The Groundbreaking Truth About IQ and College Admissions
For years, there has been a debate raging across educational and professional circles: Is the relationship between IQ and SAT scores significant? While some believe there is a strong correlation, others argue that it is far more nuanced than it appears. In this article, I present a different perspective, one that emphasizes the true measure of success in the classroom and beyond.
Call It Quits on IQ
My stance is clear: IQ scores, to me, are largely irrelevant. In the context of job or college applications, your IQ is not the determining factor. Sure, it might buy you a cup of coffee today, but in the grand scheme, it’s the effort and hard work that truly make the difference. This belief aligns with the wisdom of Thomas Edison, who once famously said, 'Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.'
In my experience, the key to success is not about innate intelligence but about the dedication and hard work that goes into it. Hard work is what transforms potential into achievement, each and every time. It's not just about high school; it's about life, and it's about every task we set our minds to, big or small.
The Ivy League Insides
Let me share some behind-the-scenes insights from my personal and professional life. Over the past four decades, I have played various roles in academia, including being a Dean, interim Vice President, University President, and interim Vice Chancellor. I have written numerous letters of recommendation for students who have successfully enrolled in prestigious Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Columbia. The college and graduate school application forms, however, have one thing in common: they never ask for an IQ score. This is true whether you're an undergraduate or a senior leader.
During interviews for high-level positions, the conversation is centered around problem-solving skills, leadership, and results rather than IQ scores. Even if a candidate mentions their high IQ, it often ends the discussion quickly. After all, why would someone who cares about hard work and results be concerned with a measure of innate mental ability that has little practical utility?
The Secret Revealed
The secret, as they say, is in the application process itself. Here's a snippet of the 'secret': not one application form for college admissions, graduate school applications, job interviews, or senior leadership positions has ever included a space for IQ scores. Interviews have never focused on a candidate's intelligence either. The reason is simple: nobody, except for you and your mother, really cares about your IQ. What they care about is your ability to tackle tough problems, lead effectively, and produce results.
During my lengthy career, which spans over 46 years, I have seen countless forms and participated in numerous interviews. Not once, not even a single instance, has the question about IQ ever been raised. The focus has always been on your willingness to work hard, your ability to lead, and the outcomes you achieve.
Life Is About More Than IQ
My relationship with IQ scores is a bit different. If you're curious, I am a life member of MENSA. It's an interesting conversation starter, but in the end, it's about realizing that success is not just about your IQ. It's about your hard work and your dedication. If you're ever tempted to boast about your IQ score, remember that the real measure of success is in the labor that you put in, not in the raw potential that you might possess.
In conclusion, while IQ may be a fascinating topic for some, it should not be the primary criterion for evaluating success in life or career. It's the effort, the hard work, and the results that truly matter.
Final Notes
Lest anyone dismiss my perspective as being sour grapes, I point out that I am proud to be a life member of MENSA. However, the truth is that IQ, no matter how impressive, is not the be-all and end-all of success. It's the hard work and dedication that count.
In the end, it's your commitment to your goals and your willingness to put in the work that will define your success. So, whether you're applying to college, seeking a job, or climbing the corporate ladder, remember that it's not about what you're born with but about what you do with what you have.