How Is the Test Scored?
Your performance on the exam is used to generate a raw score,
a scaled score, a percentile rank, and two subscores. Graduate
programs weigh the scaled score and percentile rank most
heavily.
Raw Score
Your raw score is determined by taking the number of questions
you answered correctly and subtracting one quarter of the number
of questions you answered incorrectly. Unanswered questions have
no impact on your raw score.
Scaled Score
Your raw score is compared to a conversion chart to yield a
scaled score between 200 and 990.
Conversion charts vary slightly from test to test. The scaled
score is supposed to reflect how you would perform relative to a
standard distribution of test-takers. Based on your scaled 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 two subscores in addition to your scaled score.
Subscore I corresponds to your performance in the Experimental
and Natural Sciences category. Subscore II corresponds to your
performance in the Social and Social Sciences category. Subscores
range from 20–99. Most graduate programs focus on your
scaled score rather than your subscores.
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 Scores
Scores on the GRE Psychology Exam 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.
