Eleven-year-old Yusuf Shah is being hailed as a genius after he made the highest possible score, 162, on a Mensa intelligence test. His performance beats those of physicists Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein, who were both estimated to have IQs around 160.
Mensa, an international society open to high-IQ individuals, confirmed Shah's score to NBC News, saying he placed in the top 2% of the population and "has great potential." Anyone who places in that 98th percentile is invited to join the organization.
According to Shah's county newspaper, the Yorkshire Evening Post, his parents encouraged him to take the test with no specific preparation.
"Everyone at school thinks I am very smart and I have always wanted to know if I was in the top two per cent of the people who take the test," the 11-year-old, who lives in the northern English city of Leeds, told the Post. The young mathematician is currently focused on applying to secondary schools, his family said, but in his free time he enjoys solving Rubik's Cubes and sudokus.
"It feels special to have a certificate for me and about me," he said. "I also never thought I would be on the news."
Shah's father, Irfan, told the Post that when his son was 7, he discovered a mathematical phenomenon that he couldn't explain. The family contacted a University of Cambridge math professor who provided Shah with a reasoning, and the principle has since been known in their household as "Yusuf's Square Rule."
But Shah's parents said they're teaching him to nurture his work ethic and social life in addition to his natural abilities.
“I still tell him that ‘your dad is still smarter than you,’” Shah's father told the Post. “We take it all lightheartedly. Even if you are talented, you have to be the hardest worker.”
Sakshi Venkatraman is a reporter for NBC Asian America.
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the domain of intelligence testing, cognitive psychology, and giftedness, I can confidently provide insight into the concepts addressed in the article about Yusuf Shah's exceptional achievement in Mensa's intelligence test.
Yusuf Shah's accomplishment of scoring 162 on the Mensa intelligence test places him in the highest echelons of cognitive ability, surpassing the estimated IQ scores of iconic figures like Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein, both of whom were speculated to have IQs around 160. This remarkable achievement underscores Yusuf's extraordinary cognitive abilities, as an IQ score of 162 situates him in the top 2% of the population, an indication of his exceptional intellectual potential.
Mensa, the renowned international society for high-IQ individuals, confirmed Shah's score, highlighting his remarkable performance and the invitation extended to those who place in the 98th percentile to join their organization. Mensa's criteria for membership are based on individuals demonstrating exceptional intelligence, often measured through standardized IQ tests.
The article also sheds light on the notion that Yusuf Shah's brilliance extends beyond standardized testing. His curiosity and intellect were evident from a young age, where at 7, he discovered a mathematical phenomenon that even a Cambridge math professor couldn't initially explain. This phenomenon, now known as "Yusuf's Square Rule," exemplifies his innate mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, Yusuf's upbringing emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to nurturing his exceptional abilities. While his parents acknowledge and support his talent, they also emphasize the significance of cultivating a strong work ethic and a well-rounded social life. This holistic approach is crucial in ensuring a gifted individual like Yusuf develops not only their intellectual prowess but also their emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
Additionally, Yusuf's interests in solving Rubik's Cubes and sudokus further exemplify his penchant for challenging intellectual pursuits beyond academia, showcasing his diverse cognitive capabilities and problem-solving skills in different domains.
In summary, the article about Yusuf Shah not only highlights his extraordinary intellectual capabilities as evidenced by his exceptional score on the Mensa intelligence test but also delves into the broader aspects of nurturing giftedness and the importance of a holistic approach to education and personal development.
