Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

IQ and selective school entry

13 replies

horsesforcourses1 · 27/02/2012 17:53

If VR and NVR tests are IQ based what level IQ would selective schools be looking for? For example if average IQ is 100 would selective schools and grammars be looking for children with an IQ of 120+ ?

OP posts:
madwomanintheattic · 27/02/2012 18:13

120+ is considered in the gifted range, but ime schools are v cagey about giving a specific iq score (at least in policy docs/ applications faqs etc)

marking out of mild interest though... Grin

Original poster
horsesforcourses1 · 27/02/2012 18:47

Hypothetically speaking, If a child was a member of Mensa would this be an advantage for school and Uni applications?

OP posts:
AlpinePony · 27/02/2012 18:51

I went to grammar many, many years ago and the assumption then was that it was for those with an IQ 120+ with several in each class belonging to mensa.

I've often read that putting mensa on applications makes you a 'try-hard wanker' - 'course those who don't make the grade would say that. ;)

madwomanintheattic · 27/02/2012 18:57

our local extremely selective school requires full assessment disclosure if you are a 'late' entry (ie proof of academic status, iq testing etc) but for general admission it isn't taken into account as whatever your iq is you are required to sit the entry exams and interviews etc.

sooo, i think it would probably get you to the exam. but not necessarily into the school unless you were applying non-standard entry mid year or something.

applications processes seem to be very standardised.

kids who are in the vs range are likely to have no bother with entry exams though. i've never heard of mensa membership being remotely connected. (mine qualify for membership but it's always seemed pointless and just a tad egotistical, so we've never bothered signing them up) and uni seems to be more exam results with solid interest in subject to be studied, relevent experience, and decent extra curricular.

other opinions may differ, though!

worriedmum33 · 27/02/2012 19:13

Sorry but whst is mensa?

catsareevil · 27/02/2012 19:20

Mensa membership wont help for university. It just makes you look like the kind of person who thinks that being a member of Mensa is a good thing.

Original poster
horsesforcourses1 · 27/02/2012 19:30

Ok here is some background DC1 is incredibly bright 142 IQ. I have always assumed DC2 wasn?t that bright as rightly or wrongly I compared them at various stages. We are now at the stage of choosing schools for DC2 a friend suggested we have DC2 assessed, DC2 came out at 120. If you are saying a score of 120 is a good indicator of success then I feel really awful as I had DC2 earmarked for the local non selective school.

OP posts:
AlpinePony · 27/02/2012 20:25

Well that's just it, isn't it? In comparison.

I remember the 'thick' kids at school, but, 20 years on have spoken to some of them and they're not dim at all compared to the GP. Oh the wisdom of age! ;)

If your child has an IQ of 120 and isn't being coached and spoon-fed through the 11-plus, it sounds to me as though he'll be just fine.

madwomanintheattic · 27/02/2012 20:38

well, why not let him try the selective route? (not sure if 120 counts for mensa though - in my head it's a bit low, but i'm always surprised every time when it comes up just how low it really is).

my three range from 125 to 142 and are all in state, although the brightest is the youngest. if you have bright kids your norms get a bit skewed. i'm always surprised by how little is expected by schools. i run a few youth groups and i am always brought up short by the level of literacy when they have to write anything down.

i wouldn't bother with mensa though.

just apply and sit the entry tests. if they pass, fab. if they don't, non selective there you go. an iq score won't get them a free pass as far as i know...

Original poster
horsesforcourses1 · 27/02/2012 21:06

I used Mensa as an example I wouldn?t put my child into it, not sure what benefit it gives that?s why I asked the question.

Thank you for the replies

OP posts:
mumzy · 27/02/2012 21:09

Having just gone through this process I would say if you wanted your dc in a super selective gs or a top indie then they need to be a grade 5 across the board ( English, maths, writing) by end of year 5 and working towards level 6 in all areas by the time they take 11+ in january of year 6. At gs which takes top 25% of pupils or less academic indie then level 4a across the board by end of year 5 and working towards level 5 in year 6.

gazzalw · 28/02/2012 18:12

Don't really think many people put their DCs through the MENSA tests do they? DW's sibling did it as a young adult and came out with a score of 165!!! But then had the O/A Level grades, Cambridge entrance, career trajectory to prove it...

madwomanintheattic · 28/02/2012 18:22

i don't know anyone who admits to it... i think kids can get in on the basis of wisc iv or whatever, though, because of the difficulties of age comparisons. i don't think they have to sit mensa tests. not sure whether you can be a young member and transfer straight to adult, or if you have to sit the official (oooo) tests at 18 though.

there are a few mners who are members of mensa though. (can't remember who). i remember a few people talking about taking part in challenges and quizzes or something and said it was fun. horse for courses though Wink

gazzal, they reckon past 140 the tests aren't particularly conclusive, and you need to sit extended tests to get an accurate picture (as in, your iq could be considerably higher but the tests are too blunt and so don't allow you to exhibit full potential)... not sure what the mensa tests are though - or if they are just the same, plus the extensions...

New posts on this thread. Refresh page