Have you ever had a sneaking suspicion that you’re smarter than most people? If you’re a cat person or a jokester, you might be right.
Some might measure this by test scores or good grades, but not all signs of a highly intelligent person are measured by numbers.
For example, some scientists say that being a little forgetful is actually a sign that you are unusually intelligent.
There are countless ways to measure intelligence, but the one that most people are probably familiar with is the IQ test.
According to Brain Metrix, an IQ score between 90 and 110 is average, and anything above 120 is therefore considered above-average intelligence — often dubbed “superior.” Outside of that, a score below 70 might be a sign of a disability while 130 or higher is associated with giftedness.
That said, IQ scores are just one measure of cognitive ability, and not everyone agrees that they’re accurate. Fortunately, you don’t have to take one to find out if there’s a chance you’re a little brighter than average.
Scroll through to learn how to tell if you are smart, and which signs suggest that you might be a little smarter than most people.
1. You’re The Oldest Sibling
Whether we like it or not, birth order is something that shapes our lives.
The eldest siblings are known for being responsible and natural leaders.
According to The Journal of Human Resources, the eldest siblings tend to score higher on cognitive assessments than their successors.
The study hypothesizes that this might be due to the fact that mothers are more careful with their oldest throughout pregnancy and the child’s formative years.
Of course, that doesn’t mean younger siblings can’t also be supremely gifted; you just might have an edge if you’re the oldest.
2. You Have A Cat
Whether you’re a cat or a dog person says a lot about your personality — and apparently also your intelligence.
Business Insider points to a 2004 study that found that, out of 600 college students, the ones who identified as being cat people were more open-minded and recorded better grades.
But dog people, don’t despair! Cat lovers may have the edge, but most of history’s geniuses had a wide range of pets, so it may be that pet people, in general, have the edge.
Albert Einstein had a cat named Tiger, a dog named Chico, and a parrot!
3. You Were Breastfed
Is breast best? According to Science Daily, studies say yes.
Research that surveyed over 3,000 infants found those who were breastfed tended to have an IQ score 7 points higher than those who were not.
You may owe your mom a debt of gratitude if you suspect you’re a little smarter than most people.
4. You’re Tall
Being tall is usually considered to be a good thing from a physical standpoint, but it turns out that it’s also good for your brain.
A Princeton study compiled data from the US and UK and found that taller children tended to have higher IQ scores.
This is one of the reasons it’s thought that tall people tend to be more successful in the labor market.
But don’t despair if you’re short. Nobel Prize-winning chemist Marie Curie was only 5 feet tall!
5. You Learned To Read At A Young Age
Of course, your ability to read is one of the things that helps you expand your knowledge.
Almost everyone learns to read eventually, but an early aptitude for it indicates a bright intellect.
If you were one of the first kids in your class to learn how to read, that’s a good sign that you’re smarter than average.
6. You Worry A Lot
Some people may say ignorance is bliss, but if you know a lot, then there is a lot to worry about.
If you are a little bit of a worrywart, it’s OK; it’s just a sign that you are aware, and that your brain is full of things to worry about!
7. You’re Funny
Are you always the one cracking the jokes? Turns out, being funny takes brainpower.
A study by the University of New Mexico found that students who wrote funnier captions for a cartoon also happened to be smarter.
So if you’re the wise guy or gal in your group of friends, you might also be the secret brainiac.
8. You’re A Night Owl
The early bird may get the worm, but night owls tend to be a little smarter, according to Psychology Today.
A study found that children with more nocturnal habits also happened to score more highly on cognitive aptitude tests.
Maybe it’s all those late nights spent reading when you were supposed to be in bed!
9. You’re An Introvert
If you prefer your own company, you might be a little bit brighter.
Introverts tend to pay more attention to detail, be more nonconforming, and make more careful decisions, which often makes them the smarter person.
They also have the ability to entertain themselves without other people around: a sure sign of extra brainpower.
