ISAT Scores and Percentiles Explained

Understanding Your ISAT Score

For Singapore students planning to study medicine in Australia, the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT) can be an important part of the university application process. However, understanding your score involves more than looking at a single number.

Different universities may use ISAT results in different ways, and a score that meets one university’s requirements may not necessarily meet the requirements of another.

In this guide, we explain how ISAT scores and percentiles work, what applicants should consider when reviewing their results, and why university-specific requirements matter.

What Is an ISAT Score?

The ISAT is a three-hour, computer-based multiple-choice assessment developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).

The test assesses two broad areas:

• Critical Reasoning: Understanding, analysing and evaluating information, arguments and ideas.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Applying information, solving problems, drawing conclusions and making decisions.

The questions are designed to assess reasoning skills rather than detailed knowledge of specific school subjects.

Because the ISAT is used for competitive university admissions, your result should be considered in the context of the requirements of the programmes you are applying to.

How Is the ISAT Scored?

ISAT results are used as one component of the admissions process for selected university courses. ACER explains that the test is designed to help rank a highly competitive group of test takers, meaning that results should be interpreted within the context of the test-taking population.

Your ISAT result should not automatically be interpreted as a direct measure of your academic knowledge or your likelihood of being admitted to medical school.

Universities may consider your ISAT result alongside other requirements, such as:

• Academic qualifications.
• English language requirements.
• Personal statements or other application materials.
• Interviews.
• Other university-specific selection criteria.

The exact process depends on the university and programme.

What Is an ISAT Percentile?

A percentile ranking describes how your performance compares with the performance of other test takers in the relevant reference group.

For example, if a result is reported as being at the 80th percentile, this generally means that the performance is equal to or higher than that of approximately 80% of the reference group.

A percentile is not the same as a percentage score.

For example:

• Percentage: The proportion of questions answered correctly.
• Percentile: Your relative position compared with other test takers.

The two measures should not be confused when interpreting your ISAT results.

Why Do Percentiles Matter?

Percentiles can provide additional context when reviewing your performance. However, they should not be treated as a universal indicator of whether you will receive an interview or an offer of admission.

Universities may:

• Set their own minimum score requirements.
• Consider different applicant categories.
• Use ISAT results alongside academic performance.
• Apply different selection processes for different programmes.

Therefore, you should always review your target university’s official requirements rather than relying only on a general percentile benchmark.

What Is a Good ISAT Score for Medicine in Australia?

There is no single ISAT score that guarantees admission to every Australian medical school.

A score may be considered suitable for one programme but not meet the published requirements of another. In addition, meeting a minimum score does not necessarily guarantee an interview or an offer.

The most useful way to evaluate your result is to compare it with the requirements of the specific universities and courses on your application shortlist.

Monash University

Monash University requires the ISAT for international applicants to its Direct Entry Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme in Melbourne.

For the relevant admissions process, Monash publishes an overall minimum ISAT score of 170, together with a minimum score of 165 in both Critical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.

Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission. Applicants must also satisfy the other requirements of the selection process.

If Monash is one of your target universities, review the latest official course information for the application year you are planning to enter.

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

The University of New South Wales accepts the ISAT as one of the testing options for eligible international applicants applying to its undergraduate medicine programme.

UNSW publishes a minimum ISAT score of 165 for eligible international applicants. Applicants must also meet the relevant academic requirements and complete further selection stages where applicable.

The requirements may vary depending on your application category, so check the official UNSW admissions information before interpreting your score.

ISAT Score Requirements: What Should You Check?

When reviewing university requirements, do not focus only on the overall score.

Consider the following questions:

1. Is There a Minimum Overall Score?

Some universities publish a minimum overall ISAT score for eligible applicants.

For example, UNSW lists a minimum score of 165, while Monash publishes a minimum overall score of 170 for its relevant direct-entry medicine programme.

These figures apply to specific university requirements and should not be presented as a general ISAT admission standard.

2. Is There a Minimum Score for Each Section?

Some programmes may specify requirements for individual reasoning areas in addition to an overall score.

Monash, for example, publishes a minimum score of 165 in both Critical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.

Always check whether your target programme assesses the overall result, section results or both.

3. Does the University Use a Competitive Ranking Process?

A minimum score may establish eligibility for further consideration, but the university may use additional selection criteria to determine which applicants progress.

This means that achieving a minimum score should not be interpreted as an automatic guarantee of an interview or an offer.

4. Does the Requirement Apply to Your Applicant Category?

Admission requirements can differ depending on whether you are applying as:

• An international student.
• A domestic student.
• An applicant with a particular educational qualification.
• An applicant to a specific degree pathway.

For Singapore students, it is particularly important to confirm that the information applies to international applicants and the exact course you intend to study.

How Should Singapore Students Interpret Their ISAT Results?

After receiving your result, consider it alongside your broader application rather than treating it as the only factor that determines your chances.

If Your Score Meets the Published Minimum

Meeting a university’s minimum score means that you have satisfied that particular published requirement. However, you may still need to meet academic, interview and other selection criteria.

You should continue reviewing the complete admissions process for each university on your shortlist.

If Your Score Is Below the Published Minimum

If your result does not meet a university’s published minimum, review the official admissions requirements and consider whether another application pathway may be available.

Do not assume that the same score requirement applies to every Australian medical programme.

You may need to review:

• Other universities.
• Different entry pathways.
• Application deadlines.
• Eligibility requirements.
• Whether a future ISAT sitting is permitted under the relevant rules.

The availability of another pathway depends on the university and your individual circumstances.

If You Have Not Taken the ISAT Yet

If you are still preparing for the test, use the published university requirements to understand the standards you need to consider.

However, avoid preparing only to reach a single minimum score. Your preparation should focus on developing the reasoning skills assessed by the test and building a study plan that suits your starting level.

Can You Compare Your ISAT Score with Other Applicants?

Comparing your performance with other applicants can be useful when reliable, relevant data is available. However, you should be careful when using unofficial score reports, online forums or preparation-provider claims.

Before relying on a comparison, check:

• Which year the data refers to.
• How many test takers were included.
• Whether the data applies to all candidates or a specific university.
• Whether the scores refer to international applicants.
• Whether the university publishes an official benchmark or only a minimum requirement.

A general score comparison may not accurately reflect the selection process of your chosen university.

Avoid treating unofficial “competitive score” claims as guaranteed admission thresholds.

What If Your ISAT Score Is Not as High as Expected?

Receiving a result that is lower than your target can be disappointing, but your next step should be based on accurate information and your application timeline.

Start by reviewing the requirements of your target universities. Then consider whether you need to adjust your preparation strategy or review other eligible pathways.

If you are preparing for a future sitting, reflect on:

• Which question types were challenging.
• Whether time management affected your performance.
• Which reasoning skills require further practice.
• Whether your study schedule allowed enough preparation time.
• Which preparation resources were most useful.

Focus on identifying specific areas for improvement rather than relying only on a single overall score.

Common ISAT Score and Percentile Questions From Singapore Students

What is a good ISAT score for Australian medicine?

There is no universal good score for every Australian medical programme. Requirements depend on the university, course and applicant category. For example, Monash and UNSW publish different ISAT requirements for eligible international applicants.

Is a higher ISAT score always better?

A higher score may strengthen an applicant’s position in a competitive selection process, but admission depends on the university’s complete selection criteria. A higher result does not guarantee an offer.

Is an ISAT percentile the same as a percentage?

No. A percentage refers to a proportion, while a percentile describes relative performance compared with a reference group.

Can I use one ISAT score for different universities?

Whether a result can be used depends on the university’s requirements, result validity rules and application process. Check the official requirements of each university before relying on the same result for multiple applications.

Do I need to meet the minimum ISAT score to receive an interview?

If a university publishes a minimum score, you generally need to satisfy that requirement to be considered under the relevant process. However, meeting the minimum does not guarantee an interview because other selection criteria may also apply.

Where can I find official ISAT information?

The official ACER ISAT website provides information about the test, registration, test windows, participating universities and candidate resources.

Always use the latest official information when preparing for your application.

How Can Icon Support Your ISAT Preparation?

Understanding ISAT scores is only one part of preparing for medical school applications. Students also need to develop their reasoning skills, plan their preparation and understand the requirements of their target universities.

At Icon Education, ISAT preparation support can help students approach their preparation with a more structured study strategy. Depending on the confirmed programme offering, support may include diagnostic assessment, personalised guidance, test strategies and progress tracking.

Whether you are beginning your ISAT preparation or reviewing your next steps after receiving a result, a clear preparation plan can help you identify areas for improvement and approach the admissions process with greater confidence.