We hear this question every fall, and the answer often surprises parents. There is no specific score we are looking for. Students are admitted to St. Thomas with a wide range of ISEE scores each year. However, it is important to know that the test still matters, and here is how.

What the ISEE is

Eighth graders applying to St. Thomas take the Upper Level ISEE. It has four scored sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement. A 30-minute essay follows. The essay is not scored, and families do not receive a copy. It goes to the schools your son lists, which means we read it.

There is no penalty for wrong answers, so he should answer every question.

One test per season

Students can take the ISEE once per testing season: fall (August through November), winter (December through March), and spring/summer (April through July). That means he can test in the fall and again in the winter if needed. Just keep each school’s application deadline in mind.

St. Thomas offers a fall and a winter date each year; current dates are on our Apply page.

How to read his score report

Start with two numbers. The percentile rank compares him with students in his grade who took the ISEE over the past three years. These are independent school applicants, so the comparison group is different from the one used for state tests. A 50th percentile score puts him in the middle of that group. It does not mean he got half the questions right.

The stanine places that percentile on a scale of 1 to 9, with 5 as the midpoint. Stanines 4 through 6 are the middle of the pool. We use these numbers when reviewing his application. ERB’s Understanding Score Reports guide has the full chart.

We read scores as a range, rather than treating a one-point difference as the whole story. The report also breaks down his answers by skill area. Read it with your son to see where he did well and where he may need practice. If he left questions unanswered, ask whether he ran out of time.

How we read an application

The ISEE is one item on a ten-item checklist. We also read:

  • His 6th grade, 7th grade, and first-semester 8th grade report cards
  • His 6th and 7th grade standardized test scores, such as MAP, ERB, or STAAR
  • Recommendations from his current English and math teachers
  • His student statement, his resume, and the ISEE essay

A boy with an average ISEE, solid grades, strong recommendations, and a real reason for wanting to be here can be a strong applicant. An ISEE score is one piece of who he is.

Where the ISEE matters for scholarships

Academic scholarships go to our top ISEE scorers each year. There are four levels:

  • President’s Scholarship: half tuition, for the top seven scores among St. Thomas applicants
  • Principal’s Scholarship: $7,000 a year, for about the top 1% of applicants
  • Aquinas Scholarship: $5,000 a year, for about the top 2%
  • GDK Scholarship: $3,000 a year, for about the top 3%

Scholarships after freshman year are based on academic standing, attendance, and discipline.

List St. Thomas to receive his scores. The school code is 571055. If your family is also applying for need-based financial aid, we can explain how the awards work together.

Where the ISEE helps place him

The ISEE helps us place freshmen in English and World Geography. We consider those results alongside his middle school records, other standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations to decide whether he starts in the standard or advanced section.

Math, science, and world language placement comes from St. Thomas placement tests given on campus each spring after admission. Every freshman takes the Math Placement Exam.

The Freshman Placement Test Blueprint describes what each test covers. Check our Apply page for current admissions information. Placement is reviewed each year, and boys can move between levels as they show what they can do.

What your son should do now

Take the test seriously and keep it in proportion. Register before seats fill, get familiar with the format, answer every question, and get a good night’s sleep. Treat it as one morning.

Then spend the fall on what fills out his file: steady grades, teachers who know him, and a visit to us.

Come see what we look for

The best way to get to know St. Thomas is to walk the building. Book a campus visit and bring your son.