How Is the Test Scored?
Your performance on the exam is used to generate a total
(scaled) score, a percentile rank, and three subscores. Graduate
programs weigh the scaled score and percentile rank most
heavily.
Total (Scaled) Score
Your scaled scores on each subsection are computed by
subtracting one-fourth the number incorrect answers from the
number of correct answers. Total (scaled) scores range from
490 to 790. However, the range of scores for each
administration of the test differs due to standardization of the
different editions of the test. While the 96th percentile for a
test administered in April one year might be a total score of
840, the 96th percentile of the November administration might be
closer to 810.
To clarify these differences, the score report that is sent to
you will also tell you how your total score converts to a
national percentile rank. The total score is supposed to reflect
how you would perform relative to a standard distribution of
test-takers. Based on your total score, ETS also provides a
percentile rank, which states what percentage of
test-takers scored at or below your level of performance.
Subscores
You receive three subscores in addition to your scaled score.
Subscores for each of the three sections are reported as
two-digit scores ranging from 20–99. Again, like the total
scores, these subscores vary with the different administrations
of the test. You are penalized on the test for incorrect
answers, and questions left blank are not counted.
Canceling Your Score
If you wish, you may cancel your scores at the end of the
test. No record of your taking the test that day will be reported
to you or any graduate programs. While this may be a tempting
offer when confronted with the frustrations of a tough exam, you
should void your score only if something extraordinary has
interfered with your performance on the exam. A serious illness
is a good example of the kind of extraordinary circumstance that
might make canceling your score a wise choice.
Sending off Scores
Scores on the GRE Biology Subject Test are good for five
years. When you sign up for the exam, and again on day of the
test, you will be given the opportunity to list up to four
schools to which you would like ETS to send your scores for no
additional charge. You can also have your scores sent to other
schools for an additional charge of $15 per school. Your scores
normally arrive by mail six weeks after your test date.
