Mensa

February, 2007 - The following information was supplied by Teresa Manzella, Gifted Children's Coordinator, Mensa.

Mensa is an international high-IQ society, open to people who score in the top 2 percent on various standardized tests (roughly equivalent to an IQ of 130–132, depending on the test). Minnesota has a local group that consists of roughly 1,100 members, the youngest of whom was born in 2001.

There are many opportunities for members under age 18, as well as for the children of Minnesota Mensa members, to get together for fun and socializing with other children like them. Parents of these Young Mensans also derive benefits from talking to other parents facing the challenges of raising gifted children. Visit Minnesota Mensa to view the Gifted Children page, find links to informative sites, and to check out the calendar for events coming up.

While the actual Mensa test is not normed for people under age 14, Mensa accepts the results of 200 or so tests that private and school psychologists commonly administer. Visit American Mensa for information on tests and how to join.

MCGT (Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented, our parent chapter) members are welcome to attend a few Young Mensan events to see if Mensa is an organization of interest and benefit to their families. You are encouraged to join if you plan to be a regular part of the Young Mensa group. Please contact Teresa Manzella, Gifted Children’s Coordinator, if you have questions after reading the materials at the local and national Web sites.