How the Algebra Regents Is Scored

The Algebra I Regents Exam is scored in two stages: raw scoring by individual graders and conversion to a scaled score using the official NYS conversion chart.

Exam structure and raw points:

• Part I: 24 multiple-choice questions worth 2 points each = 48 points possible
• Part II: 8 short-response questions worth 2 points each = 16 points possible
• Part III: 4 questions worth 4 points each = 16 points possible
• Part IV: 1 extended-response question worth 6 points = 6 points possible
• Total raw score maximum: 86 points

Multiple-choice answers are machine-scored. Free-response questions (Parts II–IV) are scored by trained teachers using official NYS scoring rubrics. Each rubric describes exactly what earns 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 points for a given question. Partial credit is available — a response that shows correct work but arrives at a wrong answer typically earns 1–2 points.

How the Regents Curve Works

New York State applies a conversion chart (sometimes called the curve) to transform raw scores into scaled scores on a 0–100 point scale. The conversion chart is unique to each exam administration — it is set after the exam is administered based on that session's statistical difficulty analysis.

Key patterns in typical Algebra Regents conversion charts:

• A raw score of 0–12 typically converts to a scaled score in the 0–40 range
• A raw score of 30–35 often converts to approximately 65 (the passing threshold)
• A raw score of 55–60 typically converts to approximately 80
• A perfect raw score of 86 converts to a scaled score of 100

The curve is most generous in the 55–75 scaled score range — small gains in raw points produce larger scaled score jumps in this zone. This means that students near the passing threshold benefit disproportionately from improving their free-response work.

Passing Score and Graduation Requirements

The Algebra Regents has different score thresholds depending on the type of diploma a New York student is pursuing:

• Regents Diploma: Requires a scaled score of 65 or higher on Algebra I Regents (and other Regents exams)
• Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation: Requires an 85 or higher on Algebra II Regents in addition to passing Algebra I
• Local Diploma (for students with IEPs): Requires a scaled score of 55 or higher for certain students with disabilities who qualify for the local diploma pathway
• Compensatory score option: Students who score 52–64 may be eligible for a compensatory score pathway through their school counselor if they meet additional requirements

What to Do If You Don't Pass the Algebra Regents

Students who do not pass the Algebra Regents on the first attempt should:

1. Request a score breakdown: Your school counselor can provide a sub-area breakdown showing which topics (functions, linear algebra, quadratics, etc.) had the lowest raw scores
2. Identify the specific failing areas: Most students who score in the 50–64 range have one or two major content gaps rather than uniform weakness across all topics
3. Enroll in summer or credit-recovery math: Many schools offer Algebra I credit recovery in the summer — this provides structured instruction alongside retake preparation
4. Target the August retake: The August administration is specifically designed for retakers and often has the smallest curve differences from June

New York does not penalize students for multiple retake attempts. All Regents attempts appear in the student's record, but only the highest passing score counts toward graduation requirements.