How important is intelligence for performing well in school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Average person needs a basic level of intelligence 100-110 IQ, and solid executive function and organization skills to do well. Those with really high IQs can get by with less solid executive function and organization skills.

Where’d you get that idea? A high IQ will never be enough to overcome poor executive functions and organizational skills. Kids with average IQs and excellent executive functioning and organizational skills will have an easier time in school.

[Anonymous]

Necessary but not sufficient.

[Anonymous]

When I was in grad school for my MAEd, I remember someone saying that the "120 over-achievers" were often the best students. I have not seen this idea anywhere else, but I guess the idea is that above average, but not off the charts, intelligence combined with a strong work ethic and EF skills often translates into success.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I was in grad school for my MAEd, I remember someone saying that the "120 over-achievers" were often the best students. I have not seen this idea anywhere else, but I guess the idea is that above average, but not off the charts, intelligence combined with a strong work ethic and EF skills often translates into success.

That’s me. I tested at 119 and my older brother was in the low 130s. He failed out of college and I have two Master’s degrees. He was lacking the EF skills and drive to finish what he started.

[Anonymous]

If you have both high intelligence and strong EF skills you will likely slide through schooling. You might have to work a bit harder in college/beyond, but it won't be that difficult for you.

But if you can only have one, I think strong EF skills will get you further in life and are therefore more important than high intelligence. Because yes, you can work really hard and still only get Cs and Bs in some classes, but that is still passing. And you can likely still graduate from college, find a good job, and even excel in your given field.

If you have high intelligence but really struggle with EF skills you might not be able to graduate, you might struggle in the workforce, and you will probably struggle with things like financial management and household upkeep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I was in grad school for my MAEd, I remember someone saying that the "120 over-achievers" were often the best students. I have not seen this idea anywhere else, but I guess the idea is that above average, but not off the charts, intelligence combined with a strong work ethic and EF skills often translates into success.

Warren Buffett has said that he doesn't look for anyone with an IQ above 140. An IQ of 140 plus good character and work ethic is the secret recipe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was in grad school for my MAEd, I remember someone saying that the "120 over-achievers" were often the best students. I have not seen this idea anywhere else, but I guess the idea is that above average, but not off the charts, intelligence combined with a strong work ethic and EF skills often translates into success.

Warren Buffett has said that he doesn't look for anyone with an IQ above 140. An IQ of 140 plus good character and work ethic is the secret recipe

I don’t get how everyone knows their IQ. I doubt half of the of numbers people claim are accurate. Plus very few people have a 140 IQ so who really cares.

[Anonymous]

Intelligence definitely gives you a major boost, but you need drive as well. I got a few Bs in 6th grade, and once I figured out the 'formula' I was able to get straight As through the end of high school (including all IB classes junior and senior years). I was willing to pull really late nights to ensure I always got my homework in on time, though. Granted, good organizational and time management skills would have been better than staying up all night, but the basic point is that I really, really wanted to get straight As, so I did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What intelligence is needed to get straight As in AP courses?

Average or above, as long as the student is motivated and willing to put in the work.

And doesn't have EF deficits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What intelligence is needed to get straight As in AP courses?

Average or above, as long as the student is motivated and willing to put in the work.

And doesn't have EF deficits.

EF deficits often present as lack of motivation, but agreed.