The brightest minds in the world have created exclusive societies for themselves - but what is their purpose? 

While it may seem like these organizations are shrouded in mystery, this is generally untrue. Most of them, such as Mensa International or Intertel, have transparent eligibility criteria and objectives, all of which you can find on their official websites.

Let’s navigate the less-advertised world of high-IQ societies together and see what they aim to achieve:

High-IQ Societies Explained

Purpose

Simply put, a high-IQ society is an organization that brings together individuals with significantly higher than average IQ scores.

These exclusive groups, including the renowned Mensa and the even more selective Mega Society, form a network of people who share a common trait of remarkable cognitive abilities measured through standardized IQ tests.

However, the purpose of these societies goes beyond gathering smart people. They aim to provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment where members can exchange ideas, participate in activities that challenge their minds, and contribute to scholarly discussions.

What explains the fascination with high-IQ

Many people see IQ scores as a reliable measure of someone's brainpower. This fascination comes from our natural curiosity about what makes certain people excel in thinking and problem-solving.

High IQ is often linked to the ability to solve tough problems and grasp complex ideas quickly. For example, imagine someone who can easily understand advanced mathematics or learn a new language in a few weeks. This kind of ability makes us wonder what makes these individuals different.

High-IQ societies like Mensa International add to this intrigue. These groups bring together people who often feel out of place because their cognitive abilities are so far above average. In Mensa, they find others who think like they do, creating a sense of belonging and understanding that they might not get elsewhere.

This combination of admiration for intellectual skills and the need for community helps explain why so many are captivated by high IQ. It speaks to our desire to understand human potential and find our place among those who share similar talents.

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Does a high IQ make you a genius?

Now, when you think about genius, you might automatically think about those with high scores on standardized IQ tests. However, scoring incredibly well on an IQ test doesn't necessarily equate to being a genius – at least not in the broad sense of the word.

Geniuses are usually people who have made significant, original contributions to their field, which isn't something an IQ test can gauge. IQ tests are adept at measuring certain cognitive abilities, including logic, pattern recognition, and problem-solving – which, while components of genius, do not encompass it entirely.

Scale scores from these tests offer a snapshot of one's potential in specific intellectual domains but can't account for creativity, persistence, or the myriad other factors that contribute to groundbreaking achievements.

As Susanne Schregel's research discusses, groups like British Mensa have long promoted the importance of intelligence and its assessment, though this advocacy has not been without controversy and criticism. It raises important questions about the role of IQ in society and how it shapes our understanding of intelligence and genius.

List of High-IQ Societies

List of high IQ societies with chart displaying minimum IQ requirements for Mensa, international high IQ society and more
With a 130 IQ minimum requirement, Mensa is not even the most selective high-IQ society out there / Illustration by © CheckIQ

High-IQ societies are exclusive clubs that put a premium on high intelligence, and they’re known for accepting those who rank in the top 2% based on standardized IQ tests.

From young prodigies to seasoned thinkers, Mensa's membership is as diverse as it is brilliant. Beyond Mensa, there are other notable societies like the Triple Nine Society, requiring an even more exclusive threshold of the top 0.1%, and the Prometheus Society, catering to the ultra-intellectual.

But the landscape of high-IQ societies is vast and varied, including organizations like:

  • Epimetheus Society
  • Omega Society
  • Cerebrals Society
  • Giga Society
  • Pi Society
  • Tetra Society
  • Olympiq Society
  • Pars Society

These groups cater to a wide range of intellectual interests and levels of exclusivity, from those requiring scores in the upper echelons of the IQ spectrum to those focused on specific areas of intellectual or creative achievement.

Rank (lowest to highest admission difficulty) High-IQ Society IQ Range Required Minimum IQ Score
10 International High IQ Society Top 5% 124
9 Mensa International Top 2% 130
8 Intertel Top 1% 135
7 Cerebrals Society Top 0.3% 141
6 Triple Nine Society Top 0.1% 146
5 International Society for Philosophical Enquiry Top 0.1% 146
4 Prometheus Society Top 0.003% 160
3 Epimetheus Society Top 0.003% 160
2 Mega Society Top 0.0001% 172
1 Giga Society Top 0.000000001% 190

Let’s go through the above list of high-IQ societies.

International High IQ Society

Overview of International High IQ Society

Launched in 2000 by Nathan Haselbauer as the New York high-IQ society, the International High IQ Society (IHIQS) quickly grew to encompass a global community, embracing a wide spectrum of intellectual minds. IHIQS seeks out the top 5% of the population in terms of IQ, inviting a rich diversity of adults from different cultures and professions to engage in deep, meaningful conversations on a variety of subjects.

Becoming a member of IHIQS means joining a modern intellectual movement, where exchanging ideas and the excitement of learning are celebrated. With groups in English, Dutch, German, Italian, and Japanese, the society offers a platform for dynamic discussions among its members, aged 15 and up, who meet the top five percent IQ criteria.

Entry into IHIQS involves taking a Culture Fair Intelligence Test online, with a small fee, to ensure a standardized and equitable process for all applicants. The society upholds strict admission standards, recognizing only tests administered under professional supervision.

This approach not only underscores the members' intellectual achievements, but also opens the door to a worldwide community eager for collective intellectual advancement and personal growth.

Requirements for joining the International High IQ Society
Requirements for the International High IQ Society : 124 IQ minimum score (top 5% percentile) | Other IHIQS qualifying tests include GRE, GMAT and SAT / Illustration by © CheckIQ

International High IQ Society requirements (IHIQS)

This is probably one of the least selective “high-IQ” societies. To get in, you’ll need to score a 124 IQ which puts you in the top 5% of all IQ test takers. For example, it takes at least a 710 GMAT score to be in the 95th percentile. 

Test Minimum Score
ACT (American College Testing) 95th percentile
Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test 95th percentile
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) 95th percentile
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) 95th percentile
Miller Analogies Test 95th percentile
Raven’s Progressive Matrices 95th percentile
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) 95th percentile
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales 95th percentile
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IQ Test 95th percentile
Woodcock-Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities 95th percentile

In addition, memberships at Mensa, Triple Nine Society, International Society of Philosophical Enquiry and Intertel can get you in the International High IQ Society.

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Mensa International

Overview of Mensa International

Mensa International is not your average brainiac club! Founded in 1946 by two strangers on a train, Mensa has become the intellectual elite's playground. Dubbed the "Rolex of high-IQ societies", it's where the top 2% in IQ tests (that's an average IQ of 131) find their tribe across 150,000 members in 100 countries. Among its notable members are celebrities like entrepreneur and motivational speaker Tai Lopez; actor Nolan Gould, known for his role in "Modern Family"; TV presenter and sports anchor Erik Kuselias; antivirus software pioneer John McAfee; controversial TV personality Jimmy Savile; TV presenter and author Carol Vorderman; and Marilyn vos Savant, who is known as one of the smartest people alive.

But Mensa is more than just number-crunching geniuses. It's a vibrant community diving into everything from biochemistry to witchcraft in its Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Think of it as the ultimate intellectual buffet with a side of societal improvement.

Members benefit from the Mensa Research Journal, scholarships, and volunteer gigs which contribute to a smarter, better world. Plus, with lively events and an online hub, Mensa makes sure its members are never just solitary thinkers.

Mensa IQ requirements
Requirements for Mensa : 130 IQ (top 2% percentile) | Other Mensa qualifying tests include GRE, LSAT and ACT /Illustration by © CheckIQ

How to be accepted into Mensa International?

In order to get accepted into Mensa, you’ll need to get an IQ score of at least 130, using Wechsler IQ Test (WAIS, WISC), and 132 using the Stanford-Binet Test. Mensa members are in the top 2% of IQ test takers, with an average IQ of 131.

Mensa accepted tests

On top of its own Mensa IQ test, Mensa accepts different types of IQ tests and a range of standardized tests. For example, ACT, AFQT, Agency IQ Test, Army CGT, California Test of Mental Maturity (CTMM), Cattell IQ Test, Differential Ability Scales (DAS), GRE, GT, LSAT, Navy GCT, Psychologist IQ Test, Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, SAT, School-administered IQ Test, Stanford-Binet IQ Test, and Wechsler IQ Test (WAIS, WISC).

Mensa eligibility requirements per test

Test Minimum Score
ACT Composite if taken prior to 1989 29 if taken prior to 1989
AFQT if taken prior to 1980 98
Agency IQ Test 98th percentile
Army CGT if taken prior to 1980 136
California Test of Mental Maturity (CTMM) 132
Cattell IQ Test 148
Differential Ability Scales (DAS) 132
GRE if taken between 1994 and 2001 1875
GT if taken prior to 1980 136
LSAT if taken prior to 1982 662
LSAT if taken after 1982 95th percentile
Navy GCT if taken prior to 1980 68
Psychologist IQ Test 98th percentile
Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales 130
SAT if taken between 1974 and 1994 1250
School-administered IQ Test 98th percentile
Stanford-Binet IQ Test (4th Edition) 132
Stanford-Binet IQ Test (5th Edition) 130
Wechsler IQ Test (WAIS, WISC) 130

Intertel

Overview of Intertel

Founded in 1966, Intertel brings together the top 1% of IQ scorers worldwide, creating a unique blend of intellectual fellowship across 1,500 members in 40 countries.

This society isn't just about high IQ scores; it's a platform for diverse ideas, research on intelligence, and annual intellectual gatherings, like the upcoming event in North Carolina. Despite its global reach, most of its membership resides in the US, offering a mostly American perspective.

Intertel's publications, from the journal Integra to regional newsletters, showcase a wide array of content, including thoughtful poetry and speculative essays on intelligence. Intertel aims to be a serious, globally-minded community for those passionate about intellectual exploration and connection.

Requirements for joining Intertel, high-IQ society
Requirements for Intertel : 141 IQ (top 1% percentile) | Other Intertel qualifying tests include GRE, GMAT, ACT, SAT and LSAT / Illustration by © CheckIQ

Intertel Eligibility requirements

Intertel Society members are in the top 1% of IQ test takers, with an average IQ of 135 (σ=15).

Like Mensa, Intertel accepts several types of IQ tests and standardized tests. Accepted tests include ACT, Army GCT, California Test of Mental Maturity (CTMM), Cattell B IQ, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, Mensa Admission Test, Navy GCT, PSAT, Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, SAT, Schubert General Ability Battery, Stanford-Binet IQ Test, and Wechsler IQ Test (WISC, WAIS, WPPSI).

Test Minimum Score
ACT score if taken prior to 1989 99th percentile
Army GCT 145
California Test of Mental Maturity (CTMM) 137
Cattell B IQ 156
GMAT 99th percentile
GRE 99th percentile verbal or quantitative
LSAT 172
Mensa Admission Test 99th percentile
Navy GCT after 1954 68
PSAT prior to 1993 99th percentile
Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales 99th percentile
SAT if taken between 1974 and 1994 1300
Schubert General Ability Battery 145
Stanford-Binet IQ Test 135
Wechsler IQ Test (WISC, WAIS, WPPSI) 135

Cerebrals Society

Overview of Cerebrals Society

The Cerebrals Society, kicked off in December 1999 by Xavier Jouve, stands out as a global club for the brainiest, targeting those with IQs in the top 0.3%. This makes it more selective than Mensa, offering a unique spot for the intellectually elite, with free-for-life memberships.

The society attracts a growing number of members, showcasing a mix from Europe and beyond, all sharing high IQs of at least 141, for IQ tests with a standard deviation of 15 – 144 IQ if using a standard deviation of 16.  

Founded to bring together sharp minds and ease the loneliness that can come with being super intelligent, Cerebrals has sparked connections through brainy competitions and various projects.

Despite some hiccups in running the show and keeping members engaged, the society's core mission, inspired by Jouve's groundbreaking work in intelligence research, remains strong, aiming to enrich minds and bridge distances among its members.

IQ requirements for joining Cerebrals Society
Requirements for Intertel : 144 IQ (top 0.3% percentile) / Illustration by © CheckIQ

Cerebrals requirements

Cerebrals Society members are in the top 0.3% of IQ test takers, with an average IQ of 141, with standard deviation of 15, or 144, with standard deviation of 16.

Accepted tests include standardized IQ tests with a score of 141 or 99.7th percentile.

Test Minimum Score
Standardized IQ Tests 141 or 99.7th percentile

Triple Nine Society

Overview of Triple Nine Society

Established in 1978, the Triple Nine Society (TNS) is an elite community for those within the top 0.1% of the population, requiring a minimum IQ of 146. This makes TNS much more selective than Mensa, boasting around 1,900 members in 46 countries.

TNS is dedicated to intellectual exploration and personal development, upholding values of democracy, diversity, and innovation. Its members enjoy access to "Vidya," its journal, along with online forums, annual meetings, and global events.

Interestingly, TNS doesn't shy away from sharing its collective political views, which lean towards libertarian stances on issues like gun control, government intervention in business, affirmative action, and scientific ethics.

The society's membership, heavily based in the U.S., reflects a broad spectrum of opinions, indicating a somewhat politically homogeneous community. TNS represents a serious effort to create a space for the intellectually elite, where discussions extend beyond the theoretical into the realm of societal and political engagement.

Requirements for joining Triple Nine Society
Triple Nine Society requirements: 146 IQ (top 0.1%) | Qualifying standardized tests include GRE, LSAT, SAT and your Mensa IQ test score / Illustration by © CheckIQ

Triple Nine Society requirements

To join the Triple Nine Society, you’ll need to be among the top 0.1% of IQ test takers, with an average IQ of 146 (σ=15).

Accepted tests include ACT, Army GCT or GT, California Test of Mental Maturity (CTMM), Cattell Intelligence (verbal) Test, GRE, LSAT, Mega Test, Mensa Admission Test, Naval General Classification Test, Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices, SAT, Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, and Wechsler IQ Test.

Test Minimum Score
ACT score if taken prior to 1989 32
Army GCT or GT 157
California Test of Mental Maturity (CTMM) 149
Cattell Intelligence (verbal) Test, Scale 111B 173
GRE combined verbal and quantitative, 2011 onwards 336
LSAT after 1991 173
Mega Test prior to 1995 24
Mensa Admission Test prior to 2001 149
Naval General Classification Test before 1977 74
Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices, Set II (APM) 35
SAT if taken prior to 1995 1450
SAT, taken April 1995 to February 2005 1520
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, From L or M 151
Wechsler IQ Test 146
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International Society for Philosophical Enquiry

Overview of International Society for Philosophical Enquiry

Founded in 1974 by Christopher Harding as The Thousand, the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE) shines as a hub for the top 0.1% of minds, marked by their performance on standardized intelligence tests such as ATGSB.

This society, one of the oldest and most esteemed in the high-IQ community, celebrates a rich diversity among its members, known as "Thousanders," who hail from various corners of the globe, embodying different beliefs, professions, and passions.

ISPE enriches its members' intellectual journey with Telicom, a detailed quarterly journal that has grown to feature 100-200 pages of member-contributed content. But it's more than just a think tank; ISPE fosters a vibrant community through private social networks, special interest groups, exclusive online gatherings, and a directory to connect members, offering a platform for both intellectual exchange and personal growth.

This blend of academic and social engagement makes ISPE a unique space for those seeking to explore philosophical questions and make meaningful contributions to society.

Requirements for joining the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry
International Society for Philosophical Enquiry entry requirements: 146 minimum IQ score (top 0.1%) | Accepted tests include GMAT, GRE, LSAT and SAT / Illustration by © CheckIQ

International Society for Philosophical Enquiry requirements (ISPE)

To join the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry, you’ll need to be among the top 0.1% of IQ test takers, with an average IQ of 146 (standard deviation of 15).

Accepted tests include ACGT / GT, ACT, American Mensa Admission Test, ATGSB, Cattell A&B combined raw score, Cattell Intelligence Test, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, Miller Analogies Test (MAT), RAIT (Reynolds Adaptive Intelligence test), Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices, SAT, Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, and Wechsler IQ Test (WAIS II, III, IV).

Test Minimum Score
ACGT / GT prior to 1976 157 raw
ACT (American College Testing) if taken prior to 1989 32
ACT (American College Testing) if taken after 1989 34
American Mensa Admission Test prior to 2001 149
ATGSB (American Test for Graduate Study in Business) 725
Cattell A&B combined raw score 85
Cattell Intelligence Test, Scale IIIB (verbal) 172
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) 746
GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical (1982-2001) 2180
GRE verbal and quantitative prior to 2001 1460
LSAT after 1991 176
Miller Analogies Test (MAT) 472 scaled; 85 raw
RAIT (Reynolds Adaptive Intelligence test) 146
Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices, Set II Raw score 35, scaled score 146
SAT if taken prior to 1995 1450
SAT if taken after 1995 based on 2400 max 2210
SAT if taken after 2005 based on 1600 max 1520
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Form L or M 151
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Form LM or SB-IV 149
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Form SB-IV or SB-5 146
Wechsler IQ Test (WAIS II, III, IV) full scale IQ 146

Prometheus Society

Overview of Prometheus Society

The Prometheus Society, started in 1982 by Ronald K. Hoeflin, is a special club for some of the smartest people in the world. More specifically, it's for those who score super high on IQ tests, higher than 99.997% of all people.

This means it's extremely challenging to get in, and there are less than 36 members from 13 different countries. They don't accept scores from tests made by the society's founder, though, as they believe those tests might no longer be the best way to measure how smart someone is.

Once you're in, you can talk and share ideas with other members in an online group called the Fire List.

Requirements for joining Prometheus Society
Prometheus Society entry requirements: 160 IQ (top 0.003%) | Accepted standardized tests include ACT, and GRE / Illustration by © CheckIQ

Prometheus requirements

Prometheus is looking for members in the top 0.003% scorers, with an IQ of at least 160 (σ=15).

Accepted tests include ACT, GRE, LAIT, Mega Test, Miller Analogies Test (MAT), and Titan Test.

Test Minimum Score
ACT score if taken prior to 1995 1560
GRE score taken prior to 1981 1600
LAIT test prior to 1994 164
Mega Test prior to 1999 36
Mega27 prior to 1999 21
Miller Analogies Test (MAT) after October 2004 500
Miller Analogies Test (MAT) before October 2004 36
Titan Test prior to 1999 36

Epimetheus Society

Overview of Epimetheus Society

The Epimetheus Society is an elite club started by Ronald K. Hoeflin, Ph.D.

It's much more selective than Mensa, looking for people in the top 0.003% – this means an IQ of 160 or more. This society is all about bringing together some of the brightest minds to talk, share ideas, and learn from each other.

If you make the cut, you're in good company, with folks like the physicist Don Stoner and the society's founder, showing it's a place for smart people from all sorts of backgrounds.

Requirements for joining Epimetheus Society
Epimetheus Society requirements: 160 minimum IQ test score (top 0.003%) | Qualifying tests include ACT, GRE and SAT / Illustration by © CheckIQ

Epimetheus Society requirements

You’ll need to be among the top 0.003% of IQ test takers, with an average IQ of 160 (σ=15).

Accepted tests include ACT, Army General Classification (AGC) test, California Test of Mental Maturity, Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test, GRE, Miller Analogies Test, SAT, Stanford-Binet, Terman Concept Mastery Test, and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IQ Test.

Test Minimum Score
ACT (American College Testing) 35
Army General Classification (AGC) test 180
California Test of Mental Maturity 164
Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test 164
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) 1600
Miller Analogies Test (old) 98
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) prior to 1995 1550
Stanford-Binet (old) 190
Stanford-Binet (new) 160
Terman Concept Mastery Test 183
Titan Test before 2011 36
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IQ Test 160

Additional perks: Focuses on stimulating discussions and child participation in intellectual development.

Membership process: Submission of qualifying test scores and personal information; includes children with proper authorization.

Mega Society

Overview of Mega Society

The Mega Society, created in 1982, is a super exclusive club for the smartest people, aiming for the top 0.0001% (or 1 in a million). With an average IQ of 171.3 and only 26 members as of January 2014, it's known for being at the top of the intellectual world.

Joining isn't easy; you need to score extremely high on specific tests, and there's a $10 fee for scoring. Members get to read and contribute to Noesis, the society's journal, full of deep talks and ideas.

Founded by Dr. Ronald K. Hoeflin, the society includes some famous brains like <a href='/celebrity-iq/marilyn-vos-savant-iq'>Marilyn vos Savant</a>. It's a place for those who want to dive into high-level intellectual discussions.

Despite its prestige, the society's website seems to have been created with a preference for simple web design and storing documents in PDFs, which might not suit everyone's internet speed. They even have a constitution, adding a touch of seriousness. Yet, with all its quirks, the Mega Society remains one of the most renowned among high-IQ groups.

Requirements for joining Mega Society
Mega Society requirements: 172 IQ (top 0.0001% percentile) / Illustration by © CheckIQ

Mega Society requirements

Getting accepted into the Mega Society is definitely not a walk in the park.

To qualify, you must rank in the top 0.0001% of scorers on standardized IQ tests, which corresponds to an IQ score of 171 to 172 (σ=15). However, the society does not appear to accept scores from the more <a href='/blog/types-iq-test-adults'>commonly administered IQ tests</a>, making its entry criteria even more exclusive.

Accepted tests include Hoeflin Power Test, Langdon Adult Intelligence Test, Mega Test, Titan Test, and Ultra Test.

Test Minimum Score
Hoeflin Power Test 34 raw score
Langdon Adult Intelligence Test before 1994 175
Mega Test before 1995 43 raw score
Titan Test before 2020 43 raw score
Ultra Test 70 raw score

Giga Society

Overview of Giga Society

The GIGA Society, founded in 2001, is an ultra-niche club for the intellectually elite, requiring an IQ of 190 or higher (SD 15) for membership. This society distinguishes itself by embracing a variety of high-range IQ tests from around the world, making it uniquely inclusive among high-IQ groups.

With just ten members globally, hailing from fields like academia and technology, GIGA showcases an extraordinary level of brainpower. GIGA is dedicated to connecting these rare minds, using the most challenging IQ tests as their point of reference.

Membership is complimentary, offering a space for deep discussion and collaborative projects among its members, furthering its goal to push the boundaries of intellectual achievement.

Requirements for joining Giga Society
Giga Society requirements: top 190 IQ (top 0.0001% percentile) / Illustration by © CheckIQ

Giga Society requirements

Excluding Tera Society, which is virtually impossible to get into, the Giga Society is the most difficult high-IQ society to join. To do so, you’ll need a 190 IQ which means you are 1 in a million (99.999999999th percentile)

Accepted tests include official high-range IQ tests with a score of 190 or 99.999999th percentile.

Test Minimum Score
Official high-range IQ Test 190 or 99.999999th percentile

Getting Into a High-IQ Society

The decision to join

Joining a high-IQ society is the great way to meet people that you have something in common with. Even more, you can become part of a network that may contribute to significant changes throughout the world.

However, if you make this decision, it should be an informed one. Despite the hype around high-IQ societies, things don’t happen like you’d expect them to according to the media or movies.

In reality, joining such a group can be a great responsibility.The unique challenges of people who have IQ scores that are difficult to achieve are also something to consider - while you may find people who can empathize with you, you may also have to face such challenges during events, meetings, or projects.

What is it like to be part of a high IQ society?

All high-IQ societies connect their members through events and shared activities, but the specifics differ from one to another. Generally, workshops, dinner parties, trivia nights, and game tournaments – all are regular facets of how these societies encourage interaction and mental stimulation among their peers.

The founders of these societies, such as Roland Berrill who co-founded Mensa, envisioned them as a means to bring together individuals of high intelligence to foster communities where intellectual discourse and collaboration are celebrated.

However, each society reaches this goal in its own way. This is why, if you’re interested in joining one, it’s important to remember that they have different membership criteria and standards, and they may address audiences in distinct geographical zones.

FAQ on IQ and High-IQ Societies

Tests for IQs over 160

As you’ve probably noticed, several High-IQ societies require an IQ score over 160. Such scores are exceptional and rare, but there are tests designed for this purpose. Specialized assessments, like the Stanford-Binet 5 or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, have ceilings that can accommodate these high scores.

However, these extreme scores often bring up questions about the inherent variability and reliability of tests at such high levels, leading to the development of different tests that seek to expand the upper ends.

Can I join a high-IQ society like Mensa with an SAT score?

Yes, you can join a high-IQ Society like Mensa using your SAT score, but there are specific criteria you must meet. However, the SAT score you submit must come from a test taken before a specific date (due to changes in the test's format and scoring over time), and your score must be within the top 2% of the test-taking population.

For example, Mensa has historically accepted SAT scores from tests taken before 1994, where the required score for eligibility might be a combined score (Verbal and Math) that places the test-taker in the top 2% of those taking the SAT at that time.

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