If you are a student considering applying to a Catholic high school in New York, you will likely need to take the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS). This standardized test assesses your competencies in four areas: reading, written expression, mathematics, and ability. Your TACHS score will be crucial in determining your admission to the Catholic high school of your choice.
Understanding the TACHS scoring system can be confusing, but it is essential to know what your score means. TACHS scores are presented as percentiles, comparing your performance on the test to other students. Each Catholic high school has a different range acceptable for admission and other decisions. Therefore, knowing what score you need to achieve to be considered for admission to your desired school is crucial.
TACHS Scoring System
The TACHS exam consists of four sections: Reading, Written Expression, Mathematics, and Ability. Each section is designed to assess different skills and abilities important for high school success. Understanding the scoring system can help you better prepare for the exam and interpret your results.
LPR and NPR
You will not receive a raw, scaled, or even a percent correct score. Instead, you will only see how they did compare to other students with percentile ranks.
The LPR is the local percentile rank. It shows how you did do compared to students in your area.
The NPR is the national percentile rank. It shows how you did compared to all students nationally.
For example, your LPR may be 72, which means you did better than 72% of students locally, and your NPR may be 78, which means you did better than 78% nationally.
Reading
The Reading section of the TACHS exam assesses your ability to understand and analyze written passages. You will be asked to read various texts and answer multiple-choice questions that test your comprehension, vocabulary, and ability to identify the main idea and tone of the passage.
Mathematics
The Mathematics section of the TACHS exam assesses your knowledge of basic mathematical concepts and your ability to solve problems using mathematical reasoning. The questions cover various topics, including geometry, data interpretation, problem-solving, and estimation.
Written Assessment
The Written Assessment section of the TACHS exam assesses your knowledge of grammar, usage, and expression. You will be asked to identify spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure errors. The Language section also includes questions that test your ability to identify the correct word usage and to organize ideas into paragraphs.
Ability
The Ability section of the TACHS exam assesses your cognitive skills, including identifying similarities and changes and reasoning abstractly. The Ability section is not scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points but rather on a percentile basis. The percentile score indicates how well you performed compared to other exam students.
It is important to note that the TACHS exam is a multiple-choice test, and there is no penalty for guessing. Therefore, it is recommended that you answer every question, even if you are unsure. Additionally, there are strategies that you can use to improve your performance on the exam, such as practicing with sample questions and reviewing your transcript to identify areas where you may need additional preparation.
What Does Your TACHS Score Mean?
After taking the TACHS test, you will receive a score report including your local and national performance percentile rank. Your percentile rank indicates how well you performed compared to other test students. For example, if you scored in the 75th percentile, you scored higher than 75% of the students who took the test.
Your TACHS score is an essential factor in the admissions process for Catholic high schools. Schools use your score to evaluate your academic abilities and potential. Your score may also determine your academic placement within the school and whether you are eligible for scholarships or other academic programs.
It is important to note that TACHS scores are not the only admissions criteria used by Catholic high schools. Schools also consider other factors such as grades, written expression, critical thinking skills, teacher recommendations, and other admissions criteria. Your guidance counselor can provide more information about the admissions process and what schools seek in potential students.
To see how ready you are for the TACHS, you should take a practice test to see how he would do. If you are unhappy with your TACHS score on a practice test, you may want to consider test prep options. Many resources are available to help you prepare for the TACHS test, including study guides, online courses, and tutoring services. Your guidance department or TACHS team may be able to provide you with recommendations for test prep resources.
It is also important to note that the TACHS test has changed recently. In 2021, the test was updated to include more algebra and critical thinking questions.
Overall, your TACHS score is an essential factor in the admissions process for Catholic high schools. Understanding the scoring system and your score can help you prepare for the test and make informed decisions about your academic future.
After the TACHS Exam
Reporting of Scores
After taking the TACHS exam, you will receive your scores in the mail. You will receive a percentile score, the metric most often used when talking colloquially about scores. Schools usually consider these percentile TACHS results in their admissions considerations. There are no passing or failing scores for the TACHS. Instead, students, parents, and schools receive a student’s LPR (local percentile) and NPR (national percentile). It is important to note that the TACHS results are just one factor that schools consider when making admissions decisions. Other factors, such as your attendance, conduct, and progress, may also be considered.
Eligibility Form
In addition to your scores, you will also receive an eligibility form. This form is used to indicate the schools that you are interested in attending. You should list the schools in order of preference, with your top choice listed first. It is important to note that you are not guaranteed admission to any of the schools you list on your eligibility form. The eligibility form also includes information about the test site, date, and time you took the exam. Keep a copy of the eligibility form for your records, as you may need it later in the admissions process. In conclusion, after taking the TACHS exam, you will receive your scores in the mail and an eligibility form. Your scores are just one factor that schools consider when making admissions decisions, and it is important to remember that you are not guaranteed admission to any of the schools you list on your eligibility form.
