What is on the Upper Level ISEE?
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a test that many independent schools use as part of their admissions process. The Upper Level ISEE is taken by students applying to grades 9-12.
The Upper Level ISEE is administered both on the computer and on paper. It consists of five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and the Essay.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 questions | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 37 questions | 35 minutes |
| Break | — | 10 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 questions | 35 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement | 47 questions | 40 minutes |
| Break | — | 10 minutes |
| Essay | 1 prompt | 30 minutes |
With the exception of the Essay, all of the questions are multiple choice with four answer choices. Within each section, there are randomly distributed experimental questions that may be used for future versions of the test. These experimental questions are not scored.
Keep reading for more information about each section, including sample questions from the Test Innovators ISEE practice platform.
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section consists of 40 questions: 19 synonym questions and 21 sentence completion questions. Of the 40 questions, 35 are scored and 5 are unscored.
Synonym questions give you a word and ask you to choose the most similar word from four options.
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Sentence completion questions ask you to fill in one or two blanks in a sentence with the best word or words. There are 12 questions with one blank and 9 questions with two blanks.
Example:
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses primarily on problem-solving skills and critical thinking. There are 18-21 word problems and 14-17 quantitative comparison questions for a total of 37 questions. Of the 37 questions, 32 are scored and 5 are unscored.
It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
Word Problems are 1-3 sentences long and cover a variety of subjects, including algebraic concepts, data analysis and probability, geometry, measurement, and number sense.
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Quantitative comparison questions give you two quantities (A and B) and ask you to evaluate the relationship between them. A lot of the questions require no calculations or only simple calculations.
Example:
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section consists of six reading passages. Each passage has six questions. Of the 36 questions, 30 are scored and 6 are unscored.
After reading the passage, you will be asked questions about the main idea and supporting ideas, organization and logic, vocabulary, and tone of the passage. Additionally, you will be presented with inference-based questions.
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Mathematics Achievement
The Mathematics Achievement section is aligned with the grade-level standards, so it covers topics that students have learned in school. The topics covered are algebraic concepts (13-17 questions), data analysis and probability (8-13 questions), geometry (5-8 questions), number sense (5-11 questions), and measurement (5-8 questions). Of the 47 questions, 42 are scored and 5 are unscored.
It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
Example:
Essay
The Essay section asks you to respond to a personal writing prompt, which gives you the chance to showcase something about yourself. The Essay is an opportunity for you to show schools how well you can express yourself, organize your thoughts, and address a prompt in a logical manner.
Note: The Essay is not scored. Rather, a copy of your essay is sent along with your score report..
Example:
The best way to familiarize yourself with the ISEE is to take full-length practice tests. Get started with your prep today!
Preparing for a different level? Check out a breakdown of the Primary Levels, Lower Level, and Middle Level.
