We are writing to you because ETS is connected, based on a preliminary review that there appears to be evidence that your scores on the October 3, 2015 SAT are invalid. As you acknowledge when you registered for the test, ETS has the right to review the validity of test scores, and to cancel questionable scores when we believe there is evidence that they are invalid. The enclosed booklet, Why and How Educational Testing Service Questions Test Scores, provides important information about this process, and we urge you to read it carefully.
Our preliminary concerns are based on the following factors. We received a report that there were unusual similarities between your essay portion of the test. This report was forwarded to our office for further review since the essay for which you receive a score should be your own original and independent work. Reviews by writing experts determined that your essay contains language and examples found in other sources. Further reviews determined that a portion of your essay contains ideas, language and/ or examples found in published sources. The primary purpose of the essay is to demonstrate an individual’s own writing skills based on the way they present their own thoughts. ETS is not accusing you of cheating but the anomalies noted above the validity of your scores.
At your request, we will send you (or, in the case of secure test materials, give you an opportunity to examine) the materials that reflect our concerns. Final decisions about whether there is substantial evidence supporting cancellation of test scores are made by three-member panels of ETS’s Board of Review. Before the Board of Review considers this matter, you have an opportunity to send us any information that addresses our concerns. Feel free to consult which other people whose judgment you trust. We must receive any information you would like the Board of Review to consider by February 12, 2016. Any information we receive by that date, as well as other information about your scores, will be considered by the Board of Review.
If you don’t wish the Board of Review to consider this matter, and would like ETS to cancel your scores and send you a voucher that can be used for registering for future test, you must tell us by February 12, 2016.
If any single Board of Review member decides that there is not substantial evidence supporting cancellation of your scores, ETS will clear your scores and report them to the institutions you designated. If, on the other hand, all three members of the Board of Review panel determine that there is substantial evidence supporting cancellation of your scores, you will be given an opportunity to select one of the options below. These options are described more fully in the enclosed booklet.
1- Tell us to cancel your scores. You will receive a refund of your test fee.
2- Let the school or agency to which you are sending the scores decide whether or not to use the scores which ETS will first cancel, we will send them our reasons for cancellation your scores with your explanation. We will do this only if the school or agency agrees to participate.
In addition to the options listed above, we acknowledge your legal right to seek judicial review of Board of Review decisions.
ETS strives to preserves the integrity of the testing process by balancing the need for accurate test scores with the interests of all test takers in being treated fairly. We regret, and will try to minimize , any inconvenience to you. ETS will also treat this as a confidential matter unless you choose to inform others or authorize us to do so.
Please write to me via air mail or send me a fax at 1-609-406-9709, if you would like to discuss this letter, submit information, or select one of the available options. Any future correspondence regarding this matter or any documents that you would like to submit to the Board of Review, should be addressed to:
Dionne Evans
Office of Testing Integrity 20-Q
Educational Testing Service
660 Rosedale Road
Princeton, NJ 08541
We must receive your decision by February 12, 2016 or we will submit the matter to the Board of Review and notify you of its decision.