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Can You Get a Ph.D. with an Average IQ?

Do you want some opinion on whether you should try getting a Ph.D.? Not so sure if your IQ is adequate? Want to know how to get a Ph.D. even if you have an average IQ?

Not everyone can keep up with the coursework, and not everyone is willing to take the time and put in the effort to complete their studies. So, what can you do if you’re average-intelligence and want to get a Ph.D.?

In the following section, I will tell you why an average IQ is not a reason to quit getting your Ph.D.
Keep reading to know why.


What does a Ph.D. mean?

In essence, a Ph.D. is a doctorate. It’s the highest level of education you can get in any field. A Ph.D. requires an extensive amount of time and effort to complete but becoming a doctor, engineer, or scientist with a Ph.D. is a surefire path to a career and salary success

A Ph.D. is earned after completing a doctorate program, which is a rigorous process that typically takes 4-7 years. A Ph.D. usually requires coursework and research-based projects. Most Ph.Ds are actually doctorates in a specific academic field, such as medicine, philosophy, or a science-related field.

A Ph.D. is one of the most difficult degrees to earn. A common question for those considering getting a Ph.D. is how hard is it? It varies, but the answer is not difficult at all. A doctorate will require a lot of commitment, but gaining a Ph.D. is not impossible. The hard work is worth it once you earn the degree, and once you do, you’ll be in high demand.


Can a person with a low to average IQ get a Ph.D.?

Yes, you can get a Ph.D. with low to average intelligence, provided you have the right motivation and desire. Most Ph.D. programs require you to score between 130 and 140 on the GRE, but this is by no means a guarantee.

Some people are just born smart, while others have to work extra hard to be considered smart. Not everyone can score high on a standardized intelligence test, but some people still manage to get Ph.D.s. Some programs don’t require a high IQ, but you’ll often still need to demonstrate critical thinking skills, as well as show drive and passion for the subject you’re interested in.


What is the average IQ of people who get Ph.D’s?

The IQ of people who have Ph.Ds is a topic of ongoing debate. Some claim that Ph.Ds have the highest IQs, while others say that a Ph.D. does not correlate to higher intelligence. The truth is no one knows for sure, but there are several theories.

A recent survey by The Economist Intelligence Unit found that approximately 32 percent of people with Ph.D.s in the US scored between 130 and 140 on the IQ test—a finding that’s in line with what other studies have found about the average IQ of people with Ph.D.s. 

But, while “average” is a useful descriptor, it’s not a perfect one. That’s because IQ is a composite score made up of several different factors, IQ scores tend to vary by gender, and IQ scores tend to change with age. So, although a person with a Ph.D. may have an average IQ, that doesn’t mean they have an IQ that corresponds to their education level.


Things to consider to get Ph.D. easier.

Getting a PH.D. degree is considered one of the hardest things a person can do. Having to work and go to school full time for years at a time is not for everyone, and it can be extremely expensive. The education you receive in a Ph.D. program is highly specialized, and you must earn a high-grade point average to make sure you pass all of your classes and graduate.

Here is something you might try to make it a little bit easier:

1. Less Math required

More than average people struggle with math, and if you are one of us, you might want to consider getting a doctorate that deals less with math.

2. Less math required

The same thing with math, Science is really complex, and not all are adept at understanding it. Play to your advantage to make things easier.

3. No GRE Requirement

If you are a Ph.D. student, chances are you have felt frustrated by the GRE requirement, and you may be thinking if you can get a hold of the degree without taking one. If yes, you might want to consider choosing a Ph.D. program that doesn’t require a Graduate Record Examination or GRE for short.

4. No dissertation requirement

Doctoral or Ph. D dissertation or thesis writing involves extensive and critical research work. The main aim of this kind of writing is to provide relevant and authentic information. 

Students are supposed to meet all the requirements laid down by their professors to get good grades in their academics. Therefore, they find it hard to write their dissertations due to multiple reasons.

But not all doctorate degree is required to make one.

5. No residency requirement

In the past, getting a Ph.D. required that you took classes in a college or university and lived on campus. But these days, there are online Ph.D. programs that do everything except make you study on campus.

 If you choose this option, you’ll be responsible for making sure all your own class work is finished and turned in on time.

6. Online learning options available

An online Ph.D. program is a flexible, convenient way to earn a Ph.D.. Online learning is becoming increasingly more common, and more and more institutions are offering online degrees.

7. Aligned with your interests and strengths

 Finding an academic program that is aligned with your interests and strengths is critical for a successful experience. It is also important to study a field that you are interested in and have a strong grasp on that field so that you will be able to sustain your interest throughout your lifetime. Understanding the field that you are studying will help to ensure that you are capable of performing research and that you will be able to conduct and publish your findings.


Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, you can get a Ph.D. with an average IQ.

I would strongly recommend it. Yes, it will be difficult to obtain a Ph.D. with an average IQ, but it is not impossible. Obtaining a Ph.D. is a rigorous process that will challenge you in new ways. However, there is a lot of reward in it as well. It develops your character, makes you more motivated, and helps you to learn a lot.

Hope I have shed some light on this topic. Wishing you the best of luck in getting your Ph.D.