Professional Intelligence Testing for School Admissions & Programs

Accurate, professional IQ testing with clear reports to support your child's applications to schools and gifted programs.

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What Is IQ Testing?

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) testing provides a standardized measure of cognitive abilities, usually including verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. (Stanford Binet does not include these areas.)

These assessments offer valuable insights into a person's cognitive strengths and learning style.

At Mind Matters, we provide standalone IQ testing specifically for admissions purposes:

  • Private school applications

  • Gifted program admissions (such as Nueva School)

  • Academic talent searches

  • Selective extracurricular programs

  • Gifted and talented education (GATE) programs

  • Organizations like Mensa or Davidson Young Scholars

Our testing is conducted by licensed psychologists with specialized training and extensive experience in cognitive assessment with children and adolescents. Additionally, our trainees offer lower fee IQ testing. Please check whether your child's program will accept testing from supervised trainees.

IQ Tests We Offer

Each test is designed to extend the value of your child's evaluation and provide ongoing support for your family.

Wechsler Intelligence Scale Series

The most commonly requested tests for school and gifted program admissions:

  • WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence): For children ages 3-5

  • WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children): For children ages 6-16

  • WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale): For individuals ages 16 and older

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (SB-V)

An alternative intelligence measure available in our San Francisco office for children who have taken the Wechsler tests within the past year. The Stanford-Binet:

  • Does not include timed measures

  • Extends through adulthood

  • May be preferred for children who don't perform well under time pressure

  • Can measure very high levels of ability with a higher "ceiling" than Wechsler tests

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Describe the experience in a way that works best for your child. For some children, calling it a "test" might cause anxiety, so you might describe it as "thinking games" or "brain puzzles" to learn about how they think. For others, knowing it's a "test" might motivate them to try their best. Our psychologists are skilled at helping children feel comfortable regardless of how the testing is described.

  • The most important preparation is ensuring your child is well-rested, has eaten a nutritious meal, and arrives in a positive, relaxed state. Do not practice IQ test questions or similar activities, as this invalidates the results and may not accurately reflect your child's abilities.

  • Let us know ahead of time if your child tends to get anxious in testing situations. Our psychologists are experienced in working with children of all temperaments and can take extra time to help your child feel comfortable before beginning the assessment.

  • The report includes Full Scale IQ, individual index scores (such as Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed), and all subtest scores. We also include general information about your child's interests and hobbies, behavioral observations and a description of what each test measures.

  • Our psychologists are happy to answer brief questions via email. If you would like to have an extended conversation, you can schedule an IQ Feedback call with your child's provider. 

  • If your child has taken a Wechsler test (WPPSI, WISC, or WAIS) within the past 12 months, we recommend waiting before retesting with the same instrument, as most programs require at least one year gap between re-testing. However, we can administer the Stanford-Binet as an alternative if needed for admissions purposes.

  • Standalone IQ testing only measures cognitive abilities and cannot identify learning differences or other challenges. If you suspect your child might be twice-exceptional (both gifted and having learning challenges), we recommend a comprehensive Comprehensive or Focused Evaluation instead.

  • If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, no additional fees will be charged beyond the non-refundable deposit. Cancellations within 24 hours will incur a cancellation fee equivalent to 25% of the testing fee. No-shows will be charged in full, though 75% of the fee may be applied toward future IQ testing.

Need Additional Support Following Your Child's Evaluation?

Let's Continue Working Together for Your Child's Success!

Our follow-up services provide ongoing support, advocacy, and guidance to maximize the benefits of your child's evaluation.