How does the computer adaptive test (CAT) work?
At the start of each section of the test, the computer assumes you are an average student with an average score (500), and gives you a question of average difficulty. It’s a question that one-half of all test takers will get wrong. If you answer the question correctly, the computer raises your score and gives you a more difficult question. If you get a question wrong, the computer lowers your score and gives you an easier question. The computer “adapts” to your skill level, giving you questions that are appropriate for test takers at that level, and in so doing, zeroes in on your correct score. In theory, for the last few questions of a section you should get a question that’s slightly below your level that you will answer correctly, followed by a question slightly above your level that you will get wrong.
