What’s a good ISEE score for top private schools in New York?

In the world of competitive NYC admissions, “good” usually means top-tier. Many elite private schools look for ISEE scores in the 85th percentile and above. That said, it’s not just about the number. Schools also look at how balanced the scores are across the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement sections. A lopsided score might raise questions, even if the overall percentile is strong. The unscored essay also plays a role in showing writing ability.

Bottom line? A great score can boost your chances, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Strong grades, glowing recommendations, and a polished interview still matter just as much. High score, higher odds—but never the whole story.