High IQ Society Eligibility Calculator
High-IQ societies bring together individuals with exceptional cognitive abilities. These societies are designed to recognize and connect individuals who score within the top percentiles of intelligence, offering a community for those with extraordinary intellectual potential. While each society has its own criteria for membership, they generally look for scores that place you in the top 2% of the population.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your standardized test scores or other abilities reflect signs of high IQ and could qualify you for these elite groups, you’re in the right place. This article will help you understand what high-IQ societies are, what qualifies as a "high IQ," and which tests are accepted for membership.
What Is a High-IQ Society?
A high-IQ society is a community for people with exceptional intellectual abilities, usually those who score in the top percentiles on IQ tests. These societies bring members together to share ideas, have thought-provoking discussions, and participate in special events. They provide a community for people who love learning, critical thinking, and solving challenging problems.
Examples of well-known high-IQ societies include:
- Mensa: The largest and most widely recognized, requiring members to score in the top 2% (98th percentile) of any accepted standardized test.
- Intertel: Open to those in the top 1% (99th percentile)
- Triple Nine Society (TNS): Requires members to score in the top 0.1% (99.9th percentile), making it far more selective than Mensa.
- Prometheus Society and Epimetheus Society: These societies are even more exclusive, requiring scores in the top 0.003% of the population.
How to Use the High-IQ Society Eligibility Calculator
Our High-IQ Society Eligibility Calculator simplifies the process of determining which societies you qualify for. Here’s how it works:
- Input your test score: Select the test you took (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT) and enter your score.
- View your percentile: The calculator matches your score to its corresponding percentile: whether it’s a GMAT percentile, IQ percentile, MCAT percentile, or any other standardized test percentile.
- Find eligible societies: The tool will list the societies you qualify for based on your score and percentile.
- Check additional requirements: Some societies may have other membership criteria, such as specific IQ test scores or additional qualifications.
What Qualifies as a High IQ?
An IQ score of 130 or above is generally considered high, placing individuals in the top 2% of the population. This threshold is commonly used for admission into high-IQ societies like Mensa. Scores above 140 are deemed exceptionally high and may qualify individuals for more selective societies.
Here's how IQ scores typically align with percentiles:
- Top 5% or 95th percentile (IQ 124+): Qualifies for groups like the International High IQ Society (IHIQS).
- Top 2% or 98th percentile (IQ 132+): The threshold for Mensa membership.
- Top 1% or 99th percentile (IQ 135+): Required for Intertel.
- Top 0.5% or 99.5th percentile (IQ 140+): Eligible for the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE).
- Top 0.25% or 99.75th percentile (IQ 144+): Required for the Mega Society.
- Top 0.1% or 99.9th percentile (IQ 146+): The bar for Triple Nine Society.
- Top 0.003% or 99.997th percentile (IQ 160+): Reserved for the Prometheus and Epimetheus Societies.
While Mensa requires a score in the top 2%, several societies (Intertel, Triple Nine, Prometheus for example) are even more selective and generally need a higher IQ score than Mensa. These societies are designed for those seeking more exclusivity and a smaller, highly selective intellectual community. Their members include people with some of the highest IQs in the world.
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Start My IQ TestWhich High-IQ Societies Are More Competitive Than Mensa?
While Mensa requires a score in the top 2%, several societies are even more selective:
- Intertel: Requires a score in the top 1% (around IQ 135).
- Triple Nine Society: Open to those scoring in the top 0.1% (approximately IQ 146).
- Prometheus Society: Accepts only individuals in the top 0.003% (around IQ 160).
- Epimetheus Society: Matches the exclusivity of the Prometheus Society, requiring an IQ of 160 or higher.
These societies are designed for those seeking more exclusivity and a smaller, highly selective intellectual community.
Which High-IQ Societies Accept the GRE?
The GRE, a test commonly used for graduate school admissions, is accepted by several high-IQ societies:
- Mensa: Accepts GRE scores from tests taken before May 1994, with specific minimum thresholds.
- Triple Nine Society: Accepts certain GRE scores, typically from older versions of the test.
- ISPE: The International Society for Philosophical Enquiry accepts GRE scores but generally requires exceptionally high scores, corresponding to the top 0.5% or 99.5th GRE score percentile.
If you've taken the GRE, check the specific guidelines of these societies for eligibility.
Which High-IQ Societies Accept the SAT?
The SAT is a popular college admissions test and is widely recognized by high-IQ societies:
- Mensa: Accepts SAT scores from tests taken before 1994, with minimum score requirements.
- Triple Nine Society: Also accepts SAT scores from certain years, typically requiring a score equivalent to the top 0.1% or 99.9th SAT score percentile.
- ISPE: Requires SAT scores that correspond to the top 0.1%, depending on the version of the test.
- The International High IQ Society (IHIQS): Accepts SAT scores that place you in the top 5% of test-takers (typically a score around 1240 or higher).
Which High-IQ Societies Accept the LSAT?
The LSAT, used for law school admissions, is recognized by several high-IQ societies:
- Mensa: Accepts LSAT scores that rank in the top 2% of test-takers, placing them in the 98th percentile of LSAT scores.
- ISPE: Accepts LSAT scores but generally requires them to be in the top 0.1%.
- IHIQS: The International High IQ Society considers LSAT scores in the 95th percentile or higher.
It’s important to check each society’s specific eligibility criteria, as they may vary slightly based on the version and year of the LSAT taken.
Which High-IQ Societies Accept the ACT?
The ACT, used for college admissions, is another test accepted by various high-IQ societies:
- Mensa: Accepts ACT scores from tests taken before 1989, with a minimum score of 29.
- Intertel: Requires an ACT score of 32 or higher if taken before 1989.
- Triple Nine Society: Accepts a pre-1989 ACT score of 32.
- ISPE: Requires an ACT score of 32 (pre-1989) or 34 (post-1989).
- IHIQS: Considers scores in the 95th ACT score percentile or higher.
Also here, make sure to verify each society's specific requirements, as these can vary depending on the version and date of the ACT exam you took.
Which High-IQ Societies Accept the LSAT?
There are some high-IQ societies that accept LSAT scores as proof of intellectual ability. Here's a breakdown:
- Mensa: Accepts LSAT scores if they place you in the 95th percentile or higher. This equates to a score of 662 if taken before 1982, or 170 on the current scale.
- Intertel: Requires an LSAT score of 175 or higher (99th percentile).
- Triple Nine Society (TNS): Accepts only the top 0.1% of LSAT test-takers, equivalent to the 99.9th percentile. This means you’ll need to score extraordinarily well which can be approximately 179 or above.
- International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE): accepts LSAT scores that place you in the top 0.1%, aligning closely with Triple Nine’s requirements.
It’s important to be aware that the LSAT requirements differ depending on when the test was taken due to score re-scaling over the years. You should always confirm specific thresholds with the society's official website, as requirements may change over time.
What Other Tests Are Accepted by High-IQ Societies?
In addition to the SAT, ACT, GRE, and LSAT, high-IQ societies often accept a wide range of standardized intelligence tests for membership. Mensa, for example, recognizes scores from approximately 200 different tests, including well-known IQ tests like the Stanford-Binet, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and the Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test. Other societies, such as the Triple Nine Society and Intertel, also accept results from specific intelligence assessments, including:
- Raven's Progressive Matrices: A non-verbal IQ test often used for measuring abstract reasoning abilities.
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities: A comprehensive set of cognitive assessments used to evaluate intelligence across multiple domains.
- Cattell’s Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT): Designed to reduce cultural and language biases, this test is used by several high-IQ societies.
- Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test (KAIT): Another test often accepted by high-IQ societies to evaluate cognitive abilities in older individuals.
- Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT): A non-verbal test that is sometimes accepted by high-IQ societies to assess fluid intelligence.
These tests measure different aspects of intelligence and are recognized by many societies, making it easier for individuals to qualify through a variety of standardized IQ assessments.
Some societies extend eligibility to scores from military aptitude tests. For instance, scores from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) or the General Classification Test (GCT) used by the U.S. military are recognized by Mensa and other groups, provided they meet the required thresholds.
Because the list of accepted tests and qualifying scores varies across societies, it's essential to review each organization's official admissions criteria to determine eligibility based on your specific test results.
What Is the Hardest IQ Society to Get Into?
The Prometheus Society and the Epimetheus Society are among the hardest high-IQ societies to join. They both requiring an IQ in the top 0.003% of the population, which is approximately 160 IQ score or higher on most standardized IQ tests. These thresholds make them exceptionally exclusive, even among individuals with extraordinary intelligence.
Similarly, the Giga Society sets an even higher bar, accepting only those in the top 0.0000001%, which translates to a rarity of one in a billion people. The Mega Society is also highly selective, requiring an IQ in the top 0.0001%, roughly equating to scores of 171 or higher, depending on the test. Right now, it has 9 members in total.
By comparison, Mensa, with its top 2% requirement, is significantly less stringent. These societies highlight varying levels of exclusivity, with Giga, Mega, Prometheus, and Epimetheus at the pinnacle of intellectual selectivity.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What is the minimum IQ to qualify for Mensa?
Mensa requires a minimum IQ score that places you in the top 2% of the population. On most IQ scales, this corresponds to a score of 130 or higher. Alternatively, Mensa accepts scores from standardized tests such as the SAT, GRE, or LSAT if they meet specific thresholds.
For example:
- LSAT: If taken after 1982, Mensa requires a score in the 95th percentile, which is roughly a 170 on the modern LSAT scale.
- SAT: Mensa accepts SAT scores of 1250 or higher (if taken before 1994).
How can I obtain my old test scores?
If you need to retrieve your old test scores, contact the organization that administered the test. For instance, the College Board can provide past SAT scores, and ACT, Inc. can supply previous ACT scores. Be prepared to provide identification and possibly pay a fee for score retrieval.
Are there age requirements for joining high-IQ societies?
Yes, many high-IQ societies have minimum age requirements. For example, the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry requires applicants to be at least 18 years old. Other societies may have different age criteria, so it's advisable to check their specific membership requirements.
By understanding the qualifications and accepted tests for various high-IQ societies, you can determine your eligibility and take steps toward membership if you meet the criteria.
Can I join more than one high-IQ society?
Yes, it is possible to be a member of multiple high-IQ societies, provided you meet the eligibility requirements for each. Some individuals choose to join several societies to connect with a wider network of like-minded people and to participate in different events and activities. However, keep in mind that each society may have its own application process and membership requirements, so it’s important to review the guidelines carefully.
Do high-IQ societies provide any benefits or opportunities beyond membership?
Yes, many high-IQ societies offer a range of benefits to their members, including exclusive events, access to intellectual discussions, specialized publications, and opportunities for networking. Some societies even offer scholarships, contests, and collaborative projects that allow members to engage in research or creative endeavors. These opportunities can be valuable for those who enjoy intellectual challenges and wish to further their personal or professional growth.