TACHS: Get Up-to-Date for 2024

The Test for Admission to Catholic High Schools (TACHS) is the examination used for admission to Catholic high schools in New York City. This test is administered annually in November.

Before the exam, students must choose their top three preferred schools to send their scores to. Admission evaluations are based on these scores, school transcripts, and other criteria. Here, we provide essential information about the TACHS exam for parents and tips on how to prepare effectively!

TACHS Exam Dates for 2024

The TACHS exam dates for 2024 have been released:

• November 8th (Friday) - Archdiocese of New York

• November 9th (Saturday) - Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens

• November 9th (Saturday) - Diocese of Rockville Centre (Catholic High Schools of Long Island)
  

How to Register for the TACHS Exam

You can register online at Tachsinfo.com or by calling 1-866-61TACHS (1-866-618-2247).

For 2024, the registration period is from August 26th to October 30th. Failing to register by the deadline will prevent students from taking the exam. Students must also submit their high school choices at Tachsinfo.com between registration and November 9th.

TACHS Exam Content

Exam Structure

The TACHS exam includes four multiple-choice sections: Reading, Written Expression, Mathematics, and Ability.

• Reading This section involves reading comprehension. Students read passages and answer questions about them, focusing on understanding, synthesis, vocabulary, main ideas, and the author’s intent.

• Mathematics The Mathematics section covers numbers and operations, data analysis/statistics, geometry, basic algebra, and measurement.

• Written Expression This section tests English language conventions. Students identify and correct errors in sentences and passages, paying attention to syntax, organization, clarity, and tone.

• Ability This section tests reasoning abilities through spatial reasoning and pattern recognition problems. Familiarity with these unique question types is crucial, as they are specific to the TACHS exam.

Exam Duration and Questions

The TACHS exam lasts approximately two and a half hours and contains around 200 multiple-choice questions.

TACHS Exam Rules

Calculator Use: Calculators are not allowed during the TACHS exam.

TACHS Scoring

Grading

Students receive a scaled score between 200 and 800 points and a percentile score (1st through 99th percentile). The percentile score is used by most schools for evaluation. Scores are based on the number of correct answers, with no penalties for incorrect answers. Therefore, students should make educated guesses on all questions.

Exam Difficulty and Passing Score

The TACHS exam is generally considered less difficult than other high school entrance exams like the ISEE, SSAT, and SHSAT. There is no passing score; students need to achieve a percentile score that meets the admissions criteria of their chosen schools.

Score Reports

Students receive admission notices from their chosen schools in mid-January, and their score reports shortly after. Scores can be accessed online at tachsinfo.com.

Reading the Home Report Students receive both a National Percentile Rank (NPR) and Local Percentile Rank (LPR) for each section. The NPR compares scores nationally, while the LPR compares scores locally within the same diocese, making it more competitive. For help understanding your child's score report, please visit this link

Preparing for the TACHS Exam

Diagnostic Exam Taking a mock test helps assess strengths and weaknesses and gauge study needs.

Student Handbook: Read the official TACHS Student Handbook for details on dates, registration, and sample questions.

Content Review: Based on the diagnostic, identify and address knowledge gaps through practice exercises or with a tutor. The TACHS content overlaps with other exams like the ISEE, SSAT, or SHSAT.

Reading: Independent reading of various materials improves reading speed, comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, aiding both Reading and Written Expression sections.

Practice: Regular practice tests reinforce concepts and help students master test-taking strategies like time management and intelligent guessing.

Tutoring: Given the competitive nature of the TACHS exam and high school admissions process, we recommend working with an experienced tutor.