Though it is not likely the scoring system for the ISEE test is intended to confuse you, this is often the case. The score is not straight forward. The ISEE actually has three separate numbers. There is a percentile, a scale and a stanine score. Most high schools will ignore the scaled score, so you can do the same. Concentrate on the percentile and stanine score.

Percentile Score

The percentile score is a simple calculation of how many answers you got right. The scaled score weights those answers based on difficulty, but the percentile score does not. Remember: you do not get any points off for guessing wrong on the ISEE. So, you are only being counted for how many answers you got correct. The SSAT takes points off for wrong answers, and the scoring mechanism is different as a result. For the percentile score, you are not being compared to other students on that test day. Instead, you are being evaluated based on what the test creators think should be the average score at your level. So, a score of 50% means you are right on track. This can be confusing because earning a 50% on a math or history test would be bad news. The thing to remember is the ISEE is not designed so you can get all of the answers correct. Instead you are supposed to miss about half of the answers if you are a typical student in your grade. This is the only way to get an idea of which students, if any, are well above average.

Stanine Score

The stanine score is basically just a numerical interpretation of your percentage. Two student could get very different percentage scores, such as 45% and 51%, but both get a 5 on the stanine score. This portion is a statement of how well a student does compared to other students taking the test that day. So, the stanine score is more subjective. The stanine score is usually the score submitted to a high school. This can be tricky for you if you happened to have an off day. However, it also means you will not be discriminated against if you simply got a hard test. Since other students got the same hard test, you will only be expected to perform as well as they did and not suffer disproportionately.

What is a Good ISEE Score?

A good ISEE score is 5 or higher. So few websites are willing to provide you with this information, and the ERB and ISEE sites are not willing to say this outright either. However, it is safe to say a score of 5 or higher will mean you have a chance at acceptance to most private schools. If your score is a 5 instead of a 6 or 7, you may be excluded from some of the most competitive private schools. Ultimately, the school you are applying to is the one setting the standard for what is acceptable. You should also note your score does not exist in a bubble; you are compared to other students applying that year.