How is the ISEE score calculated?

Raw scores (correct answers) are converted to scaled scores (760-940) using ERB's statistical process. Percentiles compare you to other test-takers, and stanines group percentiles into 9 categories.

Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the ISEE?

No, there is no penalty for wrong answers. Your raw score is simply the number of questions answered correctly, so you should answer every question.

How many times can I take the ISEE?

You can take the ISEE once per testing season. There are three seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer.

What grade levels use the ISEE Lower Level?

The ISEE Lower Level is for students in grades 4-5 who are applying for admission to grades 5-6 at independent schools.

Do schools see all my ISEE scores?

No, you choose which scores to send to schools. Schools only see the scores you select to report.

ISEE Lower Level Score Calculator 2026

Calculate your ISEE Lower Level scaled scores, percentiles, and stanines from raw scores. Our free calculator helps parents and students understand private school admission test results for grades 5-6 entry.

Test Level

Lower

Grades 4-5 applicants

Entry Grade

5-6

Applying for admission

Scaled Range

760-940

Per section

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these steps to convert your raw scores to scaled scores and percentiles

Locate Your Raw Scores

Find your raw scores from your ISEE score report. These are the number of questions answered correctly in each section.

Enter Verbal Reasoning Score (0-34)

Use the slider to input your Verbal Reasoning raw score. This section tests vocabulary and reasoning with words.

There is no penalty for wrong answers—your raw score is simply the number correct.

Enter Quantitative Reasoning Score (0-38)

Input your Quantitative Reasoning raw score. This section measures mathematical reasoning ability.

Enter Reading Comprehension Score (0-25)

Input your Reading Comprehension raw score. This tests ability to understand and analyze written passages.

Enter Mathematics Achievement Score (0-30)

Input your Mathematics Achievement raw score. This tests grade-level math knowledge and skills.

Calculate and Review Results

Click "Calculate Scores" to see your scaled scores, percentiles, and stanines for each section.

ISEE Lower Level Score Calculator

Enter Your Raw Scores

Verbal Reasoning

0 / 34

Quantitative Reasoning

0 / 38

Reading Comprehension

0 / 25

Mathematics Achievement

0 / 30

Use the sliders above and click "Calculate Scores" to see your results

What Is a Good ISEE Lower Level Score?

ISEE scores are reported as scaled scores (760-940), percentiles (1-99), and stanines (1-9). Here's how to interpret them:

Stanine 7-9 (Above Average): Top 23% of test-takers. Competitive for selective private schools.
Stanine 4-6 (Average): Middle 54% of test-takers. Acceptable for most private schools.
Stanine 1-3 (Below Average): Bottom 23%. May need additional preparation.

Target scores depend on the school. Highly selective schools (like top-tier independent schools) typically expect stanines of 7+ across all sections, while less selective schools accept 5-6.

Stanine Score Interpretation

Stanine	Percentile Range	Description	% of Students
9	96-99	Very Superior	4%
8	89-95	Superior	7%
7	77-88	Above Average	12%
6	60-76	High Average	17%
5	40-59	Average	20%
4	23-39	Low Average	17%
3	11-22	Below Average	12%
2	4-10	Low	7%
1	1-3	Very Low	4%

How to Understand Your ISEE Score If Not in Highest Range

Your Score Is Not the Whole Picture

Private schools use a holistic admissions process. ISEE scores are just one factor among many:

Application essay – Shows personality and writing ability
Teacher recommendations – Provide insight into character and work ethic
Interview performance – Demonstrates communication skills and fit
Extracurricular activities – Shows well-roundedness
Current grades – Academic transcript matters significantly

What to Do If Your Scores Are Lower Than Expected

Retake the test: You can take the ISEE once per testing season (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer)
Focus on strengths: If one section is weak, highlight your strengths in other areas
Prepare strategically: Use practice tests and consider tutoring for weak sections
Research school ranges: Many schools accept students with stanines of 4-6
Apply broadly: Apply to schools at different selectivity levels

Why Use This ISEE Score Calculator?

Instant results: Convert raw scores to scaled scores, percentiles, and stanines immediately
Accurate conversions: Based on official ISEE scoring methodology
Free to use: No registration or payment required
Educational: Understand what each score type means for admissions
Plan strategically: Identify which sections need improvement before test day
Lower Level specific: Tailored for grades 4-5 students applying to grades 5-6

ISEE Lower Level Score Chart 2026

This chart shows approximate raw score to scaled score conversions for the ISEE Lower Level. Actual conversions vary by test form.

Section	Questions	Min Scaled	Max Scaled	Median
Verbal Reasoning	34	760	940	850
Quantitative Reasoning	38	760	940	850
Reading Comprehension	25	760	940	850
Mathematics Achievement	30	760	940	850

Score data based on ERB (Educational Records Bureau) guidelines. Updated January 2026.

Score Calculation Formula

Scaled Score Approximation:

Scaled = 760 + (Raw ÷ Max_questions) × 180

Where Raw = correct answers, Max = total questions per section

Percentile Rank:

Percentile = % of students who scored at or below your scaled score

Based on norm group of ISEE test-takers at same grade level