For students applying to colleges in New York State, particularly the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) systems, understanding the role of Regents Exams in the admissions process is crucial. With the evolving landscape of standardized testing, especially the test-optional policies adopted by many universities, it’s natural to wonder: do SUNY and CUNY still care about Regents scores? This article breaks down the current policies and clarifies how Regents Exams are considered in admissions and proficiency assessments at both SUNY and CUNY institutions.
Understanding the Test-Optional Policy and Proficiency Requirements
Both SUNY and CUNY have adopted test-optional policies regarding SAT and ACT scores, effective through Spring 2027 for CUNY and with ongoing variations across SUNY campuses. This means that for undergraduate admissions, submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional. However, it’s important to understand that while these standardized tests are optional for admission, the universities still maintain proficiency requirements in English and Mathematics. These proficiency requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for college-level coursework.
So, where do Regents Exams fit into this picture? While SAT and ACT scores are now optional for admission, Regents Exam scores continue to play a significant role, primarily in determining proficiency and sometimes in admission considerations, especially when SAT/ACT scores are not submitted.
CUNY’s Approach to Regents Exams and Proficiency
CUNY explicitly states that they will continue to collect Regents Exam scores and use them for proficiency determinations. This means that even if you choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores, your Regents scores can still be used to demonstrate your preparedness for college-level English and Math.
CUNY Proficiency Requirements: A Closer Look
CUNY outlines specific benchmarks for demonstrating proficiency in English and Mathematics. These benchmarks can be met through various standardized tests, including SAT, ACT, and importantly, New York State Regents Exams.
English Proficiency for CUNY
Students can meet CUNY’s English proficiency requirement by achieving any one of the following:
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 480 or higher
- ACT English score of 20 or higher
- NY State English Regents score of 75 or higher
Mathematics Proficiency for CUNY
Similarly, mathematics proficiency for CUNY can be demonstrated through:
- SAT Math score of 530 or higher (for exams taken March 2016 and after) or 500 or higher (for exams before March 2016)
- ACT Math score of 21 or higher
- NY State Regents:
- Common Core Regents: Score of 70 or higher in Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra 2; or a score of 65 or higher in Algebra 2.
- Legacy Regents: Various combinations of scores in Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Math A, Math B, Sequential II, or Sequential III. (Specific score requirements vary; refer to the original article for detailed breakdowns).
It’s clear that CUNY recognizes Regents Exams as a valid measure of proficiency in both English and Mathematics, offering students a pathway to demonstrate their readiness for college coursework through these state-administered exams.
The CUNY Proficiency Index: Regents Scores in the Formula
For students who do not meet the direct proficiency benchmarks through SAT, ACT, or Regents scores alone, CUNY utilizes a Proficiency Index. This index is a formula that combines your high school GPA with standardized test scores – including Regents scores – to assess your overall academic profile and predict your likelihood of success in credit-bearing college courses.
The Proficiency Index exists for both English and Math. If you have both SAT/ACT and Regents scores, the formula may use both. If you only have Regents or only SAT/ACT, it will use whichever is available. Crucially, if you don’t have either, your proficiency will be assessed based on your high school GPA or High School Equivalency exam scores. This highlights that Regents scores are indeed considered in CUNY’s holistic assessment of proficiency.
SUNY’s Perspective on Regents Exams and Proficiency
While SUNY’s system is more decentralized than CUNY’s, with each campus having some autonomy in admissions policies, Regents Exams are also generally recognized and considered within the SUNY system. Many SUNY schools use Regents Exams for course placement and, in some cases, for admission considerations, especially when students are applying test-optional.
SUNY Proficiency and Course Placement
Similar to CUNY, SUNY institutions are concerned with ensuring students are proficient in foundational skills. Regents Exams, as a New York State standard, are often used to gauge this proficiency, particularly for students coming directly from New York high schools. While specific score requirements and policies can vary by SUNY campus, Regents scores are generally considered for:
- Course Placement: Determining whether a student is ready for college-level courses or needs developmental coursework in English or Math.
- Demonstrating Skills: In a test-optional environment, strong Regents scores can supplement your application and provide evidence of your academic abilities, especially if you choose not to submit SAT/ACT scores.
- Meeting General Education Requirements: Some SUNY campuses may allow high Regents Exam scores to fulfill certain general education requirements. (Students should check with individual SUNY campuses for specific policies).
SUNY Admission Considerations
While SUNY’s system is diverse, and admissions policies vary, in the context of test-optional admissions, strong academic performance in high school, including good Regents Exam scores, becomes even more important. For SUNY applicants choosing not to submit SAT/ACT scores, Regents scores can be a valuable indicator of academic preparedness that admissions committees may consider.
Key Takeaways: Regents Scores Matter
Despite the shift towards test-optional policies, Regents Exams remain relevant for both CUNY and SUNY applicants, especially those from New York State high schools.
- Proficiency Determination: Both CUNY and SUNY utilize Regents scores to assess proficiency in English and Math, which is crucial for course placement.
- Proficiency Index (CUNY): CUNY’s Proficiency Index directly incorporates Regents scores in its formula.
- Demonstrating Readiness: In a test-optional world, strong Regents scores can serve as evidence of your academic abilities for both CUNY and SUNY, particularly if you opt not to submit SAT/ACT scores.
- Course Placement (SUNY): SUNY campuses often use Regents scores for course placement decisions.
For New York students applying to SUNY and CUNY, focusing on doing well on Regents Exams is still a worthwhile endeavor. They provide a standardized, state-recognized measure of your skills and can positively influence your college journey, from admission considerations (especially in a test-optional context) to ensuring you are placed in appropriate courses to succeed. While the weight given to Regents scores might vary across institutions and evolve over time, their continued relevance in the SUNY and CUNY systems is undeniable.
