Last week, I wrote about the concept of “dysrationalia,” or the divide between general intelligence and razor-sharp applied thinking that makes someone truly smart. Reading about IQ testing and other types of standardized testing got me thinking about Mensa, the club for geniuses founded in 1946. I was curious about how you go about getting your foot in the door, since the organization only allows the brightest of the bright into its inner sanctum.

As it turns out, Mensa is surprisingly easy to join — as long as you have a knack for test taking. Anyone over the age of 14 who scored in the 98th percentile of an accepted standardized intelligence test can be admitted. Kids under 14 can also join – the club’s youngest member is 3, according to the web site – but they have to take a supervised Mensa test. Hopefuls can also pay to take an at-home or supervised Mensa test of logic and deductive reasoning. If you make the mark, you’re just $52 in annual dues away from becoming a certified smartie.

Aside from being able to mention your Mensa membership in casual conversation with the object of your affection or potential employer you’d desperately like to impress, membership also buys you plenty of opportunities to interact with other whiz kids in your area. Local Mensa chapters host special interest groups, community service projects and nationwide gatherings.

If you think you have the brain power to join the likes of Geena Davis and (fictional member) Lisa Simpson, see how you fair on the Mensa workout test. The results don’t count toward membership, but a high score might indicate that you’re among that elite 2 percent. Or, if you know any current Mensa members, they can give you a leg up by sending a recommendation for membership to the organization.

Here’s a teaser question to jump start your brain power:

Sally likes 225 but not 224; she likes 900 but not 800; she likes 144 but not 145. Which does she like?
a)    1600 or b) 1700

Genius readers, leave your answers below.

More on HowStuffWorks:
How Geniuses Work
How Your Brain Works
What constitutes a person’s IQ?