College Application Question: Referencing Mensa Society

[Anonymous]

Is it considered over the top to reference your child’s acceptance to Mensa Society on college application, and the child’s acceptance in Mensa publications or Mensa honor society? Wasn’t sure how that might land as it’s outside school but a part of child’s activities. Thank you in advance for any guidance on what others may have done.

[Anonymous]

That's pretty funny.

[Anonymous]

If your kid's high IQ has led to accomplishments that can be highlighted in the application (as activities or awards), I don't think you need to mention Mensa.

If your kid's high IQ has NOT led to accomplishments that can be highlighted in the application (as activities or awards), I think that mentioning Mensa would just make an application reader wonder why the kid isn't living up to his or her potential.

[Anonymous]

No, I would not mention Mensa in a college application. I don’t think it would be helpful, unless the child was involved as an officer or in some other very time consuming way.

[Anonymous]

Acceptance to the society itself isn't impactful application wise. However, Mensans in the Honor Society do community service work and can participate in different activities that can matter. The impact and description of what has been done (service, research, publication) is what the schools will be interested in, not just listing the Mensa Honor Society name.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like OP is completing the application for their child.

[Anonymous]

Let me quote what the admissions interviewer said when I mentioned Mensa in my college interview:

"That doesn't cut much ice around here. Everyone who gets into this school could be in Mensa if they wanted to."

In short, don't bother.

[Anonymous]

No, do not mention Mensa Society membership in a college application.

If your child has a high IQ, it should be reflected in standardized test scores such as the SAT and ACT. Unusually high intelligence would probably also be noted in teacher recommendations and grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Acceptance to the society itself isn't impactful application wise. However, Mensans in the Honor Society do community service work and can participate in different activities that can matter. The impact and description of what has been done (service, research, publication) is what the schools will be interested in, not just listing the Mensa Honor Society name.

Thank you — appreciate insights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like OP is completing the application for their child.

"...for their mensa child."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it considered over the top to reference your child’s acceptance to Mensa Society on college application, and the child’s acceptance in Mensa publications or Mensa honor society? Wasn’t sure how that might land as it’s outside school but a part of child’s activities. Thank you in advance for any guidance on what others may have done.

You shouldn't be referencing anything on your child's application, he is the one filling out his application. That being said, his resume and recommendation letters should speak for his intelligence, not a paid membership to MENSA. Most top students are eligible for MENSA membership if tgey care to join.

[Anonymous]

Agree that colleges are more interested in what you've done rather than in the fact that you parents filled out an application and paid to validate your innate IQ with a social club.

Keep in mind that most readers of these applications may be mensa level too and knew better than to join.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like OP is completing the application for their child.

"...for their mensa child."

DC is way too gifted to fill out paperwork!

[Anonymous]

Op here. Not doing it for kid. Asking about referencing.

Appreciate those leading with thoughtful and helpful feedback. Sad for those that are coming from place of unkindness and took the time to post a snarky comment instead of being kind. I’m sure many could list it and I was inquiring if it’s helpful or not. No need to be mean. That helps no one.

[Anonymous]

I would find the reference to be naive, but I wouldn't hold it against the student. If a student asked my opinion about whether they should include that info, I would say don't include.