I was just wondering how the 2 essays are scored. What is the range of scores? More importantly what score is needed to pass?

Thanks!

Each essay is given two scores, one by a person and one by a computer program called the E-Rater. The scoring scale is 0 to 6. 0 = you didn't write an essay or you wrote an essay on a topic other than the one given. 6 = your essay was amazing.

The four scores (two for each essay) are averaged and then rounded UP (every time) to the closest half-point increment. The final score range is 0 to 6 in half-point increments (eg, you can score 4.5, 5.5...).

4 or better is good enough. The bigger issue here is: don't actually go for a 6. You have to do the essays before the multiple choice portion of the test and you don't want to tire yourself out too much. Go for a 5, which gives you the leeway to fall short and still get a "good enough" score.