Overview
UTSA is transitioning from ParScore to Gradescope for bubble sheet exams starting Summer 2025. This change is being led by Testing Services, with Academic Innovation providing support and training. You can visit the Testing Services website to view the original announcement sent to ParScore users.
- What is Gradescope?
- Why are we transitioning from ParScore to Gradescope?
- How does this benefit me as an instructor?
- What do my students gain from this change?
- What if I want to give paper exams like I always have?
- What if a student bubbles incorrectly or their sheet can’t be read?
- How will I know which answer sheet belongs to which student?
- How do I get started with Gradescope?
- Where can I scan my bubble sheets?
- Will training or support be available?
What is Gradescope?
Gradescope is a digital grading platform that supports a range of assessments, including bubble sheets (Scantron-style), written responses, and programming assignments. Faculty can scan and upload bubble sheets or have students upload their own answer sheets, and return feedback quickly through the platform.
Why are we transitioning from ParScore to Gradescope?
We’re making this change to support a more modern, flexible, and accessible assessment platform. Gradescope offers enhanced capabilities for exam grading, student feedback, and digital workflows, aligning with our broader goals for teaching and learning innovation. Additionally, ParScore has reached its end of life and will no longer be supported after the Spring 2025 semester, prompting the need for a more sustainable, long-term solution. Academic Innovation is supporting Testing Services in this transition to ensure a smooth rollout and ongoing support for faculty.
How does this benefit me as an instructor?
- No more physical drop-offs: Simply scan answer sheets using a standard scanner or multi-function printer. No need to deliver them in person.
- Time savings: Auto-grading is fast and efficient, with built-in error detection.
- Detailed analytics: Easily identify student trends, question difficulty, and learning gaps.
- Canvas integration: Sync your roster and post grades directly from Gradescope to Canvas.
What do my students gain from this change?
- No Scantron purchases required: Students no longer need to buy physical Scantron forms.
- Flexible printing options: Answer sheets can be printed at home or on campus.
- Faster feedback: Grades are delivered through Canvas more quickly than with traditional methods.
What if I want to give paper exams like I always have?
You still can! Gradescope doesn’t change your exam format, just how you grade it. Students still take the test on paper; you just upload their bubble sheets instead of dropping them off.
What if a student bubbles incorrectly or their sheet can’t be read?
Gradescope will flag sheets that it can’t confidently match. You’ll then be able to manually review and fix any issues directly in the system.
How will I know which answer sheet belongs to which student?
Gradescope uses the student’s name and myUTSA ID (abc123), which they fill out on the bubble sheet, to automatically match each response to the correct student.
How do I get started with Gradescope?
Please visit our Getting Started with Gradescope Bubble Sheets (Faculty) article for detailed instructions on how to get started.
Where can I scan my bubble sheets?
You can use any standard scanner. There’s no special equipment required to upload to Gradescope. If you don’t have access to a scanner in your department, a shared scanner is available in the Faculty Center (JPL 4.04.12B).
Will training and support be available?
Yes! Please visit MyTraining for a list of upcoming training sessions or email [email protected] for a one-on-one consultation. Additionally, the following on-demand resources are available:
Resources
For more information, review these additional resources:
Support
- Vendor Support: Please email [email protected].
- UTSA Support: Please email [email protected] or call 210-458-4520.