How do GRE scoring algorithms affect you?‏

One of the important benefits of a GRE
preparation plan that includes simulated GRE sessions with the

CATPrep GRE Simulator is the feedback offered by the incredibly accurate
scoring engine included in the simulator software. Students and instructors
worldwide depend on our simulator to determine when a prospective test taker is
prepared to achieve his or her desired score on the GRE and many of these users
have expressed interest in the finer points of how we successfully emulate GRE
scoring. In the next few paragraphs, I will attempt to shed some light on this
subject.

 The actual calculations for raw, scaled sectional, and cumulative scores are
not published by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the current publisher of the
actual GRE, and the goal of the GRE is to produce scores that are consistent
year to year. In other words, a 650 from several years ago is supposed to be
equivalent to a 650 today. To meet that goal, the scaled sectional scores
continually fluctuate with regard to the associated percentile.

 Since these types of scoring adjustments are not announced publicly, the only
reliable way to monitor these scoring fluctuations is to use observations of
actual test scores. So clearly software algorithms must be continually monitored
and adjusted to provide accurate scoring assessment. At CATPrep we devote the
large majority of our effort towards the reliable reproduction of the total
cumulative score with regard to test taker performance. We continually adjust
our formula for cumulative score generation along with question pool content to
reflect the observations and feedback of actual test takers. In stark contrast,
many inferior GRE preparation software products use static formulas and question
pools that bear no resemblance to the current exam.

 It is important to note that there is no simple relationship between the
number of questions answered correctly during a single GRE session and the
associated cumulative score. Each question in each section of the GRE is
assigned a unique weight and earlier questions in the section are worth more
than later questions. Quite simply, the earlier questions are worth more.

 I hope this information helps resolve some of your questions pertaining to the
mysterious GRE scoring algorithms. If you have any further questions or concerns,
please do not hesitate to contact us. If you haven’t already, we suggest you
read our instructions on how to "Verify
Your Preparation Level" using our simulator.


– Cindy Anderson,
CATPrep Support
 

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Houston, TX 77079