ISEE Sample Questions: Upper Level
Try our FREE sample questions for the ISEE Upper Level (for entrance to grades 9-12)! This is a completely free ISEE practice test, and it covers all question types found on the real exam: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement.
Free ISEE Practice Questions - Upper Level
ISEE Upper Level Vocabulary Questions-Synonyms 1
The following question consists of a word in capital letters followed by four answer choices. Select
the one word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters
PLAUSIBLE:
ISEE Upper Level Vocabulary Questions-Synonyms 2
The following question consists of a word in capital letters followed by four answer choices. Select
the one word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters
METICULOUS
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When I work with students on ISEE synonyms, I teach them to first try to define the word in their own words before looking at the choices. If you don't know the word, look for familiar word parts - prefixes, roots, or suffixes you recognize. Also, eliminate obvious opposites first (like "impossible" for PLAUSIBLE). Finally, if you're stuck, try each answer choice in a sentence with the original word to see which one makes the most sense. Remember, you're looking for the closest meaning, not necessarily a perfect match!"
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ISEE Upper Level Vocabulary Questions-Sentence Completion 1
Each blank indicates that a word is missing. The sentence is followed by four answer choices. Select the word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Although the evidence seemed convincing at first, the witness's testimony proved to be _______ when several inconsistencies were discovered.
ISEE Upper Level Vocabulary Questions-Sentence Completion 2
Each blank indicates that a word is missing. The sentence is followed by four answer choices. Select the word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The committee decided to _______ the proposed changes to the student handbook until they could gather more input from parents and teachers.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For high school level context clue questions, I teach my students to identify "contrast words" like "although," "however," "but," and "despite" - these signal that the missing word will contrast with what came before. I also emphasize looking for time indicators like "until," "before," "after," and "while" which often reveal whether an action is being delayed, completed, or ongoing. When you see these signal words, underline them! They're like roadmaps pointing you toward the correct answer. The more you practice spotting these patterns, the faster you'll solve these questions."
ISEE Upper Level Mathematics Achievement Questions 1
What is the value of the expression 3(2 + 4)?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I always tell my students to think of parentheses like a "math bubble" - whatever's inside that bubble has to be solved first, no exceptions! When I see 3(2 + 4), I imagine the parentheses are like a protective shield around the 2 + 4, and that 3 is just waiting patiently outside until we finish what's inside. Once we pop that bubble and get 6, then the 3 can finally do its job and multiply. I've found that students who visualize it this way rarely mess up the order of operations - they naturally want to "clear the bubble" first!"
ISEE Upper Level Mathematics Achievement Questions 2
A set of 5 numbers has a mean of 12. What additional number must be included in this set to create a new set with a mean that is 2 less than the mean of the original set?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I teach my students to think of mean problems like sharing pizza slices equally among friends. If you have 60 pizza slices shared among 5 friends, each gets 12 slices (that's your mean). Now, if a 6th friend joins but you still only have 60 slices total, each person gets 10 slices instead. The "additional number" in these problems is like asking "what did that 6th friend bring to the pizza party?" In this case, they brought 0 slices - they just showed up empty-handed! I always remind students: when you add more people (increase the count) but keep the same total, the average naturally goes down. Zero is often the magic number that makes this work."
ISEE Upper Level Quantitative Reasoning Questions 1
Using the information given in each question, compare the quantity in Column A to the quantity in Column B. All questions have these answer choices:
(A) The quantity in Column A is greater.
(B) The quantity in Column B is greater.
(C) The two quantities are equal.
(D) The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
Setup: Twelve cards numbered 1-12 are put into a bag.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| Probability of choosing a multiple of 3 | Probability of choosing a prime number |
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When comparing probabilities, first identify all favorable outcomes for each column. Count carefully and double-check your lists. Remember that 1 is neither prime nor composite, and 2 is the only even prime number. Converting to the same denominator (like 4/12 vs 5/12) makes comparison easier than using decimals."
ISEE Upper Level Quantitative Reasoning Questions 2
Using the information given in each question, compare the quantity in Column A to the quantity in Column B. All questions have these answer choices:
(A) The quantity in Column A is greater.
(B) The quantity in Column B is greater.
(C) The two quantities are equal.
(D) The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
Setup: The original price of a bicycle was $100.00.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| The amount saved after a 20% discount | The amount saved after two separate discounts of 10% and 10% |
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Be careful with successive percentage discounts! Two 10% discounts do NOT equal one 20% discount. The second discount is applied to the already-reduced price, not the original price. Always calculate step-by-step: apply the first discount, find the new price, then apply the second discount to that new amount. A common mistake is adding percentages directly (10% + 10% = 20%), but this ignores the compounding effect."
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The following 3 questions are based on the passage below
The Science of Memory Formation
Memory formation is one of the most fascinating processes in the human brain, involving complex neural mechanisms that transform fleeting experiences into lasting recollections. When we encounter new information, our brains initiate a sophisticated sequence of events that determines whether that information will be forgotten within minutes or preserved for decades.
The process begins with encoding, where sensory information is converted into a format the brain can process and store. During this initial stage, neurons in the hippocampus—a seahorse-shaped structure deep within the brain—work alongside other regions to create temporary neural pathways. However, these fragile connections require reinforcement to become permanent memories.
Consolidation represents the critical second phase, during which temporary memories undergo biochemical changes that strengthen neural connections. This process can take hours, days, or even years to complete. Sleep plays an indispensable role during consolidation, as the brain replays experiences and transfers information from temporary storage in the hippocampus to long-term storage in the cerebral cortex.
The final stage, retrieval, involves accessing stored memories when needed. Interestingly, each time we recall a memory, we slightly modify it through a process called reconsolidation. This phenomenon explains why eyewitness testimonies can become less accurate over time, as memories are inadvertently altered during each recollection.
Understanding memory formation has profound implications for education and learning strategies. Research suggests that spaced repetition, adequate sleep, and emotional engagement significantly enhance memory consolidation. Additionally, this knowledge helps scientists develop treatments for memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, where the normal process of memory formation becomes severely compromised, leading to progressive cognitive decline.
ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension Qustion 1
One of the main purposes of the passage is to explain...
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When asked about the "main purpose," look for what the passage spends most of its time explaining. Notice how each paragraph builds on the previous one to create a complete picture of the memory formation process. The title also gives you a strong clue about the main focus."
ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension Qustion 2
Which best describes the organization of the passage?
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Look for signal words that indicate organizational patterns. Words like "first," "second," "begins with," "next," and "final" suggest chronological order. Also pay attention to how paragraphs connect to each other - does each one build on the previous information in a logical sequence?"
ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension Qustion 3
In the passage, the word "indispensable" most nearly means...
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For vocabulary questions, always read the sentence containing the word plus the sentences before and after it. Look for context clues like examples, explanations, or emphasis words. In this case, the detailed explanation of sleep's crucial role in memory consolidation tells us it's not optional - it's absolutely necessary."
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ISEE Upper Level FAQs
Most successful students prepare for 6-8 weeks with consistent daily practice (45-60 minutes). However, students applying to the most competitive schools often benefit from 10-12 weeks of preparation. The Upper Level requires mastery of advanced concepts, so cramming isn't effective. Our prep pack allows students to work at their own pace while tracking progress across all four sections.
Most elite private schools (both boarding and day) consider ISEE scores as one of the most important factors in admission, often equal to grades and recommendations. Schools like Groton, Choate, and St. Paul's typically expect scores in the 80th percentile or higher. Our prep pack focuses on achieving these top-tier scores that open doors to the most selective institutions.
Our questions are updated regularly to reflect current ISEE format and content. While the basic structure remains consistent, we monitor all changes and update our materials accordingly. The practice questions in our prep pack reflect the exact difficulty level, question types, and content areas students will encounter on their actual test date.
