What determines the score you get on a multiple choice standardized test?

Question

Is leaving an answer blank better than guessing the wrong answer?

If a question was 3 to the power of 2, and the options were 5, 6, 9, and 32, would you get more points for guessing, for instance, 5 or 6 (3+2, 3*2) because they make more sense than the answer 32?

And lastly, are the points for each question just totaled and divided by a total possible score, or is there some fancy curve average mumbo-jumbo that goes on.

Oh wait.. no... one more question. Do all questions count for the same amount, or do more difficult questions count for more?


Thanks!

Answer 1

This is very test-specific. In other words, each test has it's own rules. On the SAT, for example, you're better off leaving an answer blank (rather than suffering a 1/4 pt wrong answer penalty), while on the ACT, you're better off guessing - although only the right answer will get you a point.

Both the SAT and the ACT are scaled, so there is indeed a "fancy curve". The scaling varies slightly, but the number of points you need for a certain score is roughly stable.

Finally, on all standardized tests I'm aware of, all questions are worth the same. Part of the challenge is identifying which questions to invest your time and effort in, and which ones to skip altogether.

For more information, take advantage of the free workshops offered by your local Kaplan center - you can learn more about admissions, writing your admissions essay, pick up a few strategies, and try out most of the tests for free.

hope this helps

Answer 2

For O-lvls , there are 40 questions. each carries the same score.
If you get it right, 1m otherwise none. Marks are not deducted for
wrong answers (in most other cases too) , you just dont gain a mark. So you are better off
answering the question as you will have a 25% (4 options right?) chance of getting 1 more mark.

Answer 3

they're ridiculously significant.. I had a 4.0 when I graduated HS and did not do too warm on the SATs. I have been given rejected from many of the faculties I utilized to (and that i did not persist with to any IV league faculties or something like that). the acceptable concern to do in case you're actually not doing to nicely on the SATs/ACTs and it is effecting what college you bypass to. bypass on your 2nd determination college, or the place ever you get in for a 365 days and take 15 credit each and every semester. be certain you get sturdy grades, and you will pass faculties & they don't ask you to deliver your SAT rankings merely your transcript. be careful although, some faculties prefer you to have accomplished 40 5 credit to pass with out sending a duplicate of your SAT rankings.. it may say on the faculties internet web site. merely keep in mind.. your SAT rankings are merely going to hang-out you for tops one extra 365 days