Alexis Kestler
Dear friend,
Have you ever felt like your mind works differently than most people around you? Do you crave deep intellectual conversations and get bored by mundane small talk? Do you pick up new concepts lightning fast while others are still trying to understand the basics?
If this sounds familiar, you may have a higher than average IQ. Your cognitive abilities and thirst for mental stimulation likely set you apart.
The good news is you don’t have to feel isolated anymore. There is a unique society specifically for bright individuals like you – it’s called Mensa.
As a technology geek and data analytics nerd myself, I totally get the need to connect with like-minded people. Those of us with high IQs have vast untapped potential. But we often lack an outlet to fully utilize our talents.
That’s where joining Mensa comes in!
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about qualifying for Mensa, the benefits of membership, and how to get the most out of this elite global society.
Let’s start at the beginning…
What is Mensa and How Did It Get Started?
Mensa is the largest and oldest international high IQ society in the world. To become a member, you need to score at or above the 98th percentile on a standardized IQ test.
In 1946, British barrister Roland Berrill and scientist Dr. Lancelot Ware founded Mensa in England. They shared a vision of creating a utopian society made up of intelligent thinkers like themselves.
The nonprofit organization took its name from the Latin word “mensa” meaning “table.” This suggests a round table society where all members gather as equals to share ideas.
From humble beginnings at Lincoln College in Oxford, Mensa has grown into a globally recognized organization with over 100,000 members across 100 countries.
Today, American Mensa has its headquarters in Arlington, Texas, while the global Mensa International office remains in Caythorpe, UK.
Now, let’s explore who can join this elite society…
Mensa Membership Requirements: Can You Qualify?
The one and only requirement to get into Mensa is scoring at or above the 98th percentile on an approved, standardized IQ test.
This means scoring higher than 98% of the general population. In other words, having an IQ in the top 2% of people.
Qualifying tests measure various cognitive skills related to reasoning, logic, pattern recognition, spatial intelligence, vocabulary and math.
Mensa doesn’t care about your education level, profession, race, religion, gender or age. The sole qualification is proving you are among the most gifted minds.
Over 200 IQ tests are accepted. The most common are:
- Mensa Admissions Test
- WAIS-IV
- Stanford-Binet 5
- Cognitive Abilities Test
- SAT
- GRE
- LSAT
I’ll explain the testing options in more detail shortly.
First, let’s look at who can join this exclusive society…
Minimum Age Requirement
There is no upper age limit to join Mensa. However, there is a minimum age requirement:
- Children as young as 14 can join if they meet the IQ test score qualification.
- 10-14 year olds take the Mensa Youth Admission Test.
- Under 10 is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
So gifted youth also get a chance to connect with intellectual peers and develop their talents.
Household Membership Option
Mensa offers a household membership category. This allows up to 3 adults and all minor dependents with qualifying scores to join under one membership.
It’s perfect for families with multiple bright members who want basic membership benefits.
Membership Demographics
Across membership categories, Mensa’s demographic spread generally reflects that of the total population based on age, gender, race, income and other factors.
It may surprise some that Mensa members represent all walks of life. Along with scientists and engineers, you’ll find police officers, artists, entrepreneurs and people in many other careers.
This diversity creates an inclusive community where intelligent individuals can find belonging regardless of background.
Now let’s look at how you can demonstrate your eligibility…
Taking the Mensa IQ Test – What to Expect
The most straightforward (and cheapest) route is to take the official Mensa admissions exam.
This requires attending an in-person testing session proctored by a Mensa representative. Sessions are organized regularly across the globe.
You can use Mensa’s local group locator to find upcoming test dates near you.
The Mensa IQ test takes around 2 hours and contains 2 separate exams featuring these types of questions:
- Logic puzzles
- Spatial reasoning
- Pattern recognition
- Analogies
- Sentence completion
- Mathematical word problems
You are given a “second chance” so you can retake it once if needed after a 6 month wait.
The testing fee is around $60 in the United States, which also covers your membership application fee if you qualify.
Now let’s look at an alternative path to qualification…
Submitting Existing Scores From a Qualifying Test
If you have already taken an approved standardized test, you can submit those scores to Mensa instead of retaking their exam.
As we saw earlier, over 200 IQ tests are accepted, including popular options like:
- SAT – Score of 1400+ on Current Test / 1300+ pre-March 2016
- GRE – Score in the 98th Percentile
- LSAT – Score in the 98th Percentile
- Miller Analogies Test – Raw score of 36+
- Cognitive Abilities Test – Composite score of 95th percentile
PSAT – Selection Index Score of 212+
ACT – Composite score of 30+
To submit existing scores, you simply provide an official score report directly from the testing agency. It needs to be less than 5 years old.
This path costs $70 for the Mensa application fee, so it saves you the testing fee.
For young children, IQ tests like the WISC or Stanford-Binet are commonly used to qualify for Mensa membership.
As you can see, Mensa offers a flexible testing approach to demonstrate your abilities. Now let’s explore the investment required…
Cost to Join Mensa: Fees and Dues Explained
To join and remain an active member of Mensa, you need to pay annual dues. Here is a breakdown of what membership costs:
- One year – $70
- Three years – $190
- Five years – $290
- Lifetime – One time fee from $850 to $1,140 depending on your age. Under 26 is $850.
First time applicants also pay a one-time $35 processing fee unless you took the Mensa test.
Members under 18 pay $32 per year. Discounts are offered for students, families and those serving in the military.
Mensa depends on dues to cover proctoring costs, local and national gatherings, publications and more. So the fees support activities that benefit all members.
For families, household membership offers a cost-effective way for up to 3 adults and all qualified dependents to join.
While the fees are an investment, the access you gain to Mensa’s offerings and community is truly invaluable for gifted individuals.
Next, let’s look closer at the key benefits you can expect as a member…
Why Join Mensa? Exclusive Benefits for Bright Minds
Joining Mensa unlocks an array of exclusive benefits and activities that unlock your potential, including:
1. Connecting with Intellectual Peers
This is arguably the #1 benefit. Finding true peers with IQs in the top 2% is life-changing for many members.
Imagine being able to have meaningful, thought-provoking conversations free of awkward silences or the need to explain yourself.
You may finally feel understood and talk openly about ideas most would find too complex or esoteric. The freedom to “geek out” and be yourself is priceless.
2. Local Member Gatherings and Events
130+ local groups in the US (and more worldwide) organize frequent get togethers like:
- Speaker sessions
- Book club
- Trivia and game nights
- Cocktail hours
- Dinners
- Theatre outings
This offers ongoing social engagement with members near you.
3. Regional and National Gatherings
Large regional weekend events attract 500-2,000 members for networking, lectures, tours, dining and entertainment.
The 5-day Annual Gathering each summer brings together up to 5,000 members from around the world for nonstop activities.
4. Special Interest Groups
Mensa has over 100 SIGs focused on topics from technology to puzzles to entrepreneurship where you can connect over shared interests. These groups host focused gatherings and conferences.
5. Mind-Stretching Activities
Member events provide ongoing mental stimulation through trivia, debates, logic problems, word games and other intellectual challenges.
6. Cultural Experiences
Gain exclusive access to member-only museum tours, concerts, theatre performances and cultural excursions.
7. Discounts and Savings
Enjoy member-only travel discounts, magazine deals, financial services benefits and more. Discounted Mensa gifts and apparel too.
8. Genius Networking & Friendships
Expand your social and professional network by connecting with interesting, accomplished people with abilities similar to your own.
9. Global Member Recognition
Mensa membership puts you among the top minds across the globe. Wear your Mensa lapel pin proudly!
10. Lifelong Learning & Growth
Mensa activities provide ongoing opportunities to challenge yourself intellectually and continue expanding your gifts.
As you can see, joining Mensa opens up a world of engagement and enrichment that allows your brilliance to flourish.
Now let’s explore some popular ways to connect at Mensa events…
How to Get the Most from Mensa Gatherings and Conferences
Attending member events is one of the most rewarding parts of joining Mensa. Here are tips to maximize the experience:
Explore a Variety of Offerings
Check the calendar for your local group and consider attending different types of events to meet diverse members.
Trivia nights, speakers, dinners, museum tours – try it all! Special Interest Group gatherings are also fascinating.
Balance Organized Activities with Informal Socializing
Chat with attendees before and after events. Some of the best conversations happen spontaneously in lobby bars, while touring attractions, or over a meal.
Attend Large Regional Gatherings When Possible
The energy and activity frenzy of a Regional or Annual Gathering with 1,000+ members is exhilarating. Plan one into your schedule.
Make Friends Outside Your Usual Social Circle
Sit with new people at meals and introduce yourself. Friendships form easily over shared high cognitive abilities.
Contribute Your Knowledge and Passions
Offer to give a talk, lead a SIG, or organize an activity. Mensa thrives on members generously contributing ideas and talents.
Bring Your Spouse or Partner
While they may not qualify to join as a full member, Mensa allows spouses to attend most gatherings and experience the community.
Meet Kindred Young Minds
At family events, gifted youth get to connect with peers who finally “get” them. Priceless for young Mensans.
Keep an Open Mind
Members have incredibly diverse lives, cultures and passions. Enjoy learning from different perspectives.
Making Mensa connections and memories lasts a lifetime. Now let’s look at resources to help you prepare for the admissions test…
Getting Mensa-Ready: Study Tips and Practice Resources
Scoring in the top 2% on the Mensa IQ exam takes dedication. Here are some preparation tips:
Learn the Test Format
Review the test sections and question types so you know what to expect. Expect a range of verbal, non-verbal and quantitative questions.
Try Sample Questions
Work through practice questions and puzzles to build speed and accuracy answering similar items on the real test.
Train Your Brain Daily
Do brain teasers and logic problems for 10-20 minutes per day leading up to the test. Keeping your mind active is key.
Study Test Strategies
Learn best practices for taking IQ exams like working from easiest to hardest questions and double checking your work.
Refresh Relevant Skills
Brush up on math concepts like fractions, percentages, algebra and geometry which come up frequently.
Get Enough Rest
Being well rested maximizes your focus and cognitive performance. Don’t stay up late cramming.
Along with these tips, use prep books and resources like:
- The Mensa Genius Quiz-a-Day Book – my personal favorite for daily practice.
- Mensa 365 Brain Puzzlers Calendar – work through a challenging puzzle every day.
- Match Wits with Mensa – over 600 puzzles to build skills.
- Mensa All-New Puzzle Book – newest challenging questions.
- Mensa Admissions Test guides – purchase practice tests directly from Mensa.
With diligent preparation, you can master the skills needed to excel when test day arrives.
Now you know everything required to join Mensa. But is it the right fit for you? Let’s explore that question…
Who Should Join Mensa? Evaluating If It’s a Good Fit
Mensa isn’t for everyone. But it can be life changing for those who feel isolated or misunderstood due to exceptional intelligence.
Consider if Mensa may be right for you if:
✅ You crave deep intellectual and philosophical conversations.
✅ You absorb complex concepts rapidly that baffle peers.
✅ Friends describe you as the “smartest person they know.”
✅ Standardized test scores or IQ assessments put you in the top percentiles.
✅ You are intensely curious and have wide-ranging interests.
✅ Routine social gatherings and chitchat bore you.
✅ You often feel lonely and misunderstood even among friends.
If this resonates with you, joining Mensa may help you finally feel “normal” by connecting you with true cognitive peers.
You will also discover other high IQ societies, but Mensa’s size and name recognition make it the most accessible option.
On the other hand, evaluate if Mensa might not be a fit if:
❌ You dislike group social activities and gatherings.
❌ Your main passion is focused intellectual pursuit in one specialized domain.
❌ You care more about emotional intelligence than academic intelligence.
❌ Standardized test scores and percentiles don’t reflect your real-world cognitive abilities.
❌ You prefer to learn practical rather than theoretical knowledge.
If you are on the fence, many local groups allow you to attend a meeting before joining to experience the culture.
The key is finding an organization that fits your abilities, interests and preferred activities.
Now that you know more about Mensa, let’s look at what happens after you qualify and join…
You’ve Joined Mensa – What’s Next? Maximizing the Membership Experience
Congratulations, your Mensa journey has begun! Here are tips to make the most of your membership:
Connect with Your Local Group
Introduce yourself on their website forum. Follow their calendar to start attending events that interest you.
Make Friends with Members of All Ages and Backgrounds
Chat with young, seasoned and lifetime members to gain new perspectives. Variety makes it fun!
Contribute Your Expertise
Offer to deliver a talk, write an article for the newsletter, lead a Special Interest Group, organize outings, and more.
Attend Regional Gatherings When Possible
Plan to experience the energy and rush of 1,000+ member mega-events which happen annually nationwide. Unforgettable!
Challenge Yourself
Step outside your comfort zone. Compete in the unknown! Expand your knowledge through Mensa SIGs and lectures.
Wear Your Mensa Lapel Pin Proudly
Sport your membership pin on a jacket or bag. It’s a fabulous conversation starter with fellow gifted minds.
Check Out Member Perks
Look into discounts on insurance, financial services, books, travel and more. Tap into the full value.
Build Friendships
Invite new friends you meet to join you at events. Nurture relationships at gatherings and online.
Most importantly, have fun socializing, learning, and celebrating your brilliant mind!
Joining Mensa Unlocks Your Potential
I hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of Mensa – the passion project I devote my spare time to.
As a member for over a decade now, I can’t overstate the joy of finding “my people” after a lifetime feeling I had no intellectual peers.
If you qualify to join Mensa, you unlock an instant global community of people with extraordinary cognitive abilities just like yours.
Imagine being fully understood and valued for your gifted mind, without judgement or impatience. For many members, it’s the first time this happens.
No matter your age, joining Mensa provides ongoing learning, brain-stretching challenges, exclusive cultural experiences, new friendships and – most importantly – a sense of belonging.
I hope you will consider taking the qualifying test and joining our society for bright minds. You have nothing to lose and a world of possibilities to gain.
To your brilliance!
David
Proud Member of American Mensa
