How is the ISEE scored?

The ISEE scoring can seem a little complex, as it provides a few different types of scores for the four multiple-choice sections (the essay isn’t numerically scored):

• Raw Score: This is simply the number of questions your child answered correctly in each section. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s always encouraged to make an educated guess!
• Scaled Score: The raw score for each section is converted into a “scaled score,” which typically ranges from 760 to 940. This scaled score helps standardize results across different versions of the test, so a score of, say, 850 means the same thing regardless of which ISEE form your child took.
• Percentile Rank: This is often what families focus on. It tells you how your child performed compared to other students in the same grade level who have taken the ISEE over the past three years (this is called the “norm group”). For example, if your child scores in the 75th percentile, it means they scored as well as or better than 75% of those students in the norm group.
• Stanine Score: This is a simplified version of the percentile rank, presented on a 1-to-9 scale. Stanines divide the entire range of scores into nine segments. A score of 5 is considered average, while 7, 8, or 9 are considered above average or excellent. Schools often use stanines for a quick snapshot of a student’s performance.

Schools look at all these scores, along with the essay, to get a holistic view of your child’s strengths and potential.