Your Brain IQ

The average IQ (intelligence quotient) is 100, with the vast majority of people scoring right around that number. Only about 2 to 3 percent of people score above 130 or below 70. An IQ of 130 is considered the threshold for giftedness.

While we don't know if Albert Einstein, arguably the most famous genius, ever took an IQ test, his IQ has been said to be near 160. Steven Hawking and Bill Gates have also been said to have an IQ of 160.

Early Development

Our brains still grow through much of childhood. In fact, when we are born, our brain is only one pound; and by age 6, it weighs in at 3 pounds. Thanks to this growth process, our brains are very susceptible to our environment. Studies have shown that babies who are breast fed may gain up to 10 IQ points later in life, while children who are fed junk food under the age of three tend to have lower IQs later in life.

Heredity

Though environment does have some effect on IQ, heredity has shown to be responsible for 40 to 80 percent of a person's IQ.

Effects of Low IQ

People with a lower than average IQ are 88 times more likely to drop out of high school. They are also 7 times more likely to go to jail and 5 more likely to live in poverty than those with a higher than average IQ. Certain studies have also shown a link between low IQ and suicidal tendencies.

Job Outlook

If you have an IQ of 115 or higher, it seems you can have your pick of any job, those with a high IQ are better equipped to deal with the complexities of higher level jobs than those with a lower IQ. Also, those with a high IQ are more productive workers.

Social Skills

Many of us have a picture in our brains of people with high IQs being social hermits locked away reading and studying, but that usually isn't true. The fact is that having a high IQ generally gives someone confidence, which translates into the ability to interact well with people. The general rule in our society is that high IQ doesn't only lead to professional success, but to social success as well.

Massive Brain

There has been some correlation found between larger brain size and a higher IQ.