You just got your child's Regents score. It's below 65.

Your child is upset. You're worried. Questions flooding: Can they still graduate? Do they have to retake it? What about college?

Deep breath. I've helped dozens of families through this.

Your child can still graduate. They can still go to college. Here's exactly what happens next.

First: Understand What the Score Means

Passing Score is 65

Regents are scored 0-100. Passing is 65.

If your child scored:

65+ - Passed. Done.
60-64 - Failed, but can appeal
Below 60 - Failed, must retake

Which Regents Do They Need?

To graduate, NYC students need to pass 5 Regents:

English ELA
One Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2)
One Science (Living Environment, Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Science)
One Social Studies (Global History or US History)
Any additional Regents (can be any subject)

If your child failed one of these 5, they need to retake it or substitute another approved exam.

Option 1: Retake the Exam

When Are Retakes Offered?

Regents are offered 3 times per year:

January - Limited subjects
June - All subjects
August - All subjects (specifically for retakes)

If your child just failed in June, August retake is your best bet. It's 6-8 weeks away, giving time to prep properly.

How to Register for Retake

Your child's school handles registration. Contact their guidance counselor IMMEDIATELY after getting scores.

Don't wait. August retake registration often has deadlines in July.

Can They Retake Multiple Times?

Yes. No limit on retakes. They keep trying until they pass.

Most students pass on 2nd attempt with proper prep.

Option 2: Appeal the Score (60-64 Only)

If your child scored 60-64, schools can appeal to pass them.

Who Qualifies for Appeals?

Appeals aren't automatic. School decides based on:

Overall coursework performance (did they pass the class?)
Attendance
Effort and participation
Teacher recommendations

Students with good grades in the course but test anxiety often get approved.

How to Request an Appeal

Contact guidance counselor immediately. Provide:

Course grades (especially if A or B)
Attendance record
Teacher support letters
Any documented learning challenges (IEP, 504 plan)

Appeals are reviewed by school administration. Not guaranteed, but worth trying if close.

Option 3: Summer School

Many NYC schools offer Regents prep summer programs.

What Summer School Covers

Typically 4-6 weeks of intensive review:

Daily classes focusing on Regents content
Practice tests and strategies
Ends with August Regents retake

Great if your child needs structured environment and review.

Is Summer School Free?

Most NYC public schools offer free summer Regents prep. Check with your school by late June.

Should My Child Go?

If they scored below 55, yes. They need intensive help.

If they scored 55-64, it depends. If they'll study independently with a tutor, maybe not necessary. If they need structure and daily accountability, go.

Option 4: Private Tutoring (What I Recommend)

Here's the truth: summer school helps, but it's group instruction. 20+ students, one teacher, generic pacing.

If your child failed because they have specific content gaps or test-taking issues, 1-on-1 tutoring is faster and more effective.

What We Do in Regents Retake Tutoring

Week 1: Diagnose exactly what went wrong. Did they not know content? Misunderstand questions? Run out of time?
Weeks 2-5: Target the specific weak areas. If it's Algebra 1, we might focus 80% on quadratics and systems. No wasted time on what they know.
Week 6: Practice tests under real conditions. Build test-day confidence.

I've prepped dozens of retake students. Average score improvement: 15-25 points. Enough to pass comfortably.

What If They Don't Pass the Retake?

Rare with proper prep, but it happens.

Options:

Take another Regents in that category - Failed Algebra 1? Try Geometry instead.
Keep retaking - Take it again in January or next June
Alternative assessments - Some schools offer portfolio-based or project-based alternatives

Graduation can be delayed, but it's not over. We find a path.

Will This Hurt College Admissions?

Honest answer: depends.

If They Retake and Pass

Colleges see final passing score. Most don't see you failed first time. Especially if they retake in August and pass, it's rarely an issue.

If Retakes Are Delayed

If they're taking Regents past senior year to graduate, it can delay college start.

Some students take gap year, pass remaining Regents, then enroll. Others start at community college while finishing.

If Applying to Competitive Schools

Selective colleges (NYU, Columbia, Cornell) may see Regents scores on transcripts. A failed Regents—even if later passed—can raise questions.

Doesn't mean automatic rejection, but student should address it in application (maybe in Additional Info section explaining what they learned from the experience).

Action Plan: What to Do This Week

Immediate Steps

Contact guidance counselor - Ask about August retake registration deadline
Request appeal if 60-64 - Provide course grades and teacher support
Ask about summer school - Is free Regents prep offered?
Get a tutor - If scores were below 60, group instruction may not be enough

Study Plan for August Retake

Weeks 1-2: Diagnose weak spots. Review past exam, identify patterns of mistakes.
Weeks 3-5: Intensive review of weak content areas. Practice problems daily.
Week 6: Full practice tests. Build stamina and test-day routine.
Week 7: Light review, rest, confidence-building.

Don't Do This

Don't wait until August - 6 weeks goes fast. Start prepping now.
Don't just re-read notes - Active practice is key. Do problems, take practice tests.
Don't ignore the score - Won't disappear. Address it head-on.

Final Thoughts

I know this feels overwhelming. Your child might feel embarrassed or defeated.

But here's what I've seen: students who fail a Regents and retake with proper prep almost always pass the second time. And many end up understanding the content better than students who barely passed the first time.

Failing a Regents isn't the end. It's a wake-up call to change approach.

With targeted tutoring, consistent practice, and the right test-taking strategies, your child can pass in August and move forward.

Don't panic. Take action. You've got this.

Your Child Failed the Regents — Here's What Happens Next