IQ Test Results to Qualify for Mensa
Mensa was founded in 1946 by two British men looking to create a society for intelligent discourse. It was their intent to foster admiration and acceptance for the learned, as well as the art of learning. Mensa only accepts individuals with standardized test scores proving they have an IQ in the top 2 percent of all people. The organization has 100,000 members, though they claim millions more are eligible to join.
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School Tests
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Mensa accepts a variety of test results, including the Stanford-Binet, or its replacement since 2000, the Stanford-Binet 5. An applicant must have a minimum score of 132 in the former, 130 in the latter. Other acceptable tests are the Cognitive Abilities Test or the Differential Abilities Scales, both of which require a score of 132. The Otis-Lennon tests require a score of at least 132, while the Otis-Gamma Test allows a low score of 131.
Preparatory Exams
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Mensa accepts non-IQ test scores that still demonstrate a high degree of intelligence. Among the tests still being given, Mensa requires a minimum percentile ranking of 95 percent for those who took the Graduate Management Admission Test. The same 95 percentile mark is needed for the Law School Admission Test and the Miller Analogies Test. For those who took the LSAT before 1982, a score of 662 is needed. The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test changed its test in May 1993, when a score of 180 or above was acceptable. After May 1993, a score of 195 or above is needed. Another test that has been revised and requires a new score is the Graduate Record Examination, where the acceptable pre-May 1994 score of 1,250 jumped to 1,875.
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Tests from Psychologists
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Applicants who have taken tests given by psychologists qualified to give IQ exams can also submit their results. Acceptable tests include the California Test of Mental Maturity and the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scale, both requiring a minimum score of 132. A score of 130 or above is necessary for The Wechsler Adult and Children Scales.
Military Tests
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The military also tests recruits' IQs, and Mensa accepts a number of those results. Army and Navy General Classification Test results prior to October 1980 are admissible. A good score on the Army exam is 136, and for the Navy test, a 68. Also allowed is the Armed Forces Qualification Test, pre-October 1980, if the test score is more than 98. Mensa does not permit any results from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, commonly called ASVAB.
The Mensa Test
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If an applicant has never taken any of the above tests, or cannot access his results, he has one final option--taking Mensa's own admission exam. Contact a Mensa chapter to set up an appointment. The test is proctored, but Mensa offers a sample version of the test that can be taken at home. Results of the sample test are not admissible for membership. An individual must be at least 14 years of age to take the Mensa exam.
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References
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- Photo Credit eriwst: flickr
