Raw score vs scaled score
A raw score is simply the number of questions answered correctly, with no penalty for wrong answers. A scaled score is that raw score converted onto the 200–800 section scale through equating, so the same scaled score means the same thing across different test forms.
Also written as: equating, conversion
Why it matters
Only the scaled score is comparable. Because the conversion differs by form, and because adaptive routing changes which questions you were even asked, the same raw total can produce different scaled scores on different days. Progress tracked in raw totals tells you nothing.
What people get wrong
Calling the conversion a curve. It is not graded against the other people who sat that day; equating is built into the form in advance so that no test date is easier than another. Students who chase a favourable administration are optimising something that does not exist.
Practise this on real adaptive questions
PrepGenix runs the same module-adaptive format as Bluebook, with scoring handled server-side. Free to start.