If you need help studying for the ISEE Upper Level test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free ISEE Upper Level practice test!
What’s on the Test?
There are 160 multiple-choice questions and one unscored essay on the test, and the time limit is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
There are two scheduled breaks (5-10 minutes each) during the test: one after the Quantitative Reasoning section and another after the Mathematics Achievement section.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the ISEE Upper Level test.
1. Verbal Reasoning
40 questions | 20 minutes
- Vocabulary: Each vocabulary question gives you an abstract word to define.
- Sentence Completion: Each sentence completion question gives you a sentence with a missing word, and you must determine which word best fills in the blank.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
37 questions | 35 minutes
- Word Problems: You’ll be given a word problem to read through and solve. Not every word problem requires mathematical calculations.
- Quantitative Comparisons: You’ll be given two quantities (A and B) and must select one of four answer choices:
- The quantity in Column A is greater.
- The quantity in Column B is greater.
- The two quantities are equal.
- The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
3. Reading Comprehension
36 questions | 35 minutes
4. Mathematics Achievement
47 questions | 40 minutes
Heads up! Calculators aren’t allowed during the test, so be prepared to do all calculations manually.
5. Essay
1 prompt | 30 minutes
There isn’t a strict word limit, but try to aim for 3 to 5 paragraphs.
ISEE Upper Level Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
How to Register
To get started with your registration, you’ll need to create an account on the ERB website. You can then register for the test and schedule a test date through your account.
When you submit your registration, you’ll need to pay the applicable testing fee.
Testing In Person
Testing At Home
Test Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
FAQs
How many questions are on the ISEE Upper Level test?
The test contains 160 multiple-choice questions and one essay.
When can I take the ISEE Upper Level test?
You can take the ISEE Upper Level as many as three times in a year and once each during three four-month periods. If you’re looking to enter ninth grade via the ISEE Upper Level, your first chance to do so would in the second semester or over the summer of your seventh-grade year.
How will I receive my score for the ISEE Upper Level test?
Your ISEE Upper Level score is available on ERB’s website seven days after the test is scored. For an extra fee, it is possible to receive an expedited score. Schools to which a student may be applying will only see the scores that are submitted by parents and usually parents select the best single score that their children achieved.
How much does the ISEE Upper Level test cost?
The testing fee depends on where you take the test.