What is Digg?107 Comments
- Quadraginta, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9Ah well folks, just to prevent the small proportion of teenyboppers here who are gullible but otherwise reasonable, I'll just note for the record that this is a complete laugh to teachers, at least my fellow college professors. The teacher can program the Scantron machine to grade any way he likes: it can subtract 1 for each wrong answer and do nothing for a skipped or unreasonable answer (which is on what this poor naif relies), or, of course, it can do nothing for a right answer, subtract 1 for a clearly wrong answer, and subtract 55 for each unreadable answer. It's completely up to the teacher when he fires up the machine. Plus, of course, he can easily ask the machine to report which forms had unreadable answers. Indeed, it normally does this.
Most of my colleagues would get pissed at an unreadable Scantron, because it has to be graded by hand. I do. In fact, if I find a Scantron that's been deliberately screwed up -- with holes cut in it, ha ha, or filled out improperly, I just assign a zero to the whole thing. Zap! That works out very well -- after the first test and a few poor fools are horrified by getting a zero (and there are always a few, who are are very shocked to find a professor is perfectly entitled to assign you a zero even if you know the material) -- everyone is very, very careful to fill the wretched things out carefully and neatly.
So, you know, do what you gotta do. But be warned, eh? - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3He said he came to the conclusion they can be hacked... but none of this stuff works solid. Infact, it's more like a game of chance than anything. You have a better chance of just guessing the answer lol
- Drewjames, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3because the teacher will never suspect anything while you're cutting up and pasting paper onto your scantron instead of taking a test
- nature, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2So it is true that the average digg reader is 15. I never would have guessed.
- habitue, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Yeah 20-25% of working... um that sounds like the chance of guessing on a 4-5 option question... this is retarded, and he admits it is incomplete. no digg.
- ferrell, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2TOTAL *****
I spent several years working at a company that processed the scantron tests for the standardized testing in California's public schools. When your test is scanned, it simply becomes a SPACE DELIMITED RECORD in a flat file. There is no way to cheat. If you modify the timing marks on the side of the sheet, or any of the other indexing marks, your sheet will be moved into a reject pile, and it will be scored by hand. The data record that is created for YOUR TEST is simply a series of foelds, usually including your first name, last name, room number, etc (scantron forms are all different, and have various different fields on them. after these fileds, the rest of the record is simply a series of letters representing the bubbles you filled in. A missing bubble will be a space. Two bubbles filled in on the same question will result in an X.
A sample scantron record might look like this...
"SMITH JOHN PARK HIGH SCHOOL ADCBADBCA CA ACBX AC AX ACBAXCBDBDCBDB XDCBDBCDACBAC AABABBABDCB DABCBABDB"
That's it. Nothing secret or special about it. - rjs899, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1The article had no actual hacks that work more than 50% of the time, and I think you could get to that level simply by guessing. No digg.
- wizzyfx, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Total BS.
- cfox, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1As a computer science prof who uses scantron exams, I can tell you that absolutely none of these work. As another poster noted, each page is scanned in and is stored as a space delimited file. The answers are stored in a binary format and the text is stored as ASCII. The marks are not graded by the scantron, they are graded by a program which takes the scantron output and compares them against a key. Performing any of these hacks will simply screw up the scanning and cause bogus data to be submitted to the grading program which will report an error to the instructor (or a mark of zero). The instructor will then check the original sheet and discover the "hack". If I were the instructor, I would assign an "F" to the exam
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1what if you used white out on the big box at the top?
- Dementual, on 01/27/2008, -0/+1Nice way to spread this around, even though he said this isn't to be public.
Hell, he even put a public block code in
_> - acemilo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Ya, if you have 4 options you have a 25% chance of getting it right by guessing and 5 is 20%, those are the best odds he gives in the article, so you have an equal chance guessing than trying one of his "hacks" and you aren't cheating in the process. If one of them worked better than 25% then it may be worth it to try, otherwise just guess.
- KevinJ, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1SECRET SECRET I GOTTA SECRET!!
- panique, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Yeah this is BS. Erasing one of the black marks will have the effect of moving any subsequent answers up by one. Do if you erase the line next to question 2, the answer for q3 will be interpreted as the answer for q2, and so on.
- markperia, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1OR you could just get off of your lazy-asses and actually study for the test.
- 0x2a, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1wow..by cutting, taping, and erasing the f*** out of your scantron, you can maybe have a 20-25% chance of making the scanner mess up...Say goodbye to studying guys, the l33t3st h4x0r cheating skills have been revealed at last...
- bani, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1this has to be one of the most retarded stories ever. no digg.
- svidrod, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1this is ***** stupid. no real hacks. 30% sucess rate is just as good as random guessing
- 0x2a, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2I've heard a rumor that if you take a bright red marker and fill in the bubbles to make big words in the pattern of "I'm dumber than hell" most scantron scanners will screw up and give you 100% by mistake. Let me know if this works for you guys.
- bbqribs, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I just tested a bunch of these out. NONE of them work.
No digg. This is a ***** stupid article. - splatnik, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0total *****. I use scantrons in two different settings and this won't work. Plus, if I see a scantron that has been deliberately ***** with I will have no problem assigning a zero because it's a huge pain in my ass to deal with.
- SweetsGreen, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0What about the "C" method....
- trip9, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0automagically said "Anybody know what happens when you fill in all of the bubbles? Or in a test with 4 choices, filling in the 5th bubble, E? I've always wondered."
You get it wrong... - jdawkins, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I have programmed scantron scanner form definition files (if you really want to 'hack' answer sheets, don't mess with the sheet itself - get a hold of one of these files).
In my experience, none of these 'hacks' would ever work for anything except pissing off the person who has to scan the answer sheets. - jmccorm, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Wow. I had this as a textfile on my BBS in the 1980s. Talk about old news!
- mikep4400, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Is there any chance that the machine would ignore the black marks? I rather have the machine ignore the black marks than to get caught by the professor. Thanks
- matt.rubin, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0i'm gonna study but achully try some of these i'll report back then i will remeber which ones a missed and see if i got them right
- chill392, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I am in the middle of my Midterms now! I just did my math exam today!!!! I have to decide whether or not to try this on the other two exams this week...
- mikep4400, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Hi, does the black on black really work? If it doesn't work, what is the worst that could happen? Would the machine end up marking it incorrect?
- tburke261, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0BEYOND CHAPSTICK
(For those of you who just want methods, skip to the numbers)
rmangaha@ucsd.edu
by Richard Mangahas
a.k.a.
CasaChic0
Well, throughout my lifetime, I've learned one thing. Scantron tests
are a bitch. So this text will hopefully help you out. I'd like to point
out that the results that the methods and results I write about came from
ACTUAL experiments with ACTUAL Scantrons and Scanning Machines. I spent a
long time working these out. I have tried virtually everything there is
to try to beat the scantron machine, and I can happily say that it can be
done. Now, I am not endorsing that you use these methods to get the first
letter of the alphabet on your report card. These are for informational
and entertainment purposes only. If you do use these methods, I, of
course, am not at all responsible and blah blah blah.
I would like to thank someone that was essential to making this file
possible, but I doubt that he would want to be identified. He was one of
my teachers. That's as far as I'll go with that.
Now on to the good stuff...
1. Marking the black lines (Black on Black method)-
On the left side of most scantrons that I know of, there are black
lines next to question numbers. My hypothesis is that these black lines
tell the machine where to scan. I don't know how it works, but it does,
but not as often to create a great advantage. It works about 25%-30% of
the time. I suppose coupled with actual guessing, this does add to the
probability of getting a correct answer. This is my recommended hack.
This is the hack that will work more often than any other. Do it only on
the ones you can't answer.
2. Erasing the same black lines (Erasure method)-
Now this hack is pretty self-explanatory. You erase those same black
lines, only on the ones you can't answer though. Sometimes the machine
skips the question and doesn't mark it at all. This leaves you with a
correct answer.
-OR-
The machine will record an error and not mark the paper at all,
including the score. This will then allow the teacher to grade it by
hand, where he or she may notice the tampering.
3. Erasing the big black block (Big block eradication method)-
Along the left side is a big black block. It is on the upper part of
the column before the question lines. Occasionally, the machine will just
skip over the whole damn thing but leave you with a 100%. This is
practically impossible to get to work. I have gotten it to work twice out
of hundreds of trials, but it can be done. My reasoning for this is
because there is another similar block at the bottom of the column. I
believe that the big block tells the machine when to begin scanning for
questions. I think that variations in the printing of scantrons probably
produce a block on the bottom similar enough to the erased block. Thus,
the machine sees the block begins scanning, sees nothing to correct and
gives you a 100%. Like I said this is probably less than 1% success, but
it can work.
4. Cutting out that big block (Hole in your head method)-
I have had more success with this than erasing for some reason. Again
this is an all or nothing proposition. If you like gambling, go ahead.
Remember that you will leave more noticable physical evidence.
5. Cross-hatching fill-ins (Cross method)-
This method works about 20%-25% of the time. I believe it is pretty
self-explanatory. I find that the best patterns are diaganol
cross-hatches, or horizontal lines. I can't explain why this works, I
assume you are simply confusing the machine.
6. In-between shading (Grey areas method)-
By in-between shading, I mean finding a level of grey that is not too
dark or too light. I believe this will work because of the same reason as
#5.
8. YOU FILL IN THE CORRECT ANSWER!
*******ADDED SINCE LAST POSTING OF THIS DOCUMENT*********
9. According to Anthony Iannone ...
This person states that he has worked on maintenance of those
wonderful machines that CORRECT those beloved scantrons. Anyway, he
states that almost ALL scantron readers work differently. Makes enough
sense... anyway, I would think the methods are generally workable for any
machine.... only trial and error will tell.
"The only way to fool many of the kinds to to fold the edge over or
cut it off. But the the machiene will pass it trough unmarked, and the
teach will probably notice"
He also states that it will only work on the 50 question ones as the
others are too small.... my own experiments have shown that it all
scantron forms can be manipulated.
Another suggestion of his make alot of answer keys and stick them into
the batch. That is done by filling in "key," of course. Some machines
only accept one answer key at a time, some will change the key each time
it runs across one.... this doesn't exactly help your grade, but it does
wreak some havoc. One can also try copy toner, but I'm not going to risk
messing up a scantron machine just to see what will happen.
10. Putting a piece of tape over the black lines (Tape method) -
This just does what chapstick was supposed to do... screw up the
scanning light... and jack up everything... what you need to HOPE it does,
is pray that it makes the scantron machine malfunction, and not mark it
incorrect. Best of luck... I hate this method.
Okay, that's enough for methods.. because... I don't know anymore. I
don't get much access to a scantron machine much anymore... SO, I'll just
ramble about the scantron machine in general.
The scantron machine grades your test in the following manner (at least
the one I have had access to): It takes the maximum number correct from
the answer key, say 20. Then for each incorrect answer, it subtracts one
from that total. And it only subtracts if there's a mistake recorded.
That is why malfunctions lead to either no markings, or perfect scores.
Let's see what else is there to talk about... I would go in to the anarchy
way of attack of scantrons, but that is not your goal... besides, if you
need me to tell you how to ***** things up, you have to be retarded. Also,
as another note of privacy, I am including my PGP key.... big whoop.
-----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
Version: 2.6.2
mQCPAzGptzQAAAEEAL0ZViCW1e2BRBKGEn9I0+LZaZd1Qnvl7k2aDI0E5GacsHBE
g+4hyROaA6lgMjpnZI3av1wJLEfo0ilRc08vGJnd/PdKjpVhF5Ap+vv97bEHyq7q
lzQRlGxs9/tvI2hoxss6qtms+L897PwCtT9xb6N4t4BDr2R959qiHdBHN11pABEB
AAG0EFJpY2hhcmQgTWFuZ2FoYXOJAJUDBRAxq5Bg2qId0Ec3XWkBAUkcBACntczW
6cK8LskkjLJua4DICV7n0PWposRkPgsG2Z9gI3U/Tohz/4ml7Od69mvkEBvKjVar
pn+DTtJheFBxW0ukDxaUl8RcZ2IN4rQndGSCN2H0HoHfUO5GBzhocHII2deu2IVI
Tpn+i046ddFhM7lyTMhgyagcCYGr/JwtsP+h9w==
=hVjp
-----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
********End of updates since the last postin*********
Okay that's about it. All I ask is that if you read this, please send
me an e-mail. I'd just like to know how many people are getting this.
I'd prefer that you not use an anon remailer, but if you are so paranoid
that you believe that the government is taking the time to care
particularly about you, go ahead.
Now for my plea of help. I'd like this list to grow. I have tried
many hacks. But I have not tried them all. I seriously doubt that this
is all of the hacks that you can use. If you find anymore, please send it
to me, so that I can update this list periodically.
If you go on IRC, I can be found damn near everywhere. I go by the
name of DSoldier. I tend to frequent the Undernet, though.
And as a final note, CHAPSTICK DOES NOT WORK! I don't know who started
it, but I have tried all flavors of chapstick thinking it might be that.
But it hasn't worked. I have tried all different brands of lip balm as
well. It still has not worked. Perhaps it worked back in the day, but it
doesn't now. - osuadh, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0whoopie if it makes the machine ignore some of the questions, the teacher would notice that the numbers in the little box are wrong. I guess if your teacher only looks at the percentage some of these might work, but if you have a teacher with a brain, this will get you in trouble. prolly get you suspended. therefore, no digg cause its worthless.
- beelz, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0how do u mark a black lines with a pencil lol
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0where's number seven?
- Andrew12, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I tried the black on black method and it worked, so please shut up if you don't believe it... and for the people who don't like cheaters t(^_^)t
- Gigadafud, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0this is really stupid. sounds like with pure odds, you have at least as good a chance to get the same results.
- Gatesophile, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I have finals starting today!!!!
i wont BLATANTLY cheat. i'll only even THINK about using these on the ones i have absolutely NO idea to. - strcmp, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I was hoping for this to have information on how to fill out the bubbles more quickly. Teachers and the scantrons themselves make it seem as if you must make a perfect, very dark, circle, yet I doubt that the limitations are that strict.
- mikep4400, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Hi, which method did you choose? How do you know for sure it works? What did you do to your specific scantron. Does the black on black work? If it doesn't work, what is the worst that could happen? Would the machine end up marking it incorrect?
- h4lofourt33n, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0During my exam week! FTW! Nice!
- krigney, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Sweet, My School Midterms Are coming up in about a week
- maomao12345, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Kayy this mite b helpful...i recomend this for minor tests when u hav lazy teachers XD
But definately not somethin major like a midterm or college entrance exam. Because then all those ppl who grade the tests will be on extra lookout for these hacks and stuff, or at least unusual things. I dont think its worth getting expelled...in my skool system thats the punishment for cheating *shivers* - asfandyar66, on 03/09/2009, -0/+0why cant i view the whole thing? i have an account (ofcoarse i am adding a comment)....***** this ***** man
- guyincognito, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0this is so stupid... for all you with finals.... good luck but remember point #8
- magebomb11, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0again, no digg. moron. report it.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Anybody know what happens when you fill in all of the bubbles? Or in a test with 4 choices, filling in the 5th bubble, E? I've always wondered.
- RamezaniK, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0This has got to be the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Think about it, some of them have a 1 or 2% success rate. Not substantial at all. That is small enough to say its random luck. And think about this: patterns turn up a 20-25% score. Well gee whiz, wouldn't you have guessed that there are usually 4-5 answer choices. 1 out of 4 is 25% and 1 out of 5 is 20%. Whoever believes this is a moron. No Digg.
- Kikkoman, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0i tried it it worked!
- tristant, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"Or in a test with 4 choices, filling in the 5th bubble, E?"
well, you didn't pick any of the possible right answers so it's marked wrong. - j0keR, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"30% sucess rate is just as good as random guessing"
On the typical scantron test your chances of getting it right randomly guessing is usually 25% or less.
I have exams tomarrow actually, on questions I don't know the answer to I will guess-- and then fill in the little box next to the bubbles.
We'll see how it turns out, but I'm assuming that it should greatly improve my chances of getting those questions right... And if the teacher has to grade it by hand? Well, it's much easier for a human to make mistakes then it is for the machine, isn't it? - tristant, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0check out my mad hacks. i read the book, go to lectures, and do my homework. no need to thank me.
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