Hi everyone!
DD took the ISEE twice - which would you say we should submit for her application?
1st try: 98 percentile (VR) - 9 stanine, 99 (RC) - 9 stanine, 91 (QR) -8 stanine, 86 (MA) - 7 stanine
2nd try: 99 percentile (VR) - 9 stanine, 99 (RC) - 9 stanine, 82 (QR) - 7 stanine, 94 (MA) - 8 stanine
We were obviously hoping she would do significantly better the second time round, but here we are. We are worried this is not going to cut it for many schools - but she can’t take it again! Does anyone know if the schools value one section more highly than the other? Would it be better to submit the second scores because she has a higher mathematical achievement score than the last one, even if her quantitative reasoning score is much lower? Thank you in advance for any guidance!
I know the application process is very stressful, but in my opinion you are splitting hairs between these two score sets. Neither set of these scores will keep your child out or get your child in. The overall application, how your child will contribute to the community, right fit for the school, interview and teacher evaluation are all components that are equally important. Family is also considered and it is not uncommon for a parent(s) to be the one that gets the student not accepted - as based on parent behavior, essays and inappropriate communication with the school.
Depending on your school list, there may be a high % of students with these type of scores and it will all come down to the application.
Your child did amazing on this exam and I hope they feel proud of the hard work they did to get these scores and not feel like they are disappointing you by “not doing better” on what is already a top score.
Thank you for your kind consideration. I honestly do not know what counts as a top score - I have vague recollections from when DD was applying for elementary school that you needed very high scores (four 9 stanines, is what people would say) but I don’t really have a point of reference otherwise. If this is a good score, that’s great, since there is nothing else we can do! DD is relieved not to have to sit any more standardized tests and can enjoy the rest of the year without thinking about them.
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