Is this Scoring Correct?

[O Gaúcho]

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I was taking the DAT Genius Biology 1 practice test and was interrupted and unable to finish the test. I came back later and saw that the time had expired and the test was over. But I only got 50% right, yet the estimated score is a 19. That seems way high for only 20/40 right. Doesn't seem right to me. I took the GC test and missed 4 and received a 21 which seems a little more normal. Can someone tell me how the exactly DAT is scored for the bio section. I know it depends on how hard the test is. I just want to know the average amount of questions I can miss on the bio section and still get around a 20. Thanks!

 

[SDDDAT]

I'm not sure how DAT Genius scores its practice tests but you're right, 20/40 on bio is unlikely to be a 19 on the real test.

Here is an example of the scoring system they used in 2009...

 

[JLT223]

No shot. Look at the above scale for an estimate.

 

[joelm]

I was taking the DAT Genius Biology 1 practice test and was interrupted and unable to finish the test. I came back later and saw that the time had expired and the test was over. But I only got 50% right, yet the estimated score is a 19. That seems way high for only 20/40 right. Doesn't seem right to me. I took the GC test and missed 4 and received a 21 which seems a little more normal. Can someone tell me how the exactly DAT is scored for the bio section. I know it depends on how hard the test is. I just want to know the average amount of questions I can miss on the bio section and still get around a 20. Thanks!

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Hi O Guacho

The DG tests are scored to best represent an estimate of how you would score on test day. Because the tests are learning tools to help you learn as much as possible, there are less "gimme" questions than you would have on the real test. Therefore, on that bio test, your estimate of what you could get on the real test is around a 19. If you only got 50% correct on the real test, this wouldn't translate to a 19 on bio - however, we want the scores on the practice tests to be accurate, so we use a unique algorithm that is based on the difficulty of each test, completely different than the ADA practice tests. Hope this helps!

 

[DAT Destroyer]

I was taking the DAT Genius Biology 1 practice test and was interrupted and unable to finish the test. I came back later and saw that the time had expired and the test was over. But I only got 50% right, yet the estimated score is a 19. That seems way high for only 20/40 right. Doesn't seem right to me. I took the GC test and missed 4 and received a 21 which seems a little more normal. Can someone tell me how the exactly DAT is scored for the bio section. I know it depends on how hard the test is. I just want to know the average amount of questions I can miss on the bio section and still get around a 20. Thanks!

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Only the ADA has the exact algorithm used on each individual test to determine the score on the actual DAT. It is impossible for anyone to determine the exact score you receive based on number of questions missed, at best you will get close.

The Bio is definitely a VERY challenging section with a vast amount of information. There is really no easy way out if you want to score high. Not to scare you but I did speak with a student a few days ago who scored 15 on Bio, yet 20 on a timed test. In hindsight he admitted he spent to much time on taking tests and should have spent more time on learning the materials.

There are MANY MANY versions of the DAT and it is impossible to narrow down what is important and what is not. Is it true some tests are more difficult that others or are some students more prepared than others?

Just my 2 cents..

Nancy