I Did the Mensa IQ test - how ‘clever’ am i? 

Notes about this video: 1. If you’d like to try some example Mensa questions, try the free Online Workout: bit.ly/Mensa-Online-Workout Let me know if your brain functions easily, or not, with these kinds of questions. 2. I made two massive mistakes during my test! 
The first was in test 1 - when we started I couldn’t make sense of the answer sheet. It was very simple and Lee the instructor explained it well, we even had examples questions we filled in together but my brain turned to mush when we started and I didn’t know what I was doing. I think I lost 1-2 minutes of the first section just staring at the page 😂
 And then during the second test when going back and checking my answers for the _second_ section (one that I actually managed to complete in time), I referred back to my answers in the _first_ section and started changing lots of answers, but changing them in the _wrong_ section! It was about 1 minute from the end when I realised what I was doing, got into a pickle and probably made loads of mistakes. But these mistakes are a reflection of my mental capabilities, if I can’t work out how to use the answer sheet properly then that is reflected in my score.

That’s actually a pretty good score. As George carlin used to say, “imagine how stupid your average person is, and then realize that half of the population is even stupider than that“.

Just wanted to say: I haven’t even watched the video but I respect your way of first researching and explaining things so much that, when I saw the topic I thought “now here is someone I want to learn about IQ from even tho I’ve avoided it for years”. That’s how good you are at what you do! ❤

As a Mensa member from the last century, I think your assessment of IQ tests not measuring all the forms of intelligence is very intelligent. I remember smiling during my IQ tests and the test supervisors wondering why I was was smiling so much. It's just that the tests were so limited. They were only measuring vocabulary, mathematics and pattern recognition. Intelligence is the ability to solve problems and accomplish goals in helpful ways, including the ability to improve in doing that through learning. There are plenty of people that are highly intelligent in their field, regardless of "IQ", whether that field is mechanics or dance instruction or social support or anything. Accomplishing broadly helpful goals requires intelligence and drive. "IQ" is just a particular test that doesn't really measure actual life intelligence. Your intelligence and your applications of it inspire me. Thank you.

I really appreciate the explanation of what Mensa is about and what IQ is about. I've always struggled with maths, patterns, formulas and reasoning but I've done well in other aspects of learning such as writing, information gathering and sorting, interpreting and application of information, and research (particularly qualitative). I graduated with a First with Honours in a very research-heavy programme but I can't do maths or patterns to save my life! I wouldn't do very well in these types of tests but I guess it's just something I didn't win in the genetic lottery!

I took the MENSA test about 15 years ago. It was a fun experience. Just found your channel, loving the content.

11:02 you can't average out like that. the two scores use different standard deviations, like apples and oranges.

I sat my Mensa test when I was 36yo. I got a 1% pass. I'm nearly 62yo now, and recently went on a test invigilator training day with Mensa. I had sight of the test papers, and can tell you I wasn't even on the pace. It is true that you go stupid as you age. You rowed the Atlantic and walked 100ml around the IoM. I couldn't comprehend how you did so. Both easily more worthwhile than Mensa membership, trust me!

Did one a couple of months ago and am a Mensa member since. It actually helped me a lot with figuring out myself if that makes sense. Getting the test results felt a bit like finally getting a diagnosis. Would totally recommend it. Relatively inexpensive and if nothing else makes for few fun and challenging hours. Greetings from Germany!🙂

I wish you a speedy recovery and health always

Fascinating day out Big T. It made my noggin ache just watching. I don't think I'd do very well at this kind of test, but like you say, we all think in different ways. My step father is extremely intelligent, but has no common sense at all. I guess we all have different skills and things to offer and this kind of thinking is just one aspect that adds to the rich tapestry of what makes us human. Thanks for sharing, as always.

When you said "when I really think about it, I'm nervous, but on the surface," my mind immediately went "he looks calm and ready" :P

I did a test when I was in school at 17. I was really interested in Sudoku and puzzles. Taking maths A level at the time. Scored somewhere up in the 140’s. I tried it again a couple of years ago in my 40’s and was something like 114. I have a feeling that it’s not some kind of set thing. That neuroplasticity is probably greatly effective and changeable in regard to this. Strangely because of some firing and storage taking place on both sides of the brain. Apparently if you juggle ( I know you know how) for ten minutes before an IQ test you can gain 5%?!? Because left right brain synthesis is stronger?!? Weird

Bet noone that watches you is surprised. But i9f you scored 70, you'd still be our favorite. It's what you do with what you were given that's important

I took 2 standardized IQ tests for jobs in my life. The first one, in my mid 20s, i scored 129. The 2nd one, early 40s, in 2017 i was a 142. Glad to know i got smarter over time 😆The job where i had the 2nd IQ test also told me i have 100% perfect hearing (you had to listen and click every time you hear the tiniest sound and i didn't miss one). The way everyone's brain works is different, though, and having a high number isn't always an advantage. I alreadsy knew i was "highly intelligent" because i could read, write and speak 2 languages at age 4 and school was pretty much boring. I learned by myself by reading and watching TV and would sometimes correct the teachers (or they would be explaining things i already knew in a simpler way for other students to learn it first, and i was jumping ahead). I was always the best in my level/school, won national tests etc but i also lacked several social skills. I'm a high functioning autist so i'm good proficient in very specific areas but can appear as a total clutz or even an idiot in social situations. I'd say for most jobs in society, it's better to be close to the median range. I've learned to make the best of my abilities and understand where my shortcomings are in the social sphere and sort of make up for it, but yeah, higher number doesn't necessarily = better 👍

That's a great score - well done!

I wonder how many people within Mensa, would admit to not belonging within the 1%. I think there are plenty of people there who belong within the 2%, but keeå quiet about that so people can believe they’re at the 1%. My grandpa was a professor in mathematics and held guest lectures at lots different universites such as Yale, Harward, Pxford and Cambridge and the big ones in Scandinavia. He’s without a doubt the most intelligent person I’ve ever met, but also the one with so much humility and kindness. He never made a difference between people based off of their intelligence (or anything that made them a minority). He viewed his intelligence more as an act of service to others, and not at all something to boast about to make others feel less than. That was a lovely approach regarding this subject! Lol, I’m probably pretty average myslef, but it’s ok because I study what I enjoy and I’m glad my intelligence is enough for that. / Scandinavian

Yes, agreed, our I Q is about mental agility. I have decided not to tell people my IQ because I once did and that person thinks that I am something special which is definitely not how I wish to be thought of. I enjoyed this video of your personal experience, Laura!

Congratulations, that’s awesome 😊

There are 3 different SDs. SD15 (common in Europe), SD16 (common in USA), SD24 (most uncommon). So these two tests have SD16 and SD24 as standard deviation. So to find out the IQ with SD15 you have to use these formulas: 1.) IQ(SD15)=((IQ(SD16)-100)/16)x15+100 for the SD16-IQ test. The result for her is IQ(SD15):115.9375. 2.) IQ(SD15)=((IQ(SD24)-100)/24)x15+100 for the SD24-IQ test. The result for her in this test is IQ(SD15): 119.375.

Great work.

I've always wanted to take an IQ test, but I'm also kind of afraid of the results. Basically because I've always been the "smart" one, but if I discovered that my IQ sucks and I'm not actually smart, It'd be kind of an ego hit. Oh well, I guess I'll probably just never know.

Super interesting topic, Laura! I figured you'd do well! I would wager IQ varies from day to day, depending on how one is feeling. I know my brain is definitely working some days and not so much on others :) I took an IQ test while in college and scored fairly highly, but I always felt that it was a fluke (and I'm actually not very bright at all). I vowed to never take another and prove myself right!

A Mensa member for over 30 years, well done for your excellent podcast on the test, it was great.

I did the supervised Mensa test in my mid twenties scored 144, 25 years later I wouldn't get close to that now. Was a good experience though.

No worry. I'm still your fan. :)

I took the Mensa test 20 years ago and was accepted as a member. I was told that they wouldn't tell me my exact score, but that it was at least 145. Very interesting. At 68 I can still do five numbers in my head, like 23 times 419, for example. It takes me a couple of minutes for five numbers, but I can do three in seconds.

Northamptonshire, that's my area, you could have popped in for a coffee Laura lol✌️ 😁 ☕

I met Lee today, who led your test! He was talking about someone who'd come along to Northampton and made a video about Mensa - I was like, yep she's the reason I came along today!

Love your videos! Thanks Laura!

I say you are very clever! Thanks for another interesting video.

IQ is one of those things that get batted around quite a lot as to its validity as a measure of "intelligence". It's the same, to me, as measuring what "fit" means. Is it Usain Bolt, the sprinter? Is it Eliud Kipchoge the current Olympic Gold Medallist in the Marathon? The weightlifters? The swimmers? The Decathletes? The people that compete in Strongman competitions? The rock-climbers? IQ measures a few components of intelligence in a specific way. As you pointed out, your test guide has high IQ, but can't work out Ikea furniture. Some people are very verbal, some visual, some aural - some have amazing abilities in 3D visualisation, some people can look at a bit of machinery and deduce how it all goes together at a glance. Where does some of this high IQ start to fall into the realms of being on the autism spectrum, or those previously the savants? And, of course - some people are very, very smart but just do not do well under test conditions. Your nervousness at the start, after a trip to get to an unfamiliar location while probably distracted by having to use a chunk of your mental energy in working out how to make a good video out of it probably did not help your own score.

That is still a very hi iq, Something to be proud of , well done

❤great stuff!

Thank you for making this video. I love your attitude about IQ, MENSA, & the stigmas surrounding them. Intelligence can be a touchy subject for many, and I've always disliked the idea of assigning a simple "score" to it. So many factors play into how a person does on tests like these: comfort, environment, experience, blood sugar. 😂 My personal experience with IQ testing was not ideal. I was in 2nd grade, had just endured a traumatic move to a new state, and was painfully shy to the point of not even talking in (public) school. I realize now that these factors likely affected my performance, but as a sensitive 7-year-old, not getting a "perfect" score on this test was devastating to me. So sad, I know! I've since recovered, thankfully. 😉 From what I've seen of your videos, you strike me as very intelligent, competent, methodical, and adventurous. Your consistent behavior proves your intelligence much more accurately than a single test score in my opinion. Regardless, great job on the test! Thanks for sharing this fun experience!

Most people are brilliant at something!

(just tickling the algorithm as much as anything but...) I sometimes find it funny how we talk about 'our brain' when in fact our brain is 'us': it is where we are. We are our brain, we aren't separate from it, it is us. So when we feel our 'brain hurting' (as opposed to a headache) we are feeling the physical manifestation of ourselves aching. Does that mean that we can exhaust or over exert who we are? When we suffer grief, depression, loss or trauma it is a different ache, we (our brain) detects and experiences it, but it is not often 'felt' in our in our brain, it is more in our body. Which is weird, I think. Anyway as always a wonderful video. cheers

I could tell you were at least 130 at before knowing the results. Well done!

Well done Laura! I remember being made to do a WAIS IQ in a 1-1 setting, I had my 3MO daughter with me who was fussing most of the time 🙈 I either had to continue or I wouldn't have the opportunity to do it again, so I did it. I was told I scored one below genius whatever that means 🤷‍♀️🤣 I bet if I did it again, I wouldn't score anywhere near that as I feel like my brains functioning has turned to mush lol It would be interesting to look into that! Thank you for the inspiration 🤩

Ooo I'm so gonna do this, well done on your fab scores 👍 lets see if I can beat you 😁

I have this sit down in 4 hours

I think the stigma of having a high IQ comes from the people who love saying how high their IQ is, like it makes them better than others or right about everything. People also assume if you have a high IQ then your emotional/social IQ is probably on the low side. You got a great score though, that's much higher than average!

Interesting video. Well done on your test score. & *Thinking* means *working with limited information* So . .. It's much *better to be productive and creative* Stay happy:)

You like challenges.... I have one for you: do whatever you want the way you want for so long as you can..... if you dare so.

Mens in latin means "mind", as in "mens rea"

New subscriber here! I love your videos! You are so positive and optimistic, and I really like what you said at the end about IQ, and how Mensa is a group of people that share a similar skill set - like a group of musicians. I'm inspired to take on some of the challenges in your videos! Perhaps my next challenge is getting the splits? Or doing RU-vid full-time? 😍

My mum is a member of Mensa. No one else in the family dares take the test!

Learning new things helps with neural plasticity. Such as a new language. More than recall puzzles such as crosswords.

Really interesting vlog. Thanx.

Being honest, you can learn to do these tests. Some time ago I bought mensa test books and after doing multiple of these, I started to get most answers correctly, although I am not that bright. So, i dont think it is such an important factor.

mensa mensa mensam......if you've ever done latin you'll never forget😆

I've become very interested in the idea that there are multiple intelligences. Emotional intelligence is well known but I think a good carpenter has a kind of intelligence. Also ballet dancers have an awareness and control of their bodies which is a kind of body intelligence. I'm a software developer so traditional intelligence is useful but if you ask me to wrap a present it will look like it was done by a two-year old using just their toes.

I like your channel

I'd be curious to see how much the score would change if you took the test every day for a couple weeks (if anyone could weather that) 😄. Also I bet score would improve as you'd simply get better at the test itself

I’m sure you know that Mensa accepts other tests than the ones that they administer. I qualified for Mensa (and Intertel - top 1%) on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

Well, this test clearly measures SD 24, which would mean that, if and only if your FSIQ on average is exactly 124, then this would put you exactly one standard deviation above the average. In other words, it would be fitting to describe you as “clever”, but nothing more. At least it puts you in the top 16 % of the most intelligent people, which means out of a hundred people, you will be smarter, statistically speaking, than 84 of them. The other people will be at least as intelligent as you are in the worst case and more intelligent than you are, normally. It’s actually quite a good score.

good job.👍

I used to have a really high IQ, but after my 50es it starts to decrease, i don't need to test it to feel, that it would be way, way lower. I forget quicker and understand slower now. (I'm 61). I'm sure, the IQ decreased with age. (Sorry for my bad english)

I'm 60 and I feel 200. Ergo, my IQ must be approximately 233. Ask me anything.

great video.

You can't average the scores as they're on different scales.

Mensa won't reveal an individuals "proctored" test scores. All you get is a PASS/FAIL notification. It's considered crass and taboo to discuss scores by the organization and its members. How did you get them to share yours? -TheUnMensan Funfact: I took my test hungover. My self sabotage was strong in my 20's.

117-131 iq but you can't work out the average of those numbers without a calculator?😅😅

Thanks.

You scores are high enough that you are capable creating works of genius. Where I went to graduate school, there was a huge study on the connection between high creative achievement and IQ. On those two tests, you take the highest score as the most indicative of general ability, if I remember. In this case, you're in the top 9%. You're a smart cookie. Not surprising.

how is this not cultural? let me put it this way: can a culture that does not write, for example, produce any kind of intelligence test that would be acceptable by mensa as being comparable to their own?

bro you just found an average of sd24 and sd16. If calculated correctly your iq is around 120 sd15

I did an IQ test when I was a kid. I got 141. I'm pretty sure nowadays its below 110 😜

I know how intense those 1.5 hours goes.. but dont you like it ? I love that feelings ( especialy after test gets over ), its like coming outta hard workout lol. but my experience is, score is not fixed, it changes the more you do. For first time it will be lil lower, but subsequently one gets lots of improvement on score.

I have no clue how I got into mensa. Its been a week and just got the mail inviting me to join mensa. I first saw this video and thought ohh i wish I could get a score like that. I got 132 in 1st and 145 in 2nd …. Lmaooo how !! 🤣🤣 I thought id get around 120 or some

I did it just this past weekend, just for a laugh. I managed to answer all the questions at least. In the longer of the two papers, I found a couple of sections I had lots of time leftover, so ended up leaving the room to make a cup of tea during one section. Was a bit of fun. Not had the results yet, but I feel positive about it.

Thats a good iq.

My guess for you was 131 and I was right according to one of the tests!

Very interesting.

No reason to be disappointed with that result. If you google bell curve and iq, you'll see that you actually are among the 16% smartest people in the population, and that ain't bad is it?

I did one, i must've got nearly all of them right because i got 80 out of 100

i just did a workout thingy and got 15/18 is that good? I'm annoyed it wont tell us which we got wrong...

I am listed on the World Genius Directory

Have to wonder if deep focus is becoming a lost skill for the average person, since the internet is turning our brains into clickfest mush.

Laura, how did you prepare for the Mensa test? Are there any resources that you would recommend? Thank you!

Does any body have the national iq tests they can upload please.?

they should have a womensa test so women can feel smart too.

The reason for the 'social status' of having higher IQ's, ...this aptitude at problem solving, etc. Is that humans are not rational actors. Purely emotional reposes to stimuli are the norm. Supposedly, those with a higher IQ are able to distance themselves from their innate initial response. How we deal with anxiety and stress, our flight or fight response, etc. To take a moment, to pause and assess... is vital in life. The lower the IQ, the less control you have over your stress and the more it controls you. Laziness is the malady which affects most humans. Having a high IQ enables people to take advantage of this. Many people can keep busy, the high IQ scorer will just achieve more in less time. Around seventy percent of people 'the silent majority' are subservient to authority, and habitually keep their emotions under control. It's one of things that British people were infamous for. Their... stiff upper lip. Stoicism which is a form of capitulation, knowing you're not in control... even when you believe you are. To accept a situation and your inability to avert the outcome. Owning a high IQ is knowing you can gain the best possible scenario out of 'most' situations. It is hot wired into them. To see the malaise and laziness of others and clamber over them. Those that are well socially adjusted will 'do well' in society generally, those socially maladjusted will succeed in theoretical fields. Having a high IQ score... will always show humans at their best ...and unfortunately also at their worst.

Vo2 max = mensa

not very clever since clever and smart arent the same

The whole IQthing is flawed.

A better indicator of IQ is knowing that these test are worthless indicators of intelligence. What good is having a high IQ score when you can't tie your own shoestrings?

Show off :) Hahaha How about the Raven IQ test? No words but patterns. Could see how well Raven lines up with the ones you have already taken.