A growing number of states now require high school students to pass an EXIT EXAM in order to graduate, though some states are back pedaling amongst numerous students being denied their diplomas. We provide the overview necessary for our students to pass the EXAM.

The following states currently require a passing grade on the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS in order for students to graduate:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. There are 24 in all, and more states are adding every year.

7 in 10 students will take the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS in 2008! Most students will take the test for the first time in their junior year, and can re-take the exam up to 5 times if they fail.

The University Prep Center has put together a simple, and easy way to study for the exams. Please review the following material a few times prior to taking the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM. We are sure that the information we have collected will ensure a smooth day of test taking. So…..relax, we have you covered!

THE HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS

Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a brief summary of some commonly asked questions. If you have any questions or inquiries, call your high school's testing office supervisor, or even the principal.

What do the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS cover?
Most exit exams have two parts: Mathematics and English. The English Language part of the exams, typically just test up through 10th grade content and standards. The reading section includes standard vocabulary, comprehension, and literary analysis. The brief writing section covers writing strategies and their applications, and grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The UPC VOCABULARY 4000 is perfect for this. The Mathematics section of the exams tests state content standards of a typical 6th and 7th grader, along with Algebra I. Use of our StudyDesk will prepare you for any Algebra questions thrown your way. The exam includes statistics, data analysis, measurement, geometry, and mathematical reasoning. There are also a few simple fractions, decimal work, and percentage problems. We have included numerous examples and practice questions at the end of this section.

What kind of test questions are asked?
Most of the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM questions are multiple choice, but remember that the English section also includes ONE ESSAY QUESTION (simple writing task). The exams are usually ONLY offered in English, so be sure to check with your school.

When do students first take the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS?
Students usually take these exams during the second half of their sophomore year, however many student still take the tests well into their Junior year.

What if the student doesn't pass the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM the first time?
Students can take the exam up to 5 times.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for STUDENTS

This section of this brief tutorial has been written just for you. To receive a high school diploma and graduate, you must pass the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM, and UPC is here to help you accomplish that goal! Now, you do have 5 opportunities to pass the exam, but wouldn't it be nice if you only had to take it once?

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASY

Start to prepare early. All you need is 30 minutes to look over these tips and practice questions, a couple of time before the exam. By starting early, you have more time to ask questions, and get answers.

Get a study partner. Even though the information that's being tested is fairly straight forward, it's easier to study with a friend or classmate. This will help both of you learn questions you may otherwise have missed. Share this info with a teacher, a counselor, or you parents!

TIPS FOR THE MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

There could be as many as 100 multiple choice questions in the Math section. This section shows some strategies that will help you use your time wisely, and track how well you follow directions.

Answer the easy questions first. Every question is worth the same number of points no matter how difficult or long of a problem. So, on your first time through the exam, answer the quick and easy questions, saving the majority of your time for harder problems. Just make sure to mark the questions you don't initially answer, so you don't forget to go back to them later. It's cool if you don't answer every question.You don't have to get 100% on the exam to pass high school. Your best should be more than enough to get this done right the first time. If you need more time, tell the administrator you need more time to complete your test.

Eliminate answers that you know are wrong.
As you are working on a problem, eliminate choices that you know are wrong. This way, you can shorten the amount of time you spend looking for the correct answer. In this example, we utilized the tips we have mentioned - but notice how we eliminated the answers that were wrong.

Write in your Booklet!
You can cross out any answers that are wrong. Draw stars next to questions you need to come back to. Draw diagrams of word problems, or scribble down key words. We also suggest using the test booklet as scratch paper for rough calculations. Remember, you can write down anything you want in the test booklet, but your ANSWER sheet must be neat.

Check your work!
When you finish the last question, go back over the entire exam to check for any careless mistakes, and to review your thinking. Remember: most HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS are pretty much un-timed, so make it count.

If you have no idea, GUESS anyway!
After all, you have a 1 in 4 chance of guessing the correct answer, so NEVER leave anything blank.

WHAT IS ON THE MATHEMATICS section of the
HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM?

The exams are based on the academic content standards set by the state. These standards highlight what students actually know and are capable of displaying. For grades 8 through 12, the mathematics standards are grouped into disciplines such as Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

The following sections and concepts are most likely to be tested:

1. Number Sense: Students must demonstrate that they understand how numbers are displayed and the different ways they are represented.

2. Statistics, Probability, and Data Analysis: Students must figure out how to collect, analyze, organize, and display data.

3. Measurement and Geometry: You must be able to estimate and calculate different measurements for their length, area, and volume of certain geometric shapes.

4. Algebra and Functions: Students must show how to solve basic Algebra questions, formalize patterns, functions, and be able to work and use formulas.

5. Mathematical Reasoning: Students must be able to solve basic and intermediate level wordproblems that involve mathematical reasoning. Must be able to generalize your results if needed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE MATH SECTION

The Number Sense section of the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM will include basic arithmetic calculations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, all must be done WITHOUT a calculator! You will need to know and understand basic percentage concepts, including percents less than 1 and greater than 100. Students will need to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers , find and use multiples, factors, and primes, and estimate square roots of whole numbers to to the nearest whole number.

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS

The following words have been know to appear on the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS. Please look up and learn any one of the words below if they are NOT recognizable.

Absolute value                 integer                             square root

Prime                             simple interest                  decreased by

STATISTICS, DATA ANALSIS, and PROBABILITY IMPORTANCE

Many every day occupations require basic working knowledge and understanding of Statistics and probability. The HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS will test all of these concepts and will ask corresponding questions, so be prepared.

Vocabulary words that you will need to know on the exam:

Radius                   parallelogram             perimeter

Diameter                trapezoid                    volume

Surface area          hypotenuse                 congruent

Circumference

MEASUREMENT and GEOMETRY

The HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS will test you on numerous Geometry and Measurement concepts and will most definitely have graphs, shapes, and diagrams. To prepare for this section, just make sure you feel comfortable with simple problems associated with the vocabulary words above. We will have some more practice questions below.

MORE Practice QUESTIONS
1) The cost of an afternoon movie ticket last year was $4.00. This year an afternoon ticket costs $5.00. What is the percent increase of the ticket from last year to this year?

A. 10%

B. 20%

C. 25%

D. 40%

(Correct answer is C)

2) The five members of a rock band are getting new outfits. Shirts cost $12 each, pants cost $29 each, and boots cost $49 a pair. What is the TOTAL cost of the new outfits for ALL of the members?

A. $90

B. $95

C. $450

D. $500

(Correct answer is C)

3) If Fredo makes 4 of his 5 free throws in his high school basketball game, what is his free throw percentage?

A. 20%

B. 40%

C. 80%

D. 90%

(Correct answer is C)

4) David Blaine is holding five cards numbered 1 through 5. He has asked 5 students at Coronado High School to randomly pick a card to see who eats first at the pizza party. Whoever picks the card numbered 5 goes first. Mikey picks first, gets the card numbered 4 and keeps it. What is the probability that Einstein will get the card numbered 5 if she picks second?

A. 1/2

B. 1/3

C. 1/4

D. 1/5

(Correct answer is C)

5) Solve for x
2x - 3 = 7

A. - 5

B. - 2

C. 2

D. 5

Solution
Notice that this is a two step equation. 2(5) - 3 = 7 (The Correct answer is D).

6) Tommy Boy is reading a 456 page book. During the past 7 days he has read 168 pages. If he continues reading at the same rate, how many more days will it take to complete the book?

Solution
You can do this problem even without using Algebra. Notice that because Tommy read 168 pages in 7 days, she is averaging 24 pages per day. So, there are 456 - 168 = 288 pages he has left to read. So, at a rate of 24 pages a day, how long will it take to read the remaining 288 pages?

(Correct answer is A)

SUMMARY

Well that's pretty much it. If you are reading this, you are a University Prep Center student, and have been studying for the SAT or ACT exams already. You are going to ace the exit exam, just remember what you've learned here.

For more information regarding your state's specific guidelines for the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS, contact your counselor at school and set up an appointment. Most high schools will let the students and their parents know the exam particulars. You can also contact our customer service department for help with materials. Good Luck!