Grade and Correct Bubble Sheets in Gradescope

Quick Links: | Prerequisites | Instructions | Troubleshooting | Next Steps |

Introduction

Gradescope automatically grades bubble sheet assignments after student submissions are uploaded. However, some responses may require instructor review when students leave incomplete marks, erase answers, or select multiple options. Instructors can confirm uncertain answers, adjust grading rubrics, and award partial credit when necessary. Reviewing these results helps ensure students receive accurate grades.

Prerequisites

• Instructor access to a Gradescope course.
• An existing bubble sheet assignment with uploaded student submissions.
• An answer key configured for the assignment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Grade and Correct Bubble Sheet Submissions

Review Uncertain Marks

Gradescope automatically grades bubble sheet submissions, typically within a few minutes of uploading them. When Gradescope cannot confidently identify a selected answer, it flags the response for instructor review.

To review uncertain marks in Gradescope, do the following:

1. Open your bubble sheet assignment in Gradescope.
2. Navigate to Grade Submissions.
3. Select the Uncertain Marks notification at the top of the page.
4. Review the image of each flagged student response.
5. Select the appropriate answer bubble for each response.
6. Select Confirm All Marks to save your selections.

Gradescope will use your confirmed selections to determine the correct scores for the affected responses.

Manually Adjust Grades

Instructors can change grading rubrics and award partial credit after automatic grading is complete.

To manually adjust grading in Gradescope, do the following:

1. Open your bubble sheet assignment.
2. Navigate to Grade Submissions.
3. Select the question you want to adjust.
4. Modify the grading rubric or scoring options as needed.
5. Apply the appropriate rubric items to student submissions when necessary.

Changes to a question's rubric apply to all students who have that assignment version and the affected rubric item applied.

Troubleshooting

If Gradescope repeatedly flags unclear responses, remind students to fill in bubbles completely using a pencil and erase previous answers thoroughly. Crossed-out answers and ink that bleeds through paper may interfere with automatic answer detection.

If grades appear incorrect after adjusting a rubric, review the affected question and verify that the appropriate rubric items and scoring rules are applied.

For additional information, see Gradescope's Grading a Bubble Sheet Assignment guide.