- CSCA uses a 200-800 scoring scale with percentile rankings that compare you to other test-takers.
- Scores are valid for 2 years; most top universities require 70th percentile or higher for admission.
- Each section (Chinese 40%, Math 30%, Science/Humanities 30%) contributes differently to your total score.
How Is the CSCA Scored?
The CSCA uses a scaled scoring system that converts your raw score (number of correct answers) into a standardized score between 200 and 800. This scaling accounts for slight variations in difficulty between different test versions.
Your score report includes both a scaled score and a percentile rank. The percentile is often more important for university admissions as it shows how you performed relative to other test-takers.
What Do Different Score Ranges Mean?
What is considered a good CSCA score?
Here's how universities typically interpret different score ranges:
| Score Range | Percentile | Admission Chances | Scholarship Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750-800 | 95th+ | Excellent for all universities | Full scholarships likely |
| 700-749 | 85th-94th | Competitive for C9 League | Partial scholarships likely |
| 650-699 | 75th-84th | Good for Project 985/211 | Some scholarship options |
| 600-649 | 60th-74th | Adequate for many universities | Limited scholarships |
| 550-599 | 40th-59th | May limit options | Unlikely |
| Below 550 | Below 40th | Consider retaking | Very unlikely |
Understanding Section Scores
In addition to your total score, you'll receive individual scores for each section. Universities may look at section scores differently depending on your intended major:
- For Chinese Language programs: Universities will prioritize your Chinese section score
- For STEM programs: Math and Science track scores carry more weight
- For Humanities programs: Chinese and Humanities track scores are most important
Our data shows that students with balanced scores across all sections (within 50 points of each other) have higher university acceptance rates than those with highly skewed scores, even if the total is the same.
How Is the Percentile Calculated?
Your percentile rank indicates the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you. For example, if you're in the 80th percentile, you scored higher than 80% of test-takers.
Percentiles are calculated based on the most recent 3 years of test data, so they remain relatively stable over time. This means a score that was in the 80th percentile two years ago is likely still in a similar percentile today.
When and How Do You Receive Your Scores?
CSCA scores are typically released approximately 3 weeks after your test date. You'll receive an email notification when your scores are available, and you can view them by logging into your CSCA account.
Your official score report includes:
- Total scaled score (200-800)
- Overall percentile rank
- Section scores for each part
- Section percentile ranks
- Test date and location
Universities you designated during registration will receive your scores automatically. You can also send scores to additional universities for a fee ($20 per report).
Can You Retake the CSCA?
Yes, you can retake the CSCA as many times as you need. However, there are some important considerations:
- Waiting Period: You must wait at least 60 days between attempts
- Score Reporting: Universities will see all your scores, not just your highest
- Cost: You'll pay the full exam fee for each attempt
- Score Validity: Each score is valid for 2 years from the test date
Most students who retake the CSCA see score improvements of 30-50 points with proper preparation between attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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