|
Posted on 12.06.05 by Admin @ 7:28 am
How do GMAT scoring algorithms affect you? by Cindy Anderson In my two decades of experience as an educator, I have worked with hundreds of prospective business school applicants during their preparation for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Recently, I used my extensive experience in this arena to help design the GMAT Exam Simulator software distributed by Upstart Raising to GMAT Preparation providers and tutors worldwide. Since we began offering this educators’ software direct to students through the CAT Prep.com website, I have received many inquiries from MBA candidates interested in the finer points of how we successfully emulate GMAT scoring within our software. 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 GMAT exam, and the goal of the GMAT 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. For example, average quantitative scores have been rising for several years and it now takes a scaled score of 51 to reach the 99th percentile while a 48 now represents only the 87th percentile. By comparison, in the verbal section, there is a 7 point difference between the 99th (a score of around 45) and the 87th percentile (around 38). 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 Upstart Raising 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 GMAT 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 GMAT session and the associated cumulative score. Each question in each section of the GMAT is assigned a unique weight and earlier questions in the section are worth more than later questions while quantitative questions are generally worth more than verbal ones. Students should be aware that the cumulative score on the GMAT is calculated in increments of 10 points. So, the difference between a 690 and a 700 is only one “tick”. This difference could be attributable to a difference in the number of correct responses, but that is not necessarily the case. 10 points is so narrow a margin in the cumulative GMAT score that the order of your incorrect responses could be the determining factor in whether you receive a 690 or 700. For example, if you miss 3 verbal questions towards the end of the section during one GMAT session, but miss the same 3 questions in the middle during another session, your second session could easily be scored 10 points lower. This is one reason why we coach students to give more attention to the earlier questions on each section. Quite simply, the earlier questions are worth more. I hope this information helps resolve some of the questions pertaining to the mysterious GMAT 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. The instructions are available on our main GMAT Exam Simulator webpage. -Cindy Anderson Cindy Anderson is an educator with over two decades of experience in standardized test preparation. She currently serves as project manager for several computer adaptive test applications available from www.catprep.com. Filed under: Graduate Comments: None |
|
Posted on 12.06.05 by Admin @ 7:26 am
The MCAT is Changing for Premed Students The MCAT changed in 1991 then started some minor changes in 2003; in 2007, the MCAT will be somewhat shorter and will change to a Computer Based Test (CBT). Students preparing for the 2006 MCAT will not be affected. The following article reviews the MCAT and what is currently known about the impending changes. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a prerequisite for admission to nearly all the medical schools in North America. Each year, over 50,000 applicants to American and Canadian medical schools submit MCAT test results. While the actual weight given to MCAT scores in the admissions process varies from school to school, often they are regarded in a similar manner to one’s college/university CGPA (i.e. academic standing). In applying for medicine at some medical schools, for example, the MCAT score is as important as the four years of undergraduate study! On the other hand, some universities will set a minimum level of performance on the MCAT and then analyze school grades to decide who will be invited to the interviews. Either way, doing well is imperative for most applicants. The MCAT is administered on a Saturday biannually, at the beginning of the academic year (usu. August) and at the end of the academic year (usu. April). In 2006, the MCAT will be admistered on April 22 and August 20. The MCAT not only tests scientific knowledge in biology, physics, inorganic and organic chemistry, but also measures problem-solving, critical thinking and writing skills. The exam is divided into four sections: Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, the Writing Sample and Biological Sciences. The Physical Sciences section contains physics and general chemistry. The Biological Sciences section contains biology and organic chemistry. All questions, save the Writing Sample, are multiple choice with four choices per question. 2006 will be remembered as the last year of the paper MCAT and 2007 is the introduction of the Computer Based MCAT Test (MCAT CBT). The content is the same but the MCAT CBT is a shorter test. Here is a summary of the 2007 MCAT changes: (1) the MCAT will be shorter (approximately 5 hours vs. the current testing time of 8 hours); (2) students will receive their MCAT scores more quickly; (3) the MCAT will be offered more frequently throughout the year (up to 20 testing dates); and (4) the MCAT will be given in smaller, climate-controlled rooms. The official website for the MCAT (aamc.org) has links to practice CBT MCATs and updates regarding the changing test. The Student Doctor Network has a discussion board where premeds can discuss the 2007 MCAT changes. Dr. Ferdinand is a surgeon who as an undergraduate student, took and excelled at the Medical College Admissions Test. Since that time he has been a member of medical school admissions committees, written several books on the MCAT and admissions (MCAT Bookstore), and continues to teach premed students online (MCAT Online Courses) Filed under: Graduate Comments: None |