How are conversion charts determined?

[hlchess]

---

Members do not see this ad.

How do they determine the conversion charts (from raw scores to scaled scores) for Kaplan's and AAMC's practice tests? Do they just let a sample of students take it and use their scores to estimate the scaled scores? I'm wondering about how accurate they really are. Does anyone know?

Also, are the AAMC tests actual MCAT tests that were given in previous years, or are they just practice tests made by the AAMC?

 

[jintonic5]

How do they determine the conversion charts (from raw scores to scaled scores) for Kaplan's and AAMC's practice tests? Do they just let a sample of students take it and use their scores to estimate the scaled scores? I'm wondering about how accurate they really are. Does anyone know?

Also, are the AAMC tests actual MCAT tests that were given in previous years, or are they just practice tests made by the AAMC?

conversion charts are based on previous student data. aamc bases it on performance of previous year's students. kaplan does the same thing. you have to keep in mind that the scores for practice tests, any practice tests, are a mere estimation. just make sure that you use the proper conversion charts with the exams that it was intended for, b/c the conversions will account for relative difficulty levels.

aamc tests are actual tests from previous years, however they are not the EXACT test that was given. the numbering, 3r, 4r, 5r, 6r, etc, indicates this b/c r=revised.

hope that helps!

 

[hlchess]

How much do they change the tests by revising them? Do they just change the order of the questions and answer choices, or do they change the questions themselves?

Thanks.

 

[gotgame83]

i believe the R in aamc's 3-6 is because they had to revise them after the test changed formats. They are still for the most part the same questions as prior to the revision just in a different order. My thoughts are that the aamc test are a type of collage of old test questions put together. As for how the scales were created, i have no idea