Applying to Mensa for Gifted Youth
(Using Prior Test Scores)
This section is designed to help families understand how to apply to American Mensa for a child using prior test scores.
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Who This Applies To
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Children under age 14 who qualify for Mensa based on previously completed intelligence testing administered by a licensed professional or school.
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Step-by-Step Application Process
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Create a Mensa Account for the Child
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A parent/guardian creates an account for the child.
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During this process, the parent/guardian also creates or links a separate parent account.
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The child’s name and date of birth must exactly match the testing documentation.
Purchase a Prior Evidence Review
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This is the application fee Mensa charges to review outside test scores.
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The Prior Evidence Review must be purchased before sending in test documentation.
Important:
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Families may see an option to prepay for a Mensa membership during checkout.
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Prepaying is completely optional.
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If the family does not want to prepay, the only item in the cart should be the $49 Prior Evidence Review.
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Any additional items can be removed using the small “X” next to the item.
Mail Test Documentation
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Mensa does not accept test scores electronically.
After the account is created and the Prior Evidence Review is purchased, families should mail documentation to:
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American Mensa
Attn: Testing and Admissions
1315 Brookside Dr.
Hurst, TX 76053​
How to Submit Test Scores
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Families may submit:
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The original evaluation report, or
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A notarized copy of the original report
If the report was originally received electronically:
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Print the report
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Write the following statement on the document:
“This is a true, exact, unaltered copy of an original document.”
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Sign the statement in front of a notary
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The notary is notarizing the parent’s statement and signature, not the test results themselves. Do not add:
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Account numbers
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Invoice numbers
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Cover sheets
Mensa will match the documentation using the child’s name and date of birth.
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What Happens Next
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Score evaluations typically take up to 4 weeks from the time documents are received.
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Families will be notified by email.
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If the scores are accepted:
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Families who prepaid will have membership activated automatically.
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Families who did not prepay will receive an email inviting them to complete membership payment.
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If you have questions or want help along the way, your local Gifted Youth Coordinator is a great first point of contact!
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Applying to Mensa for Gifted Youth
(Without Prior Test Scores)
This section is designed to help families understand their options if their child has not yet taken an intelligence test that Mensa accepts for admission.
Who This Applies To
Children who:
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Have not previously taken a Mensa-accepted intelligence test, or
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Have taken academic or achievement tests (which Mensa does not use for admission), or
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Are early in the gifted identification process and exploring next steps
Options for Qualifying
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School-Administered Testing:
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Some schools administer tests that Mensa accepts for admission (such as CogAT or OLSAT).
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Availability varies by school and district
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Families can check with their child’s school, guidance counselor, or gifted coordinator
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If qualifying scores are earned, families can later apply using the prior test scores process
Private Testing:
Families may choose to have their child evaluated by a licensed psychologist using a Mensa-accepted intelligence test.
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This option is often used for younger children
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Testing must be administered in person under appropriate conditions
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Once testing is complete, families can apply using the prior test scores pathway
Mensa Admission Test:
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Mensa offers its own admission test, but this option is generally available for ages 14 and older. Younger children typically qualify through school-administered or private testing rather than the Mensa Admission Test.
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You can learn more about testing options directly from Mensa here.
Not Sure Which Option Makes Sense?
That’s completely normal!
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Gifted identification looks different at different ages, and there is no single “right” path. Families are encouraged to choose the option that best fits their child’s age, situation, and comfort level.
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If you’d like help thinking through next steps or understanding how Mensa fits into your child’s broader gifted journey, your local Gifted Youth Coordinator is a great place to start!
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