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AMERICAN MENSA ADMISSION QUALIFICATION
WHAT IS THIS “ADMISSION” TEST? Why is it necessary? What do I really need to know? The “Mensa Admission Test” consists of two (2) proctored tests. Each test is separately timed. All you need to do is achieve a score at or above the 98th percentile on either test. This is a qualifying score. You will receive an email invitation to join American Mensa. (PS: You will not receive a “score” – just notice that you do qualify!) WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? Option 1: South Texas Mensa (STM) usually conducts our American Mensa Admission Tests on a monthly schedule. Currently (in 2024) we are doing so only in San Antonio (primarily due to a lack of qualified proctors in other South Texas cities). Our testing dates depend on both the availability of a qualified proctor and a quiet, dedicated testing site. Note: We do advertise our test sessions on the American Mensa website (Take the Mensa Admission Test). All you need to do is go to that site, input your Zip Code; you will be directed to test sessions currently scheduled near you. (For those who live outside the Greater San Antonio area, you may be directed to test sessions being offered by other Texas Mensa groups.) Currently the standard Mensa Admission Test Fee is $60 – payable by credit card or personal check on the day of testing – or – you can pay in advance by purchasing a Testing Voucher on the American Mensa website. Note: Should you purchase a voucher, it is “good” for up to 2 years – so this, too, offers you flexibility in scheduling a test! Option 2: For those who do not live in the greater San Antonio area or who have other time constraints – is the “Private Testing Option”. Go to How Private Mensa Admission Testing Works, and you can obtain a list of locations near your home or business. You can then schedule a test session – pretty much at your own convenience. This option does cost a bit more (currently $99) but it does offer much more individual flexibility. Option 3: Another alternative to consider. You already may pre-qualify with scores from tests you took at an earlier time (usually when you were in school). The American Mensa website has a link that gives a “sample” of qualifying test scores. However, these are not the only qualifying tests/scores! Just go to Join Mensa Using My Past Test Scores. There you will find a link to help you find your prior test scores – no matter how long ago you took the test(s)! One thing can be a bit “fuzzy” when submitting prior evidence or other (outside) test results. Your score must be on an “official document” of some type. That is sometimes a problem. For some tests, you have to submit a report signed by the administering psychologist but where the test is graded by the proponent company, the publisher of the test, that company, will also have your results, and can provide them directly to you. It all depends. So, do contact us for more info, should you choose this qualification option. Note for all 3 Options: At periodic intervals, American Mensa may offer discounted testing rates. Information about these will be published on their website (under “Join”) and on our local testing announcements. Are there other testing/admission options? For example, what if I am not a native English language speaker? There are a couple of other testing options for non-native (English language) speakers. For example:
Non-English speaking/non-native language): Currently, at least here in South Texas, the Spanish language option is not available because we do not have any proctors qualified to conduct this testing. (It may, however, be available in other areas.)
Non-Language (Culture Fair) Testing: American Mensa does not currently offer this type of admission qualification testing. It may be available from private psychologists. Should you take/have taken this type of testing, results may be submitted to our National Office Testing Coordinator (see the information about “Prior Evidence” above.) Other information about test availability: American Mensa has “local groups” in every state. Most of them have a Testing Coordinator/Proctors and they conduct testing on a (fairly) regular basis. So, perhaps your home is in the South Texas Mensa area but you go to school elsewhere. Or perhaps you travel a lot for business. Let us know this, and we will put you in contact with the local Mensa group Testing Coordinator. Then, you can take the test where you attend school or work! Also, many of our local groups hold what we call Regional Gatherings (RGs). These are events where we gather, enjoy a variety of programs and other activities. Many are held on 3-day weekends. Most, if not all, RGs offer a Mensa Test Session. The same is true for our Mensa Annual Gathering (AG) – which usually offers two separate test sessions. SO – You have decided to take the Admission Test. What to expect. What YOU need to do (other than pre-register, of course!)? First: Reservations are essential. Even if a test is scheduled, advertised on the American Mensa website, in our newsletter or on this South Texas Mensa (STM) website – IF a reservation is not pre-confirmed, there will be no one sitting around, waiting at the test location just in case someone should show up unannounced! (Note: This pretty much applies to wherever a test is scheduled!) How much time does the testing take? About 2 to 2.5 hours, mostly depending on how many candidates are taking the tests with you. What do you need to bring to a Test Session?
Identification: A photo ID is required. This may be a driver’s license, a state-issued ID card, a student ID card, a passport or a similar document.
Payment: Check, credit card or a pre-paid American Mensa Testing Voucher. (Cash on the barrel head cannot/will not be accepted!) Are you under 18 years old? A special Testing Consent Form must be signed – in advance – by a parent or guardian and brought to the test. If you are under 18, please let our Testing Coordinator know so that the form can be sent to you. Are you under 14 years old? American Mensa is not authorized to conduct testing for minors under 14 years old. This must be done by private psychologists, schools, etc. However, those under 14 who qualify are eligible for membership. Qualification is accomplished by achieving acceptable results on any one of a large number of tests. Do you need to “study” for these tests? NO, absolutely not! Just get a good night’s rest, show up on time and that’s it! By the way, our Proctor(s) will be glad to discuss the benefits of joining Mensa with you. Sharing personal stories, experiences, etc. Letting you know what to expect – and to not expect – about the Mensa Experience. We hope all this information helps you decide to apply for Mensa membership – whichever option you might choose. We look forward to meeting you and telling you more about us!
If you are interested in finding out more about American Mensa, the Testing process, what you can expect should you qualify and join, the types of activities available, etc., please email our Testing Coordinator. We will send you information about upcoming test sessions, current payment options, and “all you need to know” for tests you do not even need to study for!
Are you ready to take the Mensa Admission Test? If you do not have evidence of prior testing, and are age 14 and older, you can take a supervised, standardized test in our South Texas area with one of our certified volunteer proctors. To speed up the process, use the link below for the most current contact information with South Texas Mensa's Testing Coordinator – STMensa_TestCoordinator@outlook.com. Our coordinator will respond to your request as quickly as possible to let you know the dates and times of the next testing session in your area. A test is usually scheduled in San Antonio every month. |
