How does the computer-based General Test work?
The verbal and quantitative sections of the General Test are adaptive tests; that is they are tailored to your performance level and provides precise information about your abilities using fewer test questions than traditional paper-based tests. At the start of the test, you are presented with test questions of average difficulty. As you answer each question, the computer scores that question and uses that information, as well as your responses to any preceding questions and information about the test design, to determine which question is presented next. As long as you respond correctly, questions of increased difficulty typically will be presented. When you respond incorrectly, the computer typically will present questions of lesser difficulty. Your next question will be one that best reflects both your previous performance and the requirements of the test design. This means that different test takers will be given different questions. Because the computer scores each question before
The General Test is only offered as a computer-based test (in the past it was a pencil-and-paper assessment). The score range for the test is 200-800, and the computer starts you off in the mid- range, with a score of 500. Then, for each of the questions that you answer correctly, your score goes up and for each question that you get wrong your score decreases. Also, when you get a question correct, the computer follows up with a slightly harder question and when your answer is incorrect, your next question will be a little easier. Because of this system of scoring, it is important to get the first questions correct because they will have greater impact on the final score; these first questions quickly establish what level you are performing at and the later questions are used simply to fine tune your score. Also, because each question that you are given is based on the score of the last question, you must answer each question before you go on to the next, and you do not have the chanc
