A score in the top 2% of the population on a supervised, standardized intelligence test is the criteria for joining Mensa. Approximately five million Americans are eligible to join. Here in Central Iowa Mensa, we get together every month for events such as lunches, dinners, and game nights. Nationally, members may attend events including Annual and Regional Gatherings, Mind Games® and Colloquium. American Mensa has more than 150 special interest groups ranging from astronomy to scuba. There are two ways to join:

• Most people have taken a standardized intelligence test at some point in their life, and Mensa recognizes high performance (top 2%) on such a test as qualification for membership. For more information on how to submit test scores to be considered, see the American Mensa web site details about "Prior Evidence." This page also contains a link to qualifying scores on dozens of commonly administered tests, although others may also be considered on a individual basis.
• Mensa also offers its own admittance test, which is given periodically in various cities through Central Iowa. For information about testing times and locations, please contact Trish Cook at: (515) 282-8374 (between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm), or e-mail her at: trish_c@usa.net. For those who are not sure if they would qualify, or are hesitant to take the test without knowing what to expect, American Mensa also offers a Home Test which cannot be used for admittance, but provides an indication of potential performance on the official test.

October 20, 2007