Published: May 29, 2025
Attention Rising 8th Grade Families:
If your child plans to apply to Catholic high schools in NYC, now is the time to prepare for the TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools).
What is the TACHS Exam?
The TACHS is a standardized entrance exam required by Catholic high schools. It includes 200 multiple-choice questions across four areas:
- Reading: Vocabulary and comprehension
- Language: Grammar and punctuation
- Math: Algebra, data, and problem-solving
- Abilities: Logic, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning
The TACHS exam has been administered fully online since 2020 and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Students who require extra time can receive accommodations, provided the appropriate documentation is submitted in advance. When taking the exam, students must list up to three high schools they are applying to, and the order in which they list these schools matters—each school will see how it was ranked. Because TACHS exams are never released to the public, it’s important to prepare using a variety of high-quality materials to ensure students are exposed to a wide range of question types and formats. These practice materials are typically created by educators and test prep companies who analyze the exam’s structure and content guidelines to develop questions that mirror the skills and topics assessed. As such, selecting reputable resources is key to effective preparation.
Important Dates
- Aug 1, 2025 – TACHS Handbook available
- Aug 25, 2025 – Registration opens
- Oct 29, 2025 – Registration closes
- Nov 7, 2025 – Exam for NYC Archdiocese
- Nov 8, 2025 – School selection deadline
- Jan 23, 2026 – Scores released online
Register at tachsreg.com | Info at tachsinfo.com
Why Prep Over the Summer?
Summer is the ideal time to begin TACHS prep — and it can make all the difference. Without the distractions of school, homework, and extracurricular activities, students can focus more deeply, build a strong foundation, and start the school year ahead of the game.
Starting early allows time to:
- Strengthen core reading, writing, and math skills
- Build test-taking confidence in a low-stress setting
- Develop consistent study habits before the fall rush
- Identify and address learning gaps gradually
We recommend 2 hours per week (1 hour English, 1 hour Math) throughout the summer. Students who wait until the fall often need to double that time to catch up and face much more pressure.
Getting ahead now means less stress and better results later.
Study Tips
- Start with a diagnostic test
- Set a weekly routine
- Use flashcards, drills, and practice tests
- Get expert support from Prep Academy Tutors
Contact us to learn more about comprehensive TACHS preparation!
Written by Prep Academy’s TACHS test preparation specialist and teacher, Kristina Boyer.