This article will explain how the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam works and why it is the leading admissions test for higher education institutions across the country.
It will cover the various versions of the Wonderlic SLE test and their question formats, before offering options for Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam practice tests.
This is because, like with all psychometric tests, familiarity can help build confidence.
Extra tips for preparing, including helping with nerves, are also suggested; the Wonderlic SLE test can be a daunting one, so it’s a good idea to research and plan as much as possible.
Practice Wonderlic SLE TestArticle Contents
What Is the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam?
The Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) is a type of intelligence test that allows universities and academic institutions to select candidates for their programs.
The Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam aims to determine the candidates’ problem-solving skills as well as their ability to quickly learn, grasp and follow instructions.
It is similar to the Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT), which many employers use during their hiring process to filter recruitment candidates.
Both the SLE and the WPT are considered to accurately predict training success and job performance, as well as being fair to minority applicants.
For this reason, they are commonly used as helpful tests of general cognitive ability in the workplace and for pre-employment selection. They are similar to IQ tests but are much faster to administer.
This exam was developed by Wonderlic (originally founded by Eldon F. Wonderlic after studying in the psychology department at Northwestern University).
Most universities and colleges across the USA require the SAT or ACT, but there is a growing number who are asking prospective students to take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam.
The Wonderlic SLE is especially useful for institutions that have hands-on, vocational learning – as they need to know if their potential students can grasp complex issues and fix practical problems as they study and work.
It’s particularly used by athletic departments, the police force and nursing colleges, as they need to recruit very specific types of students.
Each institution will have its own criteria and a passing threshold of its own, so you will need to research this specifically for where you are applying.
You may be charged to take the SLE. The best way to find out is to ask the schools that you are considering applying to.
Most academic institutions try not to pass on the cost to the applicants for taking the test, but some do.
Wonderlic SLE Test Format
Questions in the Wonderlic SLE Test are placed in order of difficulty, so the first questions you see will be the easiest. As you go through, they will get progressively harder.
Also, you can skip questions if you prefer to come back to them.
There are different categories of questions – verbal, quantitative, abstract and logical reasoning.
However, when you take the test, the different types of questions are all mixed up.
Questions are mostly multiple-choice; you’re advised to answer all of them, even if you run out of time and have to guess towards the end.
Calculators are not allowed, but scrap paper for working out is.
The test is taken online, usually on the premises of the institution to which the person is applying.
It is designed to be a high-pressure situation, like many cognitive tests.
Most people do not feel they have enough time to answer all the questions. In fact, only 5% of candidates finish the whole Wonderlic SLE assessment.
Topics covered in Wonderlic SLE are:
- Abstract and spatial reasoning – 10% of the test; for example, folding boxes and rotational series
- Verbal reasoning – 40% of the test; for example, word comparisons, syllogisms, antonyms and sentence formation
- Numerical reasoning – 40% of the test; for example, simple math, graphs, word problems, number comparisons and number series
- General knowledge – 10% of the test, for example, popular science as well as dates and events
There are currently two different types Wonderlic SLE:
- Quicktest (also known as the SLE-Q)
- Wonderlic SLE full version
Quicktest
This shorter version of the Wonderlic Scholastic Exam consists of 30 questions to be answered in an 8-minute time frame.
This means you only have 16 seconds per question.
The content in the SLE-Q is identical to the full test; it is just shorter.
It’s often taken early in an institution’s selection process in a non-proctored environment – though sometimes you can still be asked to take the full SLE later on.
Wonderlic SLE Full Version
The full SLE version has 50 questions to be dealt with in a 12-minute timeframe. It is even faster than the Quicktest, as there are only 14 seconds for each question.
This test is usually administered at the premises of the university or college to which you are applying.
Practice Wonderlic SLE Test
When taking the Wonderlic SLE test, it helps to have practiced in advance.
Here are some sample questions and answers that you can use as a Wonderlic SLE study guide.
Remember – you only have 14–16 seconds for each one.
Practice Wonderlic SLE TestNumerical Reasoning SLE Practice Question and Answers
Kate is five years older than Mark. Mark is 15 years old, and Sam is half Kate’s age.
How old will Sam be when Mark is 40?
a) 45
b) 50
c) 37
d) 35
e) 40
The correct answer is: d). Mark is 15, so Kate must be 20 and Sam 10. Sam is five years younger than Mark, so when Mark is 40 Sam will be 35.
General Knowledge SLE Practice Question and Answer
What is the largest continent on Earth?
a) North America
b) Africa
c) Antarctica
d) Asia
The correct answer is: d) Asia.
Abstract and Spatial Reasoning Sample Question and Answer
From looking at these shapes, can you tell which is the most different?
The correct answer is: d). It doesn’t have the same number of sides as the others (five compared to four).
Verbal Reasoning Sample Question and Answer
If statements 1 and 2 are true, is the final statement 3 true?
1. John is taller than Mark
2. Pete is shorter than John
3. Pete is the shortest among the three
a) Yes
b) No
c) Uncertain
The correct answer is: c) Uncertain, because it is not possible to know if Pete is taller or shorter than Mark using the given information.
How Is the Wonderlic SLE Test Scored?
In the Wonderlic SLE Full Version, your score will be just the number of answers you got correct, as each question on the Wonderlic SLE Test is worth one point. It is marked out of 50.
You do not lose points for answering wrongly, so always take a guess even if you are not sure you know the answer.
The Wonderlic SLE Quicktest is scored slightly differently from the full-length version.
It is still scored out of 50, but each correct answer is worth 1.66 points as this is a shorter 30-question exam. The final score is then comparable to the full SLE.
In general, scores are never near the high end of the bracket, as the test is very difficult.
Usually, the passing range is from 16-20 but the exact passing score for the Wonderlic SLE Test is different for each admissions program – check with the college you are applying to.
75% of candidates score below 27. The average score is around 20 (only a grade of 40%).
This is why using a Wonderlic SLE study guide is helpful – most candidates don’t use one so you will stand out from the crowd if you do.
Typically, scores under 10 are considered low, with the potential of being judged as someone who did not understand what was being asked.
Here are ranges showing what different types of workers score to give you a sense of what the scores might indicate:
- Welders, warehousemen and security guards usually score between 14 and 18
- Casual clerical workers, receptionists and store cashiers might score around 20 to 21
- Blue-collar employees, like electricians, nurses and sales-staff, get scores around 25
- Teachers and executives will usually score 27–30
- The highest scorers (around the 30 mark) are typically chemists, engineers or programmers
In general, taking Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam sample tests will improve your scores. Even if you only have a few days to prepare you can make a difference to your ultimate score in the formal assessment, so be sure to study as much as you can.
If you want 12-month access to all the practice resources for this test, our partner TestPrep-Online.com offers a Family Membership.
Family Membership gives you access to all the TestPrep-Online resources for the next 12 months. You will also get two separate accounts, which can be very helpful if you have two children preparing for their tests.
Get a Family Membership with 12-month accessHow to Pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam
Do Your Research
Do lots of research in advance of your Wonderlic SLE exam. Make sure you read about it and understand the test format, even before taking an SLE practice test.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Think about your aptitudes and weaknesses too – perhaps you want to brush up on your basic math skills, for example.
Know What Passing Score You Need
When preparing for the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination, bear in mind that the pass mark for your test will depend on the specific institution’s criteria – so find out what the actual passing score for your chosen program is in advance to be fully prepared.
Take Practice Tests
Wonderlic SLE tests add a lot of time pressure to an already stressful test-taking situation.
It can be easy to make careless mistakes – taking Wonderlic SLE assessment practice tests in advance can help build your confidence, accuracy and speed and help you work out where to spend your time.
Practice Wonderlic SLE TestPractice Under Real Test Conditions
You can take free Wonderlic SLE practice tests, such as those provided by Test-Prep Online.
Taking these under test conditions will also help you get used to the test format and working under the pressure of speed.
Look After Your Health
Getting enough sleep and making sure you are doing exercise in the weeks coming up is helpful to keep yourself feeling balanced.
Also, be sure to stay hydrated on the day of the test and eat a protein-rich breakfast to keep your brain engaged.
Work on Your Time-Management
Working on your time management in general is a smart thing to do – the Scholastic Level Exam practice tests you take in advance will help you with time management on the day of the real assessment and you will learn to perform optimally without feeling overwhelmed when planning your days well.
Control Your Nerves
If you feel that your confidence is lacking, you can work on breathing exercises prior to the exam to regulate your nerves and ensure that you operate at an optimal level.
Try box breathing – breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, breathe out for four sections, hold your breath for four seconds then start again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam?
The Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) is a type of intelligence test that allows universities and academic institutions to select candidates for their programs.
It is similar to the Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT), which many employers use during their hiring process as a filter for recruitment. They are like IQ tests but are much faster to administer.
Both the SLE and the WPT are considered to fairly predict training success and job performance, including for minority applicants. For this reason, they are commonly used as helpful tests of general cognitive ability in the workplace and for pre-employment selection.
Is the SLE test hard to pass?
The Wonderlic SLE test is very difficult – in general, scores are never near the high end of the bracket, as
75% of candidates score below 27 out of 50. The average score is around 20, which is only a grade of 40%.
Typically, the passing range is from 16–20, but the exact passing score for the Wonderlic SLE Test is different for each admissions program.
Where can I prepare for the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam?
Test-Prep Online provides Wonderlic SLE practice tests.
Taking these under test conditions will also help you get used to the test format and working under the pressure of speed.
Taking plenty of Wonderlic SLE practice tests will help you work out where to spend your time, usually the areas in which you’re struggling.
How many questions are on the SLE test?
This depends on the version, as there are two versions of the SLE.
One is the Quicktest, also known as SLE-Q. This shorter version of the Wonderlic Scholastic Exam consists of 30 questions to be answered in an 8-minute time frame.
The full SLE version has 50 questions to be dealt with in a 12-minute timeframe.
Is the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam timed?
Yes, the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam is strictly timed.
The two versions of the SLE have different time limits. The Quicktest, also known as SLE-Q, has an 8-minute time frame and the full SLE version has a 12-minute timeframe.
What is the average score for the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam?
The average score for the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam is around 20 (which is only a grade of 40%).
Typically, scores under 10 are considered low, with the potential of being judged as someone who did not understand what was being asked.
Can you fail the SLE test?
Yes. Typically, scores under 10 are considered very low and can risk you being considered to have difficulty with reading, writing or arithmetic.
The exact pass/fail score for the Wonderlic SLE Test is different for each admissions program – they all get to set their own criteria. So, you need to check the threshold score the college or university you are considering has decided.
What is the next step after taking the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam?
After you take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam, the admissions program will decide if you meet their threshold.
Each college or university will have a different way of moving forward after they receive your SLE test results.
If you pass, it means you will likely move on to the next stage of the application process.
However, there is no guarantee of admission.
The Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam is usually only part of the selection criteria, giving the department extra information to base their decision on, especially if your GPA is borderline to the level they require.
Where can I find more sample questions for the SLE test?
It’s really important to take Wonderlic SLE practice tests. Lots of sample questions can be found online, such as those provided by Test-Prep Online.
Can you retake the SLE test?
You need to clarify this with the college or university you are applying to.
Each college or university will have a different way of moving forward after they receive your SLE test results – they will have the choice of whether to invite you back to take a retest.
In general, Wonderlic as a company have a lot of faith in its software and so they discourage retests.
This might only be suggested if it seems like there was a connectivity malfunction, that time wasn’t used properly or if the individual’s results are atypical.
What is the passing score on the SLE test?
Usually, the passing range on the SLE test is from 16-20.
However, the exact score required for the Wonderlic SLE test varies for each and every admissions program.
You need to check what score the college or university you want to attend has decided as their particular threshold. It will depend specifically on the course you are applying to and its cognitive requirements.
Where can I find a complete study guide for the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam?
There are lots of study guides to be found for the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam. If you’re looking for free Wonderlic SLE practice tests, try those provided by Test-Prep Online.
The more you do practice exams the better you will perform on the day. Trying to practice under test conditions will also help you speed up and answer more questions correctly than most people manage in the tight time frame.
Final Thoughts
The Wonderlic SLE test is widely accepted as an excellent predictor of academic success and many institutions use it to select students.
This article has covered some basics of it, explained the types of questions you can expect, the topics they cover, what the scoring looks like and given you a taste of a free Wonderlic SLE practice test.
Using a Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam study guide is ideal to help you prepare for what you will face.
By taking an SLE exam practice test, you’ll learn how to pace yourself for the real day.
You will become more familiar with the kinds of questions you’ll face and develop ways to answer them faster.
It is a tough test so doing lots of Wonderlic SLE practice questions in advance is a great plan.
