The test for admission into Catholic High Schools and the Catholic High School Entrance Exam are two prominent standardized tests used to assess students seeking admission into Catholic high schools in certain regions of the United States.
These exams play a crucial role in the admissions process, helping schools evaluate applicants’ academic readiness and determine placement in appropriate courses. Although both exams serve a similar purpose, they differ in structure, content, and regional application.
Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS)
The TACHS exam is specifically designed for students applying to Catholic high schools within the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens.
The TACHS is typically administered in early November for eighth-grade students who wish to enroll in Catholic high schools the following academic year. The test is a vital component of the admissions process, as it provides a standardized measure of a student’s academic abilities and potential.
The TACHS exam consists of four main sections:
Reading Comprehension: This section assesses a student’s ability to understand and interpret written passages. It includes questions that test vocabulary, main ideas, supporting details, and the ability to make inferences.
Language Arts: This section evaluates grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. Students are tested on their understanding of standard English conventions and their ability to apply these rules in context.
Mathematics: The math section covers a range of topics including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Questions test both computation skills and problem-solving abilities, requiring students to apply mathematical concepts to various scenarios.
Ability: The ability section, which is somewhat akin to an IQ test, measures abstract reasoning skills. It includes questions on patterns, sequences, and analogies, testing a student’s ability to think critically and solve problems without relying on prior knowledge.
Scoring and Results: The TACHS exam is scored on a scaled basis, and results are sent to the Catholic high schools that students have listed during registration. While TACHS scores are a significant factor in the admissions process, they are typically considered alongside other criteria such as grades, teacher recommendations, and extracurricular involvement.
Preparation Tips: Students preparing for the TACHS exam should focus on reinforcing their skills in reading, language arts, and mathematics. Practice tests and study guides tailored to the TACHS exam can be invaluable resources. Additionally, students may benefit from attending prep courses or working with tutors to build confidence and proficiency in the tested areas.
Catholic High School Entrance Exam
The CHSEE is another entrance exam used by Catholic high schools, particularly in the Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island. Like the TACHS, the CHSEE is designed to assess the academic abilities of eighth-grade students applying to Catholic high schools. The exam is typically administered in late October or early November, with results playing a key role in the admissions decisions of participating schools.
The CHSEE covers several academic domains:
Reading Comprehension: This section evaluates a student’s ability to understand and analyze written passages, testing skills such as identifying main ideas, interpreting context, and making logical inferences.
Language Arts: The language arts section assesses grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. It tests students’ knowledge of English conventions and their ability to use language effectively.
Mathematics: This section includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and other mathematical concepts. Students are tested on their computational skills as well as their ability to apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems.
Cognitive Ability: The cognitive ability section, similar to the TACHS ability section, measures abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills. It includes questions on patterns, sequences, and logical thinking.
Scoring and Results: The CHSEE is also scored on a scaled basis, and scores are sent to the Catholic high schools to which students have applied. Schools use CHSEE scores, along with other factors such as academic records and recommendations, to make admissions decisions and to determine appropriate course placements for incoming students.
Preparation Tips: To prepare for the CHSEE, students should review key concepts in reading, language arts, and mathematics. Practice exams, study guides, and prep courses can help students become familiar with the format and content of the CHSEE, allowing them to approach the test with greater confidence and competence.
Both the TACHS and CHSEE are critical tools for Catholic high schools in assessing prospective students. While they share similarities in content and purpose, their application is region-specific, with TACHS primarily used in New York City and CHSEE on Long Island.
Success on these exams requires thorough preparation, including a strong understanding of the material covered and familiarity with the test format. By doing so, students can maximize their chances of admission to their preferred Catholic high school and begin their high school journey on a strong academic footing.
