Score weighted depending on the location of exam?

[surgicel]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Is it true that if you give it in the Northeast- New york, Mass, CT, NJ compared to the south states you get a lower score, since on average there are higher scores coming form that area and you get compared to the people taking the exam around you.

Is there some truth to this?

 

[BlueJay25]

When I spoke to the people at NBME I was told that your score is curved based on the original test group that took the test. I don't believe that geographical location would play any role at all, though I can't say for sure.

 

[Ismet]

You get compared to the scale set by people who have taken that form previously. Not sure where you get the notion that you're scored based on how people around you did, as I'm pretty sure that would defeat the purpose of a "standardized" test.

I believe it's done similarly to the MCAT. It doesn't matter if the smartest person in the world takes the same MCAT on the same day as you. You're not being scored against him or compared to him. You are being scored on a scale that has already been set based on performance PRIOR to the administration of your test. Thus, the whole point of experimental questions.