Mensa IQ Test: Should You Take the Real One If You Scored 131 Online?
With an online IQ test score of 131, you may be wondering whether you need to take the official Mensa test to confirm your qualifications. This article explores the importance of taking a supervised official test, examines the advantages, and highlights the reasons why you might consider or not consider a real test.
Understanding Your Score
Scoring 131 on a Mensa online test indicates that you have the potential to qualify for Mensa. Mensa typically requires a score in the top 2% of the population, which is around 130 IQ points or higher. While your online score is promising, this is just a preliminary test and might not be as accurate as a supervised official test.
Advantages of Official Mensa Test
There are several reasons to take the official Mensa test if you’re serious about possibly joining:
Preparation
Make sure you are well-prepared for the official test. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be included. This preparation will help ensure that your score truly reflects your cognitive abilities.
Test Environment
An official test is administered in a controlled environment. This can help eliminate any external variables that may affect your performance. A supervised test provides a more accurate and reliable measure of your abilities.
Membership Benefits
Joining Mensa offers several benefits, including networking, intellectual challenges, and access to special events. If you qualify, these opportunities could be invaluable to you.
Alternatives to the Official Test
If you have already taken similar tests and achieved a satisfactory score, there may be no need to take the official test. Mensa accepts test results from a wide variety of aptitude and IQ tests, some of which set different minimum scores. Here’s what you can do:
Review Your Results
Look at your past test results and check the minimum score required by Mensa. If you have relevant and reliable test scores, you can simply forward them to Mensa and they will likely accept them.
Saving the Official Test for a Qualifying Score
The only compelling reason to take the official test is if you have never taken any relevant tests and want an official score to confirm your qualifications. For established test-takers, the official test may not be necessary.
Considering the Online Test
The online IQ test you’ve taken is worth about as much as the paper it’s printed on. This is a significant point to consider:
Inaccuracy and Reliability
The online test lacks the control and supervision that a real test provides. It is administered without a strict time limit and typically does not have a qualified proctor to ensure that everyone follows the rules. This can lead to inaccuracies and unreliable results.
Marketing Scam
Many online IQ tests exist simply to convince you to pay for a real test. The fact that you may score in the 'qualified but only barely' range is not unexpected. This outcome is more probable if the online test is just a front for a marketing scam.
Conclusion
While taking the official Mensa IQ test is highly recommended if you truly want to join and verify your score, it may not be necessary if you have already established your qualifications through a reliable test. Understanding the differences between online and official tests can help you make an informed decision about your next steps.