Qualifying GRE Score for American Mensa Membership

Mensa International is one of the high-IQ societies in the world. In fact, it is considered to be the oldest and largest of the societies. It was founded in 1946 at Lincoln College by Roland Berrill and Dr. Lancelot Ware, a British scientist, and lawyer. Its objective is to establish a non-political society devoid of racial and religious distinctions. To be qualified for membership to this prestigious organization, one must score within the upper two percent of the general population in an approved standardized intelligence test. That is the only qualification to be a Mensa member. One of the approved standardized tests then was the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE is a test developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

What is the accepted GRE score by Mensa?

1875 is the accepted GRE score by Mensa from June 1994. This score is the combined Math, Verbal, and Analytical scores. But prior to that date, 1250 is the accepted GRE score by Mensa. This score is the integrated Math and Verbal scores.

Does Mensa still accept GRE scores?

Yes, Mensa accepts GRE scores as long as it was taken before September 30, 2001.

Why did Mensa stop accepting GRE scores?

It is believed that the GRE no longer correlates with an IQ test. Note, however, that GRE scores obtained prior to September 2001 are accepted.

FAQs – Mensa Membership

How to become a Mensa member?

Passing the application exam developed by Mensa will grant you a membership to the society. Compared to other societies, Mensa has developed its own exam. This test may be taken only once by a member of a particular national organization. However, the person may submit a second application with the results of a different qualifying test. All tests taken must be administered by private psychologists, school psychologists, clinical psychologists, or any psychologist responsible. Numerous intelligence test scores will qualify a person for Mensa, but the society’s supervisory psychologists must individually assess the testing documentation.

What IQ do you need to join Mensa?

A score in the 98th percentile rank is the qualifying score to be a member of Mensa. The organization uses a cutoff percentile because there are intelligence tests that do not use IQ scores. Applicants who attained a score at or higher than the 98th percentile on the standardized intelligence tests will qualify for Mensa. Assuming a normal distribution, most IQ tests yield a mean score of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Under these conditions, the 98th percentile score is 131.

If I can’t get into Mensa, what are other organizations and societies for people with high IQ?

Intertel, Triple Nine Society, Prometheus Society, and Mega Society are the other high IQ societies and organizations. Each of these has set different eligibility criteria, fees, and availability in countries.

What are some of the tests accepted for admission into American Mensa?

American Mensa accepts scores from over 200 different standardized IQ tests. The following tests are:

California Test of Mental Maturity (CTMM)
Cattell
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Differential Ability Scales – Second Edition (DAS-II)
Differential Ability Scales (DAS)
Differential Ability Scales (DAS)
Henmon-Nelson
LSAT
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test 2 & 3 (NNAT2/NNAT3)
Otis Lennon School Abilities Test (OLSAT)
Otis-Gamma Test
Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales
Stanford Binet
Stanford Binet
Stanford Binet 5
Stanford Binet 5
Wechsler Adult and Children Scales
Wechsler Non-Verbal Scale of Ability (WNV)
Woodcock-Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities

A list of the qualifying scores can be viewed on the National Mensa website. An online form is also provided to submit these scores.

What is the accepted score in the Stanford Binet Intelligence Tests by Mensa?

132 is the minimum accepted Stanford-Binet IQ score by Mensa International.

Does Mensa accept test scores from the internet?

No, Mensa does not accept internet-based tests. Unsupervised testing that were taken electronically or internet-based are not accepted as proof of eligibility.

How to prepare for a Mensa admission test?

Here are some tips which could be helpful in preparation for the Mensa qualifying test:

Answer practice tests. Answering practice tests that are focused on intelligence will be of great help on the Mensa admission test. It can also serve as a diagnostic exam to determine which areas need improvement.
Eat healthy food. Consuming brain foods like fatty fish, blueberries, chocolate, and nuts helps improve the performance of the brain. These foods contain nutrients that support cognitive function.
Exercise the brain. Of course, physical exercise is essential, but some people forget to exercise the brain. Through consistent brain exercises, the intelligence score can be raised by up to five points.

Preparing for the Mensa admission test may be quite different from other tests, but it can be worth it. One can only take the Mensa once, so an examinee has to be prepared and not waste the chance.

How to improve Mensa scores?

By improving one’s level of intelligence, a person can also improve their Mensa score. Performing brain exercises and answering existing standardized intelligence tests can help increase intelligence test scores along with achieving the accepted score in Mensa.

Should I mention in my college application that I am a member of Mensa?

Yes, it might be helpful to mention membership in a high IQ organization like the Mensa in college applications. Mensa membership will give the admission committee more information about the potential of the candidate. Keep in mind to put it in its proper place so it does not sound off-putting.

Will Mensa membership help in graduate school admissions?

No, Mensa membership will not help and does not guarantee success in graduate school admissions. Admission requirements that will allow an applicant get into graduate school are the GRE scores, GPA, undergraduate accomplishments, and letters of recommendation.

Does Mensa have publications?

Yes, Mensa has publications. One is the Mensa Bulletin which is a monthly periodical issued by American Mensa Ltd. Next is British Mensa’s publication, the Mensa Magazine. Lastly, the Mensa Research Journal is a publication by the Mensa Foundation. It is a separate charitable corporation where both Mensans (members of Mensa) and non-Mensans have written on a variety of themes related to intelligence.

What is the Asia-Pacific Mensa Annual Gathering (AMAG)?

The Asia-Pacific Mensa Annual Gathering (AMAG) is a gathering of Mensa members in the Asia-Pacific region. The countries included here are the Gold Coast, Australia, Cebu, Philippines, New Zealand, and South Korea.

How to improve GRE score for Mensa?

To enhance your GRE score for Mensa membership, focus on targeted preparation. Familiarize yourself with the GRE format and question types. Develop a study schedule, emphasizing weak areas. Utilize official GRE materials and practice tests. Engage in critical reasoning and problem-solving exercises. Enhance vocabulary and math skills. Consider seeking guidance from GRE prep courses or tutors. Regular practice, time management, and review will help maximize your score and increase your chances of Mensa qualification.

Will a GRE prep course help score for Mensa?

While a course for GRE primarily focuses on enhancing skills for the Graduate Record Examination, it may offer some benefits for Mensa qualification. Mensa’s admission criteria vary, often including standardized test scores like GRE. However, Mensa considers various tests and factors. While a GRE prep course can improve cognitive skills, it’s recommended to confirm specific Mensa requirements before relying solely on GRE prep for admission.

References:

http://alaska.us.mensa.org/testing/scores.htm
https://classroom.synonym.com/iq-test-results-qualify-mensa-5433914.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-IQ_society#Societies
https://www.worldwide-iq-test.com/about/mensa-iq-test/how-to-prepare-for-mensa-test
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensa_International