three digit score = raw?

[bujji13]

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I don't pretend to understand the way step 1 (or any other standardized test is scored),

BUT,

I've been told by more than a few people that the 3 digit score is a raw score out of 300 and the two-digit score is the scaled score useful for wide comparison.

I think the two-digit score being on scale is widely known, but the 3 digit being raw? I've never heard of any standardized exam giving out raw scores, but this kinda makes sense given that only 300 of the 350 items are scored, and that the highest scores I've ever heard of are close to 280.

Anyone else hear about this?

 

[xjacob]

I was told that the 2 digit and 3 digit scores are completely interchangable, and that both are adjusted. Apparently, they were always using just the 300 scale, but then someone had the "brilliant idea" to change to the 100 scale. But I think nobody (esp. the residency program admissions) is used to this novelty, so instead of accepting that the 100 scale was a bad idea, they just report both.
I don't understand why these things have to be so complicated. Why can't EVERY standardized test be done on a 1-100 scale (or, if you need more sensitivity, a 1-1000 scale)? Why did MCAT essay have to be graded on an absolutely crazy letter scale? (I still haven't figured out what my actual grade for the essay was...not that it mattered.) I think people who came up with this should seriously be ashamed.

 

[exmike]

I don't pretend to understand the way step 1 (or any other standardized test is scored),

BUT,

I've been told by more than a few people that the 3 digit score is a raw score out of 300 and the two-digit score is the scaled score useful for wide comparison.

I think the two-digit score being on scale is widely known, but the 3 digit being raw? I've never heard of any standardized exam giving out raw scores, but this kinda makes sense given that only 300 of the 350 items are scored, and that the highest scores I've ever heard of are close to 280.

Anyone else hear about this?

Its a standarized test. both numbers are based upon a curve.

 

[coachB]

Its a standarized test. both numbers are based upon a curve.

actually, standardized means they are not based on a curve.

 

[exmike]

actually, standardized means they are not based on a curve.

ok. i meant the scores should fall into a normal distribution and is scored accordingly. you know what i meant. 😛