Triple Nine Society

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The Triple Nine Society (TNS), founded in 1978, is a voluntary association of individuals who have scored at or above the 99.9th percentile on specific IQ tests (or similar) under supervised conditions, which generally correlates to an IQ of 146 or greater (assuming a standard deviation of 15). This contrasts with Mensa International, the more well-known and larger high IQ society which admits those who score at or above the 98th percentile, which currently correlates with an IQ score of 132 or greater on an IQ test such as the Cattell which has a standard deviation of 16. TNS also accepts 99.9th percentile scores on selected standardized tests as a basis for admission.

As of 2007, TNS reports approximately 800 members from 30 countries with most members residing in the United States. TNS publishes a journal entitled Vidya which contains articles authored by members on a variety of subjects. Members communicate with one another through an email list, a scheduled weekly IRC chat, and meet at arranged gatherings.

The Triple Nine Society was founded on democratic principles. The TNS says that it encourages the free expression of member views. The preamble to the Triple Nine Society constitution follows below:

The Triple Nine Society is committed to friendship, communication, the adventure of intellectual exploration, and a greater realization of individual potentials. It neither sanctions the imposition of one person's philosophy on another nor subscribes to any particular philosophy for its members. It will strive to avoid the insularity of mere exclusiveness. The guiding principle of the Society is democratic and collegial rather than hierarchical. The Society will remain open to innovation and evolution.

– Triple Nine Society