The number of points needed on a standardized test to enter high school in the United States varies significantly depending on the state, the specific high school, and the type of test. Generally, students must score at or above the state's established cutoff for the test they take, such as the SAT or ACT. For example, in New York, students must score at least 500 on each section of the Regents Exam to be considered for admission to a public high school. In contrast, in Florida, the cutoff for the ACT is 19 for English, 20 for Math, 21 for Reading, and 22 for Science.

The reason for these variations lies in the differing educational standards and policies across states. Each state sets its own criteria for high school admission, often based on the performance of students on standardized tests. For instance, states with more rigorous academic standards may require higher scores. Additionally, some high schools may have additional criteria, such as a minimum GPA or specific course requirements, which can affect the total points needed for admission.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that the average score for the SAT in 2020 was 1050 (530 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and 520 on the Math section). The average ACT score was 20.7. However, these averages do not reflect the cutoff scores required for admission to high school. For example, the average score for the SAT in New York in 2019 was 524 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and 513 on the Math section, which is below the state's cutoff of 500.

In conclusion, the number of points needed on a standardized test to enter high school in the United States is highly variable and depends on state and local policies. Students should research the specific requirements of the high schools they are interested in to understand the necessary scores.