What Does it Mean to Have an IQ of 138?

So you took an IQ test and your score came back as 138. Now you‘re wondering – what does that score really mean? As your resident genius blog writer here at 33rdsquare, let me break it down for you.

Having an IQ of 138 puts you in rare company. It indicates you have superior cognitive and intellectual abilities compared to most people. Only around 2% of people score this high on validated IQ tests.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll explain exactly what a 138 IQ means, how rare it is, what cognitive talents it signifies, and how you can continue developing your mental potential. Let‘s dive in!

Understanding IQ Scores

First, a quick refresher on what IQ stands for and how the scores work. IQ is short for "intelligence quotient" – a score derived from standardized tests designed to measure human intelligence.

The most widely used modern IQ tests are the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Stanford-Binet test. These tests have been normed and validated so that the scores follow a normal bell curve distribution in the general population.

On most IQ tests, the mean score is set at 100 with a standard deviation of 15. This means:

• 68% of people score between 85 and 115
• 95% of people score between 70 and 130
• 99.7% of people score between 55 and 145

So the further you go from the mean of 100 in either direction, the more rare the score is. 130 is as far from 100 as 70 is, and both are in the 95th percentiles.

Based on this distribution, IQ scores are classified into categories as follows:

• 115-129 – Above average / bright
• 130-144 – Moderately gifted
• 145-159 – Highly gifted
• Over 160 – Profoundly gifted

So where does 138 fall? Let‘s take a look…

The Rarity of Having a 138 IQ

An IQ of 138 puts you in the moderately gifted range, meaning your score is higher than 98% of people taking the test. Here is how the rarity of an IQ 138 breaks down:

• 130 IQ – 98th percentile (higher than 98% of test takers)
• 135 IQ – 99th percentile
• 138 IQ – 99.6th percentile
• 140 IQ – 99.8th percentile
• 145 IQ – 99.9th percentile

As you can see, the higher the IQ score, the more rare it becomes. Less than 1 in 100 people will reach 138. Statistically, an IQ of 138 means you have superior intellectual and reasoning abilities.

To put into perspective how smart 138 is, let‘s look at some real-world comparisons:

• Average college professor – IQ around 130 [1]
• Accountants – Average around 120 [2]
• lawyers – Average around 128 [3]
• Engineers – Average around 127 [4]

So with an IQ of 138, your cognitive abilities exceed most professionals with advanced degrees! That‘s saying something significant about your intellect.

Historical IQ Classifications

The classifications of different IQ ranges has evolved over time as researchers have updated their models and understanding of intelligence. Here is how an IQ of 138 was categorized historically based on different proposed schemes:

• Lewis Terman classification (1916)
  • "Near" genius or highly intelligent – IQ 140-160
• Wechsler classification (1939)
  • Very superior intelligence – IQ 130-144
• Stanford-Binet classification (1960s)
  • Moderately gifted – IQ 132-148
• CATTELL classification (no longer used)
  • Level A intellect – IQ 140-164

So across all historical classification systems, an IQ of 138 would be classified as a very high score, in the gifted or near-genius range. It indicates exceptional cognitive capacities.

Is 138 Considered a Genius IQ?

While genius is hard to define precisely, most psychologists agree an IQ over 140 starts entering the genius territory. However, IQ alone does not determine genius ability. Other factors like creativity, wisdom, persistence and emotional intelligence are also vital.

Nonetheless, statistically a genius level IQ score is estimated to start around:

• 140 – This is around the 99.8th percentile. [5]
• 145 – This is the 99.9th percentile and about 1 in 1,000 people score this high. [6]
• 150 – This is the 99.99th percentile and 1 in 10,000 people score this high. [7]

So while an IQ of 138 does not technically qualify someone as a "genius" based on most definitions, it is squarely within the gifted range and on the borderline of traditional genius classification.

Estimated Frequency of 138+ IQ Scores

Only a tiny sliver of the population has an IQ as high as 138. Approximately:

• 1 in 300 – IQ 138 or higher
• 1 in 1,000 – IQ 144+
• 1 in 10,000 – IQ 150+
• 1 in 1,000,000 – IQ 160+ [8]

So if you‘re part of one of the rarest 2% with an IQ over 138, you have an impressive cognitive advantage over most people. Your ability to learn, reason, and think abstractly is unmatched by the vast majority.

Cognitive Profile of a 138 IQ

Scoring 138 on an IQ test demonstrates exceptional strengths in several cognitive domains compared to the average person (IQ 100). These include:

Verbal Abilities

• Vocabulary in the top 2%
• Reading comprehension in the top 1%
• Verbal reasoning and expression
• Precise understanding of language, scripts, speeches

Logical Reasoning

• Top 2% capacity for solving problems
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Ability to comprehend complex, abstract concepts

Visual-Spatial Skills

• Ability to visualize objects and spaces in the mind‘s eye
• Mental rotation and manipulation capacity

Working Memory

• Ability to hold lots of information in mind while thinking
• Quick access to stored knowledge

Processing Speed

• Fast thinking, computation, perception and reaction times
• Ability to quickly connect disparate ideas

General Knowledge

• Accumulation of extensive general world knowledge

Of course, high IQ doesn‘t necessarily mean you excel in ALL cognitive domains equally. You likely have special strengths in some abilities more than others. But scoring 138 IQ indicates broad cognitive advantages.

Occupational Advantages of a 138 IQ

Certain careers benefit from above average intelligence. Here are examples of occupations where a 138 IQ can provide an advantage:

Scientists – Gifted verbal, logical and spatial abilities help master complex theories and calculations.Physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, etc.

Doctors – Quick thinking and strong logic aids fast medical diagnoses and managing convoluted health factors.

Engineers – Spatial reasoning and logic needed to design systems, grasp abstract concepts.

Lawyers – Strong command of language, capacity to recall case law details, arguing logic.

Professors – Lecturing on complicated ideas, commanding broad knowledge to answer questions.

Technology – Logical and systematic thinking to learn coding, troubleshoot issues.

Business/Finance – Processing quantitative data, tracking global systems, macroeconomics.

Creative arts – Rich imagination, ability to innovate and problem-solve.

Of course, success depends on more than just IQ. But a gifted IQ provides an advantage in intellectually demanding fields when combined with passion and grit.

What Does Genetics Say About 138 IQ Scores?

Twin and family studies show intelligence is a highly heritable trait. In fact, genetic factors may account for up to 80% of IQ differences between individuals. [9]

But environment also plays a role. Stimulating education, development of mental habits, and avoiding brain trauma can help someone reach their innate cognitive potential.

Nonetheless, scoring 138 on an IQ test likely indicates you were born with innate gifts in processing speed, working memory, pattern recognition and other cognitive abilities. Your intelligence has a strong biological basis.

However, gifting nurturing environments can help bring exceptional genetic potential to full fruition. There are cases where bad conditions cause someone with a gifted IQ to plateau at a lower level.

Conversely, some studies show the heritability of IQ actually increases as cognitive ability rises. [10] This suggests the highest IQ scores like 138+ have an even stronger genetic component than average scores.

Neuroscience of the Gifted Brain

Modern neuroimaging reveals structural and functional differences in the brains of exceptionally gifted individuals that facilitate their intellectual horsepower.

Some key neurological factors linked to extremely high IQs include:

Increased grey matter – The brain‘s neurons are packed more densely.[11]

Efficient neural pruning – Unnecessary connections are discarded, increasing signaling efficiency. [12]

Enhanced information flow – More robust white matter connections allowing collaboration between regions. [13]

Strengthened executive center – Greater frontal cortex activity during cognitive tasks. [14]

Elevated dopamine – Increased dopamine transmission for faster neural communication. [15]

Together, these neurological factors allow gifted people‘s brains to be powerful information processing machines!

Does IQ Increase With Age?

It‘s a myth IQ is totally fixed from childhood. While genetics determine most of the upper limits, environmental factors can help someone get closer to their cognitive potential.

Several longitudinal studies tracking individuals found IQ scores gradually increased over decades due to: [16]

• More schooling
• Mentally demanding jobs
• Continuing education
• Engaging in intellectually stimulating hobbies
• Reading challenging books and exploring new subjects

However, lack of mental exercise, brain trauma, disease, or dementia can lower IQ over time. But barring these, IQ tends to be stable across adulthood while slowly increasing.

So while genetics determine the hand you‘re dealt, a stimulating lifestyle helps you play that hand to its fullest. An enriched environment can nudge IQ scores higher over the long run.

IQ and Life Success – What Research Shows

Is a high IQ all you need for career success, status and life satisfaction? Not quite.

While IQ remains vitally important in many domains, researchers have found other psychological traits also play a role. Let‘s take a look:

• Conscientiousness – Having strong organization, focus and determination. This personality factor has been found to predict career success about as well as IQ. [17]

• Emotional stability – Managing stress well and regulating emotions. This aids decision-making and perseverance during challenges.

• Agreeableness – Getting along well with others and maintaining relationships. This helps build professional and social networks.

• Extraversion – Engaging actively with the outside world provides more learning experiences to build IQ. But too much extraversion may be distracting.

• Grit – Persevering through obstacles over the long-term. Grit tiers have been found to better predict educational achievement than IQ tiers. [18]

• Growth mindset – Believing your abilities can improve through effort. This motivates people to reach their potential.

In summary, research clearly shows non-cognitive factors also contribute to success alongside IQ. A balance of strengths produces the best life outcomes.

Developing Cognitive Potential at 138+ IQ

Scoring over 138 on an intelligence test means you were likely born with innate cognitive gifts. But how can you further cultivate your potential?

Here are my top science-based tips for intellectual development:

• Take on new challenges and skills outside your comfort zone. Learn foreign languages, instruments, programming etc. The brain responds by building new neural connections.

• Read books, articles and essays on complex topics every day to build crystallized intelligence. Subscribing to publications like Scientific American can expose you to new ideas.

• Have debates and discussions with smart friends. Or start a book club focused on intellectually stimulating literature. Social learning develops conceptual thinking.

• Take university courses on edX.org or Coursera.org in advanced topics like machine learning, genetics, game theory economics etc. A little structured learning goes a long way.

• Exercise regularly. Aerobic activity has been proven in studies to boost executive functions like planning and critical thinking. A healthy body supports a healthy mind. [19]

• Play brain training games like Lumosity or Elevate occasionally. Try memorizing poetry or learning complex chess openings. Mental calisthenics promote fluid reasoning capacity.

• Don‘t let pride over your intellectual gifts turn into limiting arrogance. Successful people have a growth mindset.

If you already have a 138+ IQ, consistently challenging yourself with unfamiliar knowledge and activities can help strengthen connections between different brain regions. This may incrementally build IQ while expanding your creative potential at the same time.

Should People with Very High IQs Have Kids?

Given the genetic component of intelligence, some wonder if society would benefit from very smart people having more children. Others find this idea ethically questionable.

There are reasonable scientific arguments on both sides:

• More genius level children could accelerate technological innovation and solve pressing problems. Cognitive ability has a global impact.

• Forced or coercive eugenics programs would be unethical. Higher IQ couples can voluntarily choose to have more kids.

• Environmental factors are also important for developing talent. High IQ parents still need to nurture children‘s growth.

• Average children born to high-IQ parents still lead happy, prosperous lives and make social contributions.

• Extremely high intelligence could come with pitfalls like social misfit tendencies or overanalytical thinking.

There are merits to the debate around passing on strong cognitive genes. But ultimately, I believe all children deserve acceptance and opportunity regardless of innate differences. Nurture should support nature.

Is High IQ Potentially Isolating From Society?

There are some challenges that come with having a brain that functions above the norm in certain respects. Research shows gifted children and adults have a fundamentally different neurological experience of the world compared to most other people.

Common issues faced include:

• Finding true intellectual peers to relate deeply to.
• Thinking so analytically, logic overrides emotions.
• Getting bored easily with everyday tasks and casual conversations.
• Overexcitabilities – intense reaction to stimuli most take in stride.
• Tendency to march to your own drummer socially.

This is not inherently bad. But it requires finding social outlets where your cognitive abilities and interests are valued and accepted. The right environment prevents isolation.

Famous People Estimated to Have High IQs

While most people keep their test scores private, web forums have compiled estimated IQ scores of various famous figures based on biographical facts.

Keep in mind these are unverified estimates. But here are examples of pioneers thought to have elite cognitive abilities comparable to 138+:

Albert Einstein – Theoretical physicist who formulated the theory of relativity. IQ estimated between 160-190 based on expert estimates and tests taken during childhood. [20]

Stephen Hawking – Theoretical physicist who researched black holes. IQ estimated at 160, possibly higher based on his intellect and academic track record. [21]

Nikola Tesla– Inventor who pioneered electric power technology. IQ supposedly tested at 183 as a child, but this may be exaggerated. Probably 140-150 range. [22]

Judit Polgar – Chess grandmaster widely considered the best female player ever. IQ supposedly tested at 170. Likely in the 150-160 range. [23]

Marie Curie – Pioneering physicist and chemist who studied radiation. IQ estimated around 150-160 based on her extraordinary academic and scientific career. [24]

Of course, most people with elite IQs do not change the world like the figures above. But groups like Mensa have high-IQ members from all walks of life. The unifying factor is a statistically uncommon cognitive advantage.

What Does a 138 IQ Mean for Your Child?

If your child has tested as gifted with an IQ of 138 or above, it indicates they have strong innate general cognitive ability. As their parent, how can you best support their development?

• Provide an enriched, stimulating home environment with ample books, discussions of ideas, and creative play.

• Recognize their asynchronous development – advanced intellect alongside normal emotional maturity. Don‘t over-pressure.

• Allow them to take the lead in their interests. Passion and internal motivation drives accomplishment.

• Find intellectual peers through school programs or family social events. Avoid isolation.

• Advocate for adequate enrichment programs and accommodations from their school. Monitor academic fit.

• Discuss social perception challenges openly and build emotional communication skills.

• Emphasize growth mindset, grit, character and sensitivity as much as intellect. Well-being matters.

If your child has a very high tested IQ, they likely crave mental stimulation. Providing positive outlets while giving social-emotional abilities equal attention allows their talents to flourish.

Final Thoughts – Leveraging Your Cognitive Assets

In summary, an IQ score of 138 or higher marks you as having very rare mental abilities. You are intellectually gifted compared to over 98% of the population.

While genetics play a big role, continuing to challenge your mind keeps your brain plastic. Make learning, intellectual discussion and mental exercise lifelong habits.

Yet your IQ score alone does not determine your life‘s course. Focus also on building emotional skills, pursuing meaningful goals and making social contributions. That‘s ultimately what matters most.

Hopefully this guide gave you a comprehensive understanding of what your 138 IQ score signifies, where you stand statistically, and how to keep developing your potential. Use your intellectual gifts to their fullest!