and key figures of the American Civil War) so that you can remain focused and know when you’ve succeeded.

Don’t underestimate what a good night’s sleep and a decent breakfast can do for your focus and mental clarity on test day. It’s also a good idea to moderate caffeine intake so that you’re not jittery - and don’t have to run to the bathroom midtest!

Sometimes the best thing to know is your own weaknesses. If you’re struggling with a subject - or just struggling with your confidence in a subject - working with a teacher or tutor to achieve mastery in a particular area will help you perform your best on the test.

 Lastly, several tests have reference sheets you should be aware of. Know if the test you’re taking has one and if so, what’s on it, so you don’t waste time studying formulas or data that will be provided to you.

There’s nothing worse than feeling unprepared for something that matters. You can avoid that sinking feeling on test day by being well prepared. The tips above are a great way to make sure you sit down to each examination with confidence - and so is working with a tutor! Ivy Tutors Network prides itself on 

 who will meet their unique needs and get them to test day with as much confidence as possible.

Stay ahead with our comprehensive guide to Regents Exams in 2024. Explore key information, exam formats, study strategies, and expert tips for success at NYS Regents Exams.

Regents Exams: All You Need to Know in 2024

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Henry is thoroughly enjoying working with Jordan. Up until now, Henry has not gotten any one-on-one teaching of coding so he's thrilled to work this way with Jordan. Henry has said it's super interesting, fun and he loves it.

Thank you so much. The tutors have been amazing from start to finish.  We are so grateful to have this program since our daughter doesn’t have any in-classroom options this year. We love Ivy Tutors Network! 

My son did great in Geometry, ending the semester with a 95 for the course.  He and George did really well together, as my son's main issue was not really knowing how to study/prepare for exams on his own in math, and personality-wise as well as skill-wise, George was a great match.

We’ve had such a positive experience with Ivy Tutors.  My son started working with Shakir two years ago, at a time when he was really struggling in school.  The one on one support has been invaluable, and has truly helped to turn things around. I honestly don’t think we could have made it this far without them - would highly recommend!

Great communication, amazing experienced tutors, best value for money. We wanted to thank all of you (and mainly Mark) for helping my son improve his SAT score from 1380 to 1500! This is amazing!  Great job all of you! I will keep referring my clients and friends to you. Sooo happy!

We loved Raphael. His technique for our daughter was great. His skill with timing and strategy definitely worked for her. He was also a very calm, supportive and kind person. He helped our daughter increase her ACT score by 8 points and get her math performance on track. Thank you for finding the absolute right fit tutor.


We received some great news! My son was accepted to Xavier and offered an Ignatian Scholarship, to Stepinac High School and offered a full scholarship AND also accepted to Fordham Prep and received the Hughes Scholarship. Kairn was extremely instrumental in achieving this goal. My son loved working with him and we are so proud of his achievements.

Thank you so much for recommending Andrew as a tutor for my son. They have worked really well together. My son was very happy with his Math score in the May SATs. It has been a pleasure working with you. I will definitely recommend Ivy Tutors to friends!

It went so well- truly! I can't thank you enough- Dylan learned more yesterday than he has all year- real humanity and real education wins. Believe me we will continue the tutoring until June without a question because he is improving and getting ‘smarter’ each and every session- thank you again!


My daughter set out to close a 150-point gap for her SAT in less than 6 weeks. Mark was very poised and professional in his approach. Given my daughter's individual strengths and weaknesses, he curated a lesson plan that had the necessary vigor, interest and milestones to achieve the goal.

Teresa has been tutoring both of our daughters and she is amazing in every way! The girls truly enjoy their sessions with her and both have shown great improvement in a short period of time. It’s been super easy to set up sessions and Ivy Tutors is always available to answer questions along the way.

Thanks to you and to our tutor who had committed 200% of yours and his efforts to help our daughter to get to the score of 1520 in such a short time!  Great, great jobs for both of you! She is now truly ready for the upcoming college application processes.

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