Student testing
District and state testing
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| Assessments in BIHS |
California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE): The CAHSEE is aligned with the California Content Standards. There are two components to the test: language arts and math. Student will have their first opportunity to take this test in the spring of the sophomore year. All California students are required to pass both parts of this exam prior to graduation in order to receive a high school diploma.
International Baccalaureate testing
Students who want to demonstrate their knowledge in a specific content area can take the official IB tests in the spring of 11th and 12th grades. The exams will take place during the school day at Berkeley High School. Students will register for exams and pay the testing fees in October prior to the spring testing. The subject exams range from one to four hours long, depending on their format and content. The exams usually contain multiple choice questions, short answer and essay sections and some exams are split into two or three parts (also referred to as papers) over several days. All IB exams are offered on the same days across the globe and there are no make-up exams.
There are government subsidies to defray costs of the testing fees for low-income students.
For students who get a qualifying score on an IB exam, thousands of colleges worldwide will grant college credit or advanced placement.
College admission and scholarship testing
Depending on the classes your student may choose to take, the BIHS program meets or exceeds the requirements for college eligibility, for most public, private and highly selective colleges. As a benchmark we have included the University of California requirements, which are similar to most highly selective colleges. Requirements may vary for different majors and programs. It is recommended that students begin checking early on with the colleges that they are interested in for specific requirements.
UC college admission requirements
| English | 4 years |
| World History | 1 year |
| US History | 1 year or 1 semester and 1 semester of American government |
| Mathematics | 3 years (4 recommended) |
| Science | 2 years |
| Arts | 1 year of the same class, NOT 2 semesters of different classes |
| Foreign Language | 2-3 years |
| Electives | 1 year |
PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is co-sponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This test measures critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills. Test scores range from 20 to 80. The PSAT/NMSQT gives students first-hand practice for the SAT I exam administered by the College Board. The PSAT/NMSQT also gives students a chance to qualify for the National Merit scholarship and recognition program if they take the test junior year. The exam is given at Berkeley High School once yearly, in October.
SAT: The SAT test measures critical reading, math and writing abilities. The test lasts almost four hours and consists of seven sections. The test is offered several times a year. Many colleges require this exam for admission. Students usually take the test beginning in the spring of their 11th grade or early in 12th grade. Be aware that if the test is taken more than once, universities have different policies regarding which score they will accept and use for admissions purposes. Before deciding to take the test in the fall of the senior year, the student should check with each university to make sure the test will meet their deadlines. The SAT registration packet is available in the counseling office, or students can register and pay online.
SAT Subject Tests: The SAT subject tests are one-hour-long, single-subject tests consisting primarily of multiple-choice questions. The subject tests measure knowledge or skills in a particular subject and the ability to apply that knowledge. The UC System requires two subject tests selected from either history, literature, mathematics (Math level 2 only), science, or a language other than English for admission and/or placement. Other colleges have similar requirements. SAT Subject test scores range from 200 to 800. It is recommended that students take the SAT subject test as soon as possible after completing course work in a particular subject while the knowledge is still fresh, even if they are in the 9th or 10th grades. SAT subject test applications are available in the counseling office, or students can register and pay online. Check the College Board website for a list of subjects offered, dates, testing locations, fees and registration deadlines.
ACT Assessment: The ACT Assessment is designed to assess the high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science reading. ACT test scores range from 0 to 36. Many colleges accept either this test or the SAT I for college admission. ACT applications are available in the counseling office, or students can register and pay online.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: Most colleges and universities grant equal credit to AP subject tests and IB HL tests. BIHS students are not expected to sit for AP exams during their junior or senior years. However, BIHS students have the option of sitting for AP exams in addition to the IB HL tests in whichever subjects they choose, as the testing calendar permits.