When it comes to individual test-taking, Torrey Pines High School students shine like the stars they are. But will they take one for the team?

The May 16 issue of Newsweek placed Torrey Pines among the top 100 of 27,468 public high schools in the country. Its ranking is based on the number of Advanced Placement tests taken by all students, divided by the number of graduating seniors.

Aside from the prestige, AP testing does nothing for the school. But students who score well can rack up transferable college credits and save hundreds of dollars in tuition costs.

This is made to order for a student body whose parents can afford to pay $90 per test. Many took three to five tests each. About a third of the 3,300 student body participated. Principal Rick Schmitt said another factor is advanced placement, honors and college preparatory classes offered.

Torrey Pines was the only school in San Diego County to wind up on the elite list. It was 82nd this year and 75th a year ago. But Torrey Pines has earned a darker distinction. It's the only school in the county unranked academically by state and federal authorities.

How could this happen? The short answer is selfishness. During AP testing, students also faced state-required STAR exams to measure their proficiency in English, science, mathematics, social science and history.

AP benefits students; STAR doesn't. It has no effect on grades or chances to get into college., So some 300 students took a walk. That put Torrey Pines below the 85 percent state and 95 percent federal participation standards. Because the test meant nothing to individual students, they boycotted it, gave their school a big black eye and deprived Torrey Pines of $300,000 in grants.

Schmitt vowed never again. Taking responsibility for the debacle, he listened to students' complaints and made changes.

Testing hours were shortened, exams were stretched out over six days and administered during regular classes. Green promotional T-shirts and bracelets were passed out. Test-takers are given fruit and muffins.

Student pride is challenged. Schmitt said Torrey Pines, which led the county in 2002 and 2003, is aiming for a record statewide score. Testing ends Thursday. Based on the first two days, Schmitt predicts participation goals will be reached.

But some larger questions remain unanswered: Must students be cajoled by a $5,000 campaign and concessions from the principal to take a state-required test? With AP, STAR, PSAT and SAT exams, are they tested too much at the expense of classroom learning? And do educators, politicians, parents and the media pay too much attention to test scores?

Contact Peter Kaye at peterfkaye@aol.com.