Factors Influencing IQ Estimates for Ivy League Students
The average IQ of students at Ivy League institutions is often cited as ranging between 120 to 130. This range is indicative of the rigorous admissions criteria these institutions uphold. The selectivity of Ivy League schools means they typically enroll students who are above the national average, though not necessarily at the extreme end of intelligence.Selective Admissions and Standardized Tests
The usual narrative suggests that highly-selective US universities enroll students who are between 2.5 to 3 standard deviations above the mean. This translates to an estimated average IQ of approximately 135 to 145. However, these figures can vary widely based on individual performance and testing methodologies.Research by Wai (2013) in the journal Intelligence suggests that the average IQ of Ivy League graduates could be even higher, with the top 3 to 4% of students having IQs around 145 or more. This further emphasizes the stringent selection process these institutions employ.
The Limitations of IQ as a Measure
Interestingly, the absence of documented IQ scores is not unusual for many esteemed academics in the UK, including my Oxford DPhil PhD supervisor and Cambridge Mafia PhD examiners. This is not due to a lack of intelligence but rather the belief that IQ tests do not fully capture the breadth of an individual's abilities. Intelligence is multifaceted, and cognitive tests such as IQ only measure a fraction of what makes a person successful.It is important to recognize that IQ is just one measure of intelligence. It does not encompass the diverse skills, creativity, and personal motivation that contribute to academic and professional success. Factors such as socioeconomic background, educational opportunities, and personal motivation also play significant roles in shaping a student's journey and achievements.
Admission Criteria and General Intelligence
Gaining admission to a highly selective American college or university typically requires high scores on standardized tests like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). These tests are shown to have a strong correlation with general intelligence or IQ. Studies by Frey and Detterman (2004) and Koenig, Frey, and Detterman (2008) demonstrated that these tests are reliable measures of general ability.Murray (2012) noted that the average graduate of a top American college is at the 99th percentile of IQ for the population of seventeen-year-olds. He used SAT data from the College Board website to back this conclusion. A median combined Critical Reading and Mathematics score of 1400 or greater places a student in the top 3% of SAT test takers and well within the top 1% of the general population of seventeen-year-olds. This further solidifies the link between elite college attendance and high general ability.