01
Quartiles are ranges, not exact scores
A first-quartile result indicates the lowest comparative band and a fourth-quartile result indicates the highest. A quartile does not tell you your exact score, percentile, or how close you were to the next band.
02
How to interpret each band
- Fourth quartile: strong relative performance, but not an admission guarantee.
- Third quartile: above the midpoint of the comparison group.
- Second quartile: below the midpoint, with substantial overlap in practical ability near band boundaries.
- First quartile: a signal to review response quality and timing, not a verdict on your suitability for a profession.
03
What can lower a result
- Failing to answer the exact question.
- Making confident assumptions when the scenario leaves important facts unknown.
- Using empathy statements without making a decision.
- Escalating immediately when a private, lower-risk intervention would be appropriate.
- Leaving responses unfinished because the opening is too long.
04
A better improvement target
Instead of chasing a quartile, track observable response habits: time to reach a decision, number of relevant stakeholders considered, whether conditions are explicit, and whether the final action is concrete. Those measures are trainable even when the official score is not visible.