The "High IQ" Society

One out of 50 people qualifies for American Mensa... Are You The One?

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Mensa

What qualifies me to be a Mensa Member?

To qualify for Mensa, you must have scored in the top 2% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. Five million Americans are eligible for membership.

You can find more information about eligibility at the Prior Evidence page of American Mensa.

What type of people are members of American Mensa?

Mensans come from all walks of life. They range from three to nearly 100 years old. They represent both sexes, all races, various professions and many beliefs. However, they share one trait: high intelligence.

What is the purpose of Mensa?

There are three main purposes of Mensa:

1. Identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
2. Encourage research in the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence.
3. Provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for members.

How do I have social interaction with other members?

Activities are scheduled almost daily on the Mensa calendar. Locally, these range from meetings to guest speakers to parties. Members can also attend regional and national gatherings that provide opportunities to meet other Mensans.

How do I receive intellectual stimulation as a member?

You'll find a good "mental workout" in the Mensa Bulletin, the national magazine. In newsletters published by each of our 138 local chapters, you can share your opinions as well as read other points of view. Meetings and gatherings provide many opportunities for intellectual stimulation.

How do Mensans help others?

Mensa Education & Research Foundation (MERF) MERF sponsors scholarships, participates in research, rewards excellence in gifted research, and publishes the Mensa Research Journal.

What other programs are available in Mensa?

Gifted Children Resource Program

This program provides information on gifted children and gifted children resources.

Project Inkslinger

Inkslinger started when the Mississippi and its tributaries flooded parts of the Midwest and South. Several schools and libraries lost their entire collections to water damage. American Mensans helped replace these books and continue to help libraries and schools in need.

Local Group Community Activities

Groups volunteer for community-oriented activities in their area, including public-television pledge drives and scholarship fund-raisers.

More information about Mensans' activities and programs

Are there groups in American Mensa that share my special interests?

At the present time, there are more than 130 national special interest groups (SIGs) that range from Chocoholics to Military History and from SCUBA to Babylon 5. These groups are started by members who share a common interest. Groups communicate regularly via newsletters and other forums.

Are there other special benefits to being a Mensa member?

Along with the intellectual and social activities, members receive other special benefits including programs that offer special discounts to Mensa members. We are always looking into new areas to provide extra value for Mensa membership.

What is the cost of membership?

Current dues for American Mensa are $52 a year. Life, multi-year, and family plans are available.

Memphis Mensa is local group #380 of American Mensa..