NY Regents vs. Advanced Regents Diploma: Requirements & Value

New York offers two diploma tiers. The Advanced Regents signals college readiness for competitive admissions.

Side-by-Side Requirements

Exam Requirements

• Regents: 5 exams (ELA, 1 Math, 1 Science, Global History, US History) – pass ≥65
• Advanced: 8–9 exams (add 2 Math, 1 Science, LOTE Checkpoint B) – pass ≥65

Additional Advanced Requirements

• No official GPA minimum (local districts may set)
• No mandated extracurriculars (but competitive colleges expect them)
• Mastery in Math/Science (score ≥85 on 3+ exams) → "With Honors" annotation

College Admissions Impact

• SUNY/CUNY: Advanced Regents meets/exceeds core requirements
• Selective private: Expected for NY applicants; absence noted
• Out-of-state: Less recognized; rigor of transcript matters more

Strategic Advice

If capable, pursue Advanced. It keeps doors open. If struggling in Math/Science/LOTE, Regents + strong electives/activities > Advanced with low grades. Counselor should align diploma path with postsecondary goals by 10th grade.