ISEE scores explained: scaled scores, percentiles and stanines
Short answer
Each scored ISEE section gets a scaled score from 760 to 940, a percentile rank from 1 to 99 and a stanine from 1 to 9. The percentile and stanine compare your child only with other ISEE takers in the same grade over the past three years.
An ISEE report gives three numbers for each scored section. The ISEE is run by E3n; the score definitions below come from ERB’s own guides to the test.
The three numbers for each section
| Number | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Scaled score | 760 to 940 | Your child’s result on the ISEE’s own scale |
| Percentile rank | 1 to 99 | How your child compares with other ISEE takers in the same grade over the past three years |
| Stanine | 1 to 9 | The percentile rank grouped into nine bands |
The Lower, Middle and Upper levels have four scored sections. The Primary levels have two. The essay isn’t scored: a copy goes to the schools that receive the scores, and families don’t get one.
How percentiles turn into stanines
| Stanine | Percentile ranks | ERB describes it as |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1–3 | Below average |
| 2 | 4–10 | Below average |
| 3 | 11–22 | Below average |
| 4 | 23–39 | Average |
| 5 | 40–59 | Average |
| 6 | 60–76 | Average |
| 7 | 77–88 | Above average |
| 8 | 89–95 | Above average |
| 9 | 96–99 | Above average |
Our ISEE percentile to stanine tool does this conversion for you.
Why ISEE percentiles can look low
ISEE percentiles compare your child only with students applying to independent schools, not with all students nationally. ERB’s guide says ISEE percentiles are generally 10 to 40 points lower than on tests with national norms. So a percentile that looks modest on the ISEE can reflect strong work. ERB also says that what counts as a good score is up to each school.
One rule to know before test day
The ISEE counts only correct answers, with no penalty for wrong ones, so your child should answer every question.