How I did it: Signed up online and paid the testing fee a few weeks in advance of the local chapter's testing date.  Showed up and followed all directions.  Then I had to wait a month to get my notice that I had been accepted. :)

The two tests I took were timed in several short segments.  It goes quick.  I barely finished... and had no time to double check answers.  I even had to randomly guess on at least 2 questions without reading them.

That said, it didn't feel as stressful as I expected even though it was fast-paced.  I felt confident by the end of the test that I did well.  As it turns out, I had good reason to be confident.

Lessons & tips: Give yourself every opportunity to show your true potential by showing up to the test in top form!

I prepared the week before my test by going
to yoga, sleeping well, eating really well, and not
drinking.

The night before I had a big spaghetti dinner and went to bed early with my girlfriend.

Don't go into the test hung-over or tired.  You'll bomb.

Resources: Mensa recommends you bring a timer with you to keep your own time.  Don't bother.  You won't have time to consult it.  I never looked at mine once.  Waste of $4.

Take the practice exam online at mensa.org to make sure you have a good chance to qualify.  I score 99% on every standardized test.  If you're the same way, there's a good chance this one will be the same.

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Mar 25, 2010, 06:48AM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers