Multiple-Choice Strategies for the Regents
The multiple-choice section is worth a big share of your Regents score, and beyond knowing the material, how you approach these questions matters. Good technique can rescue points on questions you weren't sure about. Here are strategies that work on any Regents exam.
Eliminate wrong answers first
Even when you don't know the answer instantly, you can often rule out one or two choices that are clearly wrong. Every option you eliminate dramatically improves your odds on the rest. Train yourself to actively cross out wrong answers rather than just hunting for the right one.
Answer the easy ones first
Do a first pass and bank every question you know quickly. Circle the hard ones and come back. This protects your score (you never run out of time before reaching easy points) and builds momentum and confidence for the tougher questions.
Watch for keywords and traps
Read carefully for words like 'not,' 'least,' 'always,' or 'except' — they flip the meaning of a question, and rushing past them is a classic way to lose easy points. The test often includes answer choices that are true statements but don't actually answer the question asked.
Use your tools and never leave blanks
Lean on your reference tables, diagrams, and calculator where allowed — many multiple-choice answers are right there. And since the Regents doesn't penalize wrong guesses, never leave a question blank. After eliminating what you can, make your best guess.
The best way to sharpen multiple-choice instinct is reps on real questions. Regentify's authentic past-exam practice trains your timing and elimination skills with an explanation for every answer — so good technique becomes automatic. Free for every NY student.