“It was just perfect, thank you!”
Parent of a New York City 5th grader
“Everything that appeared on the test.”
Chicago 5th grader
“The videos were very helpful.”
Parent of a Houston 8th grader
“Piqosity really helped.”
Tutor to a Los Angeles 6th grader
Advanced ISEE Upper Level Test Prep Enabled by Innovative Platform Features
10 ISEE Practice Tests & Unrivaled Practice ContentPiqosity’s market-leading prep courses for the ISEE include up to 10 full-length practice tests with essay prompts and a mini diagnostic test. Our Advanced Package includes an unrivaled amount of practice content with bundled, grade-level English and Math courses. And every test question on Piqosity is peer-normed for difficulty to ensure that students are expertly prepared for test day. |
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Piqosity Virtual TutorNot knowing where to start is no issue for Patrick the Piqosity Virtual Tutor (PVT). Simply tell PVT what your goals are and when your test or desired completion date is, and it’ll guide you step-by-step through lessons and practice. PVT adapts the course curriculum to your individual goals and needs including content difficulty and mastery expectations. |
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Concept Review LessonsBrush up on ISEE tested concepts with our educator-created tutorials and animated video lessons that cover everything from types of numbers (for ISEE’s Lower Level) to trigonometric functions for the ACT and SAT. Piqosity dynamically recommends lessons based off of a student’s demonstrated weaknesses and our growing community of real educators is constantly adding and updating new content. |
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Adaptive & Gamified PracticePiqosity allows you to choose how to tackle your practice. In adaptive mode, Piqosity dynamically adjusts the difficulty up or down based off your correct or incorrect responses so that you’re always challenged accordingly. In gamified mode, Piqosity combines elements of adaptive practice with instant scoring, badges, and sounds to liven up even the most challenging of practice sets. |
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Strengths & Weaknesses AnalysisPiqosity dynamically peer norms every question for difficulty to ensure that you’re adequately challenged. There’s no more guessing about what a “hard question” looks like—on Piqosity a hard question is simply the one where only the most advanced learners are answering it correctly. Piqosity keeps track of your key performance indicators including improvement, timing, and weakest areas. |
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ISEE Answer ExplanationsEvery full-length ISEE test question contains at least 1 explanation. Students may request additional explanations from all educators in our network. A Question and Answer feature even allows them to ask specific questions. |
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Printable ISEE Practice Test PDFsBoth full-length ISEE practice tests and personalized practice sets can be downloaded as a PDF for printing. |
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Customizable TimerWant to time your ISEE test prep? The countdown timer can be set to standard time, time-and-a-half, and double time according to your preferences. |
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Innovative Learning ToolsPiqosity’s student interface includes helpful tools like answer choice strike-throughs, question flagging, and a whiteboard on which to do scratch work. |
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Continual GrowthOur global team of software engineers, curriculum editors, and educators is continuously deploying features and updating materials. We generally make behind-the-scenes code updates every two weeks. |
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Piqosity’s Affordable Pricing for the ISEE Upper Level
ISEE Upper Level Course Plans
The chart above is for users who sign up directly with Piqosity beginning September 6, 2021.
- No credit card is required to register for the free Community Plan.
- All plans include unlimited access for 365 days.
- Lower-tier plans can be upgraded after initial purchase; however, the upgrade will not extend the initial validity period of the plan.
Included Services for Individual Users
Beginning September 6, 2021, all directly paid, individual user plans for ISEE test prep include a one-time consulting and/or tutorial services provided by a qualified educator. These services will help to ensure that parents and students get off to a great start and know how to correctly use Piqosity’s platform.
These consultation and tutorial services are provided by third-party educators not employed by Piqosity. Parents will have the opportunity to select from up to three available providers.
Have you already made your purchase?
Parent-Tutor Consultation
The purpose of the Parent-Tutor Consultation is for parents to get a better understanding of the steps required for their child to succeed at ISEE test prep and testing. These consultations are between a qualified tutor or manager and the student’s parent or guardian.
- Students are not generally part of this meeting
- Consultations last approximately 20 minutes
- Consultations are typically virtual but can take place in-person when possible
Topics to be covered in the consultation include:
- Answering a parent’s general questions about the selected course
- Showing quick tips on how to best use Piqosity
- Providing recommendations for next-steps
Private Tutorial
The purpose of the Private Tutorial is for students to review their completed Mini Diagnostic test with an experienced tutor and receive quick tips and strategies.
- Tutoring sessions are help one-to-one with the student
- Session last a maximum of 1 hour
- Sessions are typically virtual but can take place in-person when possible
Topics to be covered in the 1-hour tutoring session include
- Reviewing a student’s Piqosity mini-diagnostic test
- Showing quick tips on how to best use Piqosity
- Providing recommendations for next steps
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Piqosity represents a superior value when compared to Test Innovators
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Group Pricing for Educators
Discounted, per-student pricing is available to any educator including schools, tutoring companies, teachers, or tutors. Each student license is charged individually depending on the number of active licenses in the educator’s account.
Only one type of plan is available for group discounts–the Group Plan. The Group Plan includes access to all 10 full-length practice tests but no additional services or bundled courses.
No application is required; to qualify for group pricing, simply register as an educator or organization, and the discounts will be automatically applied.
The Piqosity Advantage
Full-Length ISEE Tests
Plus complementary math and English courses for unrivaled practice content
Innovative Platform
Our global team is continually expanding our app every 2 weeks
Mission-Driven
One product launch at a time, we’re on a mission to rethink education
Proven Experience
We work with students from PreK to college to help them reach their goals and beyond
How to Improve Your ISEE Score with Piqosity
Our proven test prep methodology for the last 18+ years.
Taking practice tests is the best way to evaluate strengths and weaknesses, familiarize yourself with the test format, and build endurance. Piqosity offers up to 10 full-length practice tests, more than any of our competitors.
Use the analysis generated by mock tests to develop or refine your ISEE test prep roadmap. Read Piqosity’s content lessons or watch how-to videos to review areas where you need a little refreshing.
Internalize what you’ve reviewed in the concept lessons by discussing your findings with a peer, parent, or tutor. Use Piqosity’s question-and-answers feature and the discussion forum.
Practice does not always make perfect, but it can get you close! Work practice questions using Piqosity’s adaptive practice feature; liven things up by switching to gamified mode. If you run out practice, consider taking a complementary Piqosity course in math and English.
Repeat this cycle until you achieve your desired score!
Free ISEE Upper Level Study Guide
For students applying to grades 9-12
Verbal Reasoning is the first and fastest section. It is composed of two parts – synonyms and sentence completions.
- 1st multiple-choice section
- 20 minutes
- 40 questions
- 30 seconds per question
Learn more about the ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning Section.
Quantitative Reasoning is often considered the most difficult part of the ISEE; it includes word problems and quantitative comparison questions.
- 2nd multiple-choice section
- 35 minutes
- 37 questions
- 57 seconds per question
Learn more about the ISEE Upper Level Quantitative Reasoning Section.
Reading Comprehension is comprised of 6 ~600 word passages followed by 6 questions each; students generally think it’s the easiest section.
- 3rd multiple-choice section
- 35 minutes
- 36 questions
- 58 seconds per question
Learn more about the ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension Section.
Mathematics Achievement is the longest part of the ISEE and comprised of word problems; a calculator is not allowed on the ISEE.
- 4th multiple-choice section
- 40 minutes
- 47 questions
- 51 seconds per question
Learn more about the ISEE Upper Level Mathematics Achievement Section.
The personal-style Essay is the last section of the ISEE; it is not scored but is sent directly to schools.
- 5th and last section
- 30 minutes
- 1 prompt
- 2 pages max
Complementary Courses
English 8
Bundle our 8th grade English course for 100+ more reading passages to practice with.
Algebra I
Bundle our Algebra I math course for 1300+ more questions to practice with.
ACT
Advanced learners can add an ACT course to qualify for gifted & talented summer programs.
SAT
Advanced learners can add an ACT course to qualify for gifted & talented summer programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Piqosity’s courses are designed to meet your student where they are, and they can be used for both enrichment and remediation. Your child can use Piqosity’s lessons and practice materials to review and reinforce the concepts they are struggling with in class. If they aren’t sure where to start, they can take a diagnostic test to help them understand where their weaknesses lie, or they can use the Piqosity Virtual Tutor to progress through the Course Outline from start to finish.
Our content is partly written in-house and partly by third party publishers including tutors and teachers. Our in-house team has more than 15 years of experience helping thousands of students achieve their potential in Houston (where we’re based) and around the world.
We and our partners write content in accordance with our experience and the specifications set forth by the test makers (i.e. ACT, College Board, and ERB). To avoid mismanaging expectations, our material is meant to be challenging while still matching the tested topics and question types.
Our content is partly written in-house and partly by third party publishers including tutors and teachers. Our in-house team has more than 15 years of experience helping thousands of students achieve their potential at our home base in Houston and around the world.
Our content is aligned to both Common Core and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). We and our partners also write content in accordance with our experience and the specifications set forth by the test makers (i.e. ACT, College Board, and ERB).
- The ISEE Upper Level is for students applying to grades 9-12.
- The ISEE Middle Level is for students applying to grades 7&8.
- The ISEE Lower Level is for students applying to grades 5&6.
- The ISEE Primary Level is offered for students applying to grades 2, 3, and 4; however, ISEE scores are not that important at this early age.
Piqosity works hard to make our platform as straightforward and easy-to-navigate as possible. If you are experiencing issues, please visit our support center for immediate answers to most questions, including how-to guides for students and educators, as well as a list of known technical issues. You can also contact us via support ticket any time or call us at +1 713-234-6098 within business hours.
Assuming a winter application deadline in December or January, the majority of students will start preparing in fall. About a quarter of students plan ahead and start in summer. And another quarter play catch-up in the winter.
Read our article to learn more about when to prepare for the ISEE test.
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a standardized test required by many American private schools for admission. It is comprised of 4 scored sections testing math and reading plus 1 non-scored, 2-page personal essay. The ISEE admission test lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours depending on which grade to which the student is applying. The worst stanine score is a 1 and the best score is a 9; average scores are 4, 5, and 6. Students may take the ISEE test up to 3 times a year, but most students only have two chances to make their best score before applications are due.
- Read more about the ISEE Upper Level test.
- Read more about the ISEE Middle Level test.
- Read more about the ISEE Lower Level test.
Piqosity means to pique curiosity. We are a Houston-based education technology startup on a mission to rethink education. One product launch at a time, we are on a journey to democratize education publishing, personalize student learning, and empower future generations to tackle the greatest challenges. Our team has more than 18 years of tutoring and test prep experience since we first helped our first student out of a Rice University dorm room in 2003. Click here to learn more about our company.
When you hear other people discussing ISEE scores, they are usually referring to Stanine Scores. The Stanine Scores are also what schools usually care about most, as they provide the most succinct way of measuring a student’s performance on the ISEE test.
In general, a good ISEE score for an academically competitive school is a Stanine Score of 7, 8, or 9. Stanine Scores of 4, 5, and 6 are considered average, and scores of 1, 2, and 3 are below average. However, the comprehensive answer to this question depends on several factors, including the schools to which you are applying.
For more information, read our comprehensive article, “What is a Good Score on the ISEE?”
Every practice set on Piqosity, including adaptive questions and full-length mock tests, can be downloaded as a PDF file for easy printing.
Piqosity’s online classes are suitable for many different types of self-directed learners. Whether you’re a student looking for additional \ enrichment and test prep outside of the classes or are simply looking for a little remediation, Piqosity’s courses provide you with the tools and resources you need to meet your goals.
However, online learning is not for everyone. Students who struggle to focus on the computer may find that classroom learning is better suited to their needs.
All courses are available for a full 365 days after the date of purchase.
The ISEE test can be difficult but it does not have to be. The ISEE tests both what students have learned in school (achievement) as well as how they apply that knowledge to new and novel situations (reasoning). The ISEE test is comprised of four scored sections in this order:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics Achievement
High achieving students who are already performing well in school tend to naturally do well on the achievement parts of the test (Reading Comprehension and Mathematics Achievement). Conversely students who are already struggling with fractions or building their vocabularies will see those deficiencies amplified on the ISEE.
Almost all students find the two reasoning sections difficult (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning). These two sections are specifically designed to challenge students to take their in-class learning one step further.
No, the ISEE test does not allow a calculator on either of the two math sections of the ISEE test—Mathematics Achievement and Quantitative Reasoning. All math questions are designed to be answered without the aid of a calculator. In fact, when a question looks like it might involve many steps and complex calculations, it can often be solved very quickly with a little mental math and logic.
Yes! We are actively looking for educators and publishers to contribute to our platform. Please contact us for more information.
The average student preparing with Piqosity reports that they spent between 30 and 40 hours in total studying for the ISEE. However, how long your student will need to study for the ISEE depends on three primary factors:
- The academic competitiveness of the schools to which your child is applying.
- Your child’s baseline score after taking a diagnostic test.
- Your child’s desired score.
For example, an average student applying to a large private school that caters to students of different abilities will not need to study nearly as much as an average student applying to a small private school that prides itself for academic rigor.
In general the ISEE test lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours with breaks, but the exact duration depends on the level of the test the student is taking.
- The ISEE Upper Level is for students applying to grades 9-12 and lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes not including two breaks. Students must answer 160 multiple-choice questions and write 1 essay in this time period.
- The ISEE Middle Level is for students applying to grades 7&8 and lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes not including two breaks. Students must answer 160 multiple-choice questions and write 1 essay in this time period.
- The ISEE Lower Level is for students applying to grades 5&6 and lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes not including two breaks. Students must answer 147 multiple-choice questions and write 1 essay in this time period.
ISEE test score results can take anywhere from 24-hours to 10 days before they are viewable in the ERB’s online parent portal.
Tests taken on a computer either at home or at a testing center are scored within 24-hours.
Tests taken on paper are not promised to be scored until 10-14 days after the test date. However, the reality is that most large testing sites (popular private schools) quickly turn around the results as soon as the Monday or Wednesday after a Saturday testing.
As of 2021, there was no paid option for guaranteed faster scoring since the online testing results are already so fast.
As always, it’s free to sign up with Piqosity’s Community Plan, which provides you with limited access to premium content. The paid plan unlocks all of Piqosity’s key innovative platform features, including:
- Instructional lessons with multiple variations including videos
- Adaptive practice including the option for gamification
- Student analytics and strengths and weakness diagnostics
- Answer explanations from both the original author and third-party educators
- Printable PDF practice tests and question sets
- Timers with settings for time and a half and double time
- Online test taking tools like whiteboard, question scratch throughs, and flagging
Register now to get started!
As a rule, our editors try to ensure that Piqosity’s first-party preparation material for the ISEE test is at or slightly above the expected difficulty of the actual ISEE. The last thing we want to do is provide unrealistically easy material that lulls families into a false sense of confidence (and the next to last thing we want to do is make the content so difficult that we scare students into feeling defeated).
Beginning in winter 2021, we started to peer norm every question on Piqosity and compare it to the actual ISEE test results. When we examined our 3,597 questions for the ISEE Upper Level on December 21, 2021, we found that students were answering our questions with a mean accuracy of 51.25% and a median accuracy of 51.75%, which is nearly exactly the same as the official ISEE results reported from students testing in November of 2021.
However, Piqosity’s norm group is smaller and likely more studious than the ISEE-taking population as a whole, which means that Piqosity’s content may skew more difficult than what students can expect to find on the actual ISEE.
Parents must create an online account at ERB to register for the ISEE test:
- Create an online account at ERB
- Pick a test date and location (online, school, or testing center)
- Pay a fee of between $140 and $200 depending on the location
To avoid paying a $30 late registration fee, parents should register at least 3-weeks before their desired testing date.
Some testing locations require an access code to register because they only test students enrolled or applying to their school. Parents obtain this code by speaking with the school’s admissions team.
As a parent or tutor you might be anxious about preparing your student for the ISEE especially since you probably never took this relatively new and niche test yourself. But Piqosity makes it easy; if you can explain To Kill a Mocking Bird or remember Algebra I, then you can also tutor the ISEE:
- Start by having your student take a diagnostic test to understand their starting point; Piqosity’s free mini-diagnostic will work.
- Walk them through the math and English concepts they’re weak in; Piqosity’s lessons will help you.
- Have them work full-length practice tests to find knowledge gaps and get them comfortable with the test format and question styles; Piqosity offers 10 full-length practice tests.
Read more in our guide, “How to Tutor the ISEE as a Parent or Tutor.”
No, as an education-technology company, Piqosity does not directly provide tutorial services. However, we do partner with independent, third-party educators across the world. Some of our course packages include a consultation or tutorial session with these tutors and teachers.
Currently, all of our Math and ELA courses are estimated to take around 40 hours to complete. School is in session for roughly 35 weeks out of the year; assuming a student works roughly 1 hour per week, your Piqosity math course will take the average student a full academic year to complete. Students using Piqosity to remediate or prepare for a standardized test such as the ISEE Lower Level, will likely have to compress this timeline.
Piqosity does not provide tutorial services. However, we do partner with independent, third-party educators across the world. Some of our course packages include a consultation or tutorial session with these tutors and teachers.
Piqosity is not an accredited institution and does not offer course credit. We do not currently offer certificates of completion at this time, but are working towards doing so in the near future.
Yes! We built Piqosity not only to be user friendly for parents and students at home but also for the advanced needs of tutors and teachers. Key features for educators include:
- Student management including the ability to see everything the student sees
- Automatic scoring and analysis of all student work
- Assignments with due dates
- Custom Branding (tutoring companies and schools)
The biggest features for educators are still yet to come. Beginning this fall we will open up our platform to enable any qualified educator to upload their own instructional content to Piqosity. This means that educators will be able to create their own lessons and questions. They will be able to share this content with all users or just with their own students.We are actively looking for educators and publishers to contribute to our platform. Please contact us for more information.
Yes! All of our courses include a free “Community” plan with limited access to premium content like mini diagnostic tests. No credit card is required to register. If you decide that you want access to more premium content, simply upgrade your plan. Upgraded course plans are single-pay, non-recurring, and provide access for 365-days from the date of purchase.
Yes! Every practice set on Piqosity, including adaptive questions and full-length tests, can be downloaded as a PDF file for easy printing.
If you upgrade from the free Community plan, your credit card will only be charged the one time with no recurring fees. All paid plans are currently valid for 365 days from the date of activation. No credit card is required to initially register for Piqosity’s free Community plan.
Looking for the Best ISEE Upper Level Test Prep Course?
Be wary of these audacious marketing claims.
Join 200,000 Students
Join the hundreds of thousands of students using our platform for test prep!According to the New York Times and the US National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are probably fewer than 60k students who take the ISEE every year. The number we posted here (and the number competitors are likely using) is simply the number of visitors coming to our site for any course or blog page.
Get into your dream school
Most students using our platform get into their top pick.There are so many problems with this claim. First, a student’s top choice school in Jackson, Mississippi is much less competitive than a student’s top choice school in New York City. Secondly, just because someone else got into a certain school does not mean that your child will get in, too.
Our students score higher
Higher than 70% on average!This claim exemplifies a classic case of selective sample size and correlation without causation. The number we used was found by looking at a subset of Piqosity users who did a certain amount of practice with a tutor. The only scientifically validated way to improve your score is to take a test more than once.
While all of these statements are technically true for Piqosity, we share them with you only to show how such claims can be hollow and misleading.
Mouse over each claim to learn why they should be taken with a grain of salt.
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