Preparing Exams for Gradescope Scanning

Preparing Exams for Gradescope Scanning

Preparing your exams with scanning in mind can help make the Gradescope scanning process smoother. Use the guidelines below when creating your exam, providing instructions to students, and preparing completed exams for your appointment.

When Creating Your Exam

  • Include a place for students to write their name and student ID (SID) on every page.
  • Number every page.
  • For multiple-choice questions, consider using open bullet points that students can fill in similarly to a Scantron. Gradescope can accommodate multiple-choice questions with more than one correct answer.
  • Use the page footer to include a line below which students should not write. The scanner may not capture content located very close to the edge of the paper.

Choosing Paper

For best scanning results, use:

  • White paper
  • Light pastel paper, such as light yellow or pale pink

Avoid darker paper colors such as buff, salmon, or cherry.

Guidance for Students

Marked multiple-choice question with circled choice and handwritten note 'This one is not correct'.
Example of an actual student answer marking that Gradescope correctly batched.

When completing the exam, students should: 

  • Use a #2 or darker pencil.
  • Use HB or B lead when using a mechanical pencil.
  • Use blue or black ballpoint pens.
  • Avoid pens that bleed through the paper.
  • Avoid writing near the edges of the paper or in the corner where the exam is stapled.

Correcting Multiple-Choice Answers

If a student uses pen for a multiple-choice question and needs to change an answer, they can cross out the incorrect choice and clearly indicate their final answer or answers. In many cases, Gradescope can identify the intended response. If it cannot, the response may need to be reviewed manually.

Before Your Scanning Appointment

  • Cut off the stapled corners before scanning. Scissors or a paper cutter may be used.
  • Do not use a staple remover. Staple removers may leave jagged edges that can cause paper jams.
  • Consider sorting exams alphabetically. Some instructors find this helpful for keeping scanned files organized.

During Scanning

Exams may be scanned in multiple batches. Each batch should have a clear and identifiable file name.

For example:

ECN 111 Midterm 1 Fall 2022 Group One A–D

If exams are sorted alphabetically, you may choose to include the range of student last names in the file name. If exams are not sorted alphabetically, consider labeling each batch of paper exams with the corresponding scanned file name so you can locate the originals later if needed.

Scanned files are temporarily saved in the scanning documents folder on the computer desktop. Files are deleted before the next scanning appointment or within 24 hours, whichever occurs first.

After Scanning

Before leaving your appointment, save or transfer your scanned PDF files using one or more of the following options:

  • Upload the PDF files to Canvas.
  • Upload the files to UC Davis Box.
  • Save the files to a USB drive.

Schedule a Scanning Appointment

To schedule an appointment to scan exams at the Center for Educational Effectiveness, submit the online appointment request form or email [email protected].

Appointment Request Form

Thank you to Dr. Laci Gerhart, Assistant Professor of Teaching in Evolution and Ecology, for contributions to these Gradescope scanning tips.