HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION: California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)
All students are required to take and pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE), a test of English and math skills. Students take this test for the first time during their sophomore year. Once either the Math or ELA (English) section of the CASHEE is passed, it does not have to be taken again. Students who do not pass part or the entire test will be required to retake the test and pass it before being awarded a high school diploma.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE: PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT with writing
Students who wish to go directly to a four-year college upon graduation should plan to complete standardized testing (SAT and/or ACT with writing) by the end of their junior year.
Students should plan to take the PSAT (PSAT/NMSQT) in October of their junior year. Sophomores and even Freshmen who are in advanced math may benefit from taking the PSAT.
Senior year should be reserved for retaking tests to improve scores if necessary. Many schools will wait and take score from students testing in December at the latest.
The CSU system requires that students take the SAT or the ACT.
The UC system requires that students;
Take the SAT or the ACT with Writing
Take two SAT Subject Tests
Students should contact each private college individually about specific testing requirements.
