On Maryland's MCAP, Life Science is reported on a scale from 650 to 850 (2022 to 2026), and each score falls into one of 4 performance levels. Reaching Proficient Learner, at 750 or above, is the state's proficiency line.
| Level | Score range | What it means | Statewide 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Learner | 650–730 | The lowest level, well below the state standard | 13% |
| Developing Learner | 731–749 | Approaching the state standard | 39% |
| Proficient Learner | 750–771 | Meeting the state standard (the proficiency line) | 39% |
| Distinguished Learner | 772–850 | The highest level, above the state standard | 9% |
Statewide in 2026, about 48% of the students counted for Life Science reached Proficient Learner or Distinguished Learner. The bar above shows the share at each level (left = lowest).
These counts are not limited to the spring test: in every year MSDE's technical reports let us check (2023 to 2025), they also include the students who tested in winter. Middle-school students who take Algebra I or Geometry early are included, counted at their middle school.
More on who is counted, and how: see how we count.
A score's meaning depends on where it lands in the ranges above, and on how it compares to other students who took the same test. Our free tool turns a Life Science score into an estimated percentile versus the school, district and the whole state, so you can see where a score stands, not just its level.
Look up a Life Science percentile →