no because i get low marks in tests even if i study

More educated? Yes, because I am determined to never stop learning. I read 10-12 books a week; about half those are non-fiction: history, politics, current events, etc. I have only recently found YA, and it has opened so many new doorways to information. I have a college degree, and learned quite a bit in college, but it was so focused in one or two areas. Now that I am searching for information for myself, I cover many areas, and spend hours daily just learning. I have done it in the past just for my own satisfaction, but now I also research many things I had never considered before, just to try to find an answer for a question for one of you guys.

Most everyone I have ever known has always told me that I was the smartest person they had ever known, and I have to admit that hearing that pleased me. That is why I am so sad now–I have developed Early Onset Senile Dementia, a somewhat rare form of Alzheimer’s, and have been told that I will be quite unwell in just a few years. That is why I am making the most of the productive time I have left, to learn all I can and share it with whomever I am able.

Some may feel that this is a useless venture; I feel compelled to continue. Wish me luck!

Yes, because I have a Master’s Degree. That alone makes me more educated than the average person, statistically speaking.

Also, because I read and analyze what I read. I don’t believe everything I read. I also engage in friendly debates on topics of current events.

I am not convinced that having more education makes one smarter. For example – I do not believe that our President is very smart, however, he is well educated.

Some people have valuable life knowledge and I would consider them smarter than President Bush.

Yes, I consider myself smarter than the average person. I catch on to things a lot faster and I am able to solve complex problems quickly. I am in the military and when I compare my asvab scores in all categories I have never seen anyone close. My GT score, which most people consider the most important is my lowest score and considerably higher than most. More educated? That’s a different question. I am still working on my education.

Smarter? That’s pretty subjective. Do you mean, as evidence by a standard IQ test like Wechsler? Then, yes, in that I score north of 140 while 95% of the U.S. population scores 70 – 130 (adult scale). Admittedly, Wechsler-type tests don’t reliably score when you get above 130, but for purposes of the question, it’s sufficient. As important to me is having what my dad used to call “walkin’ around horse sense.” I think he meant common sense.

More educated? I suppose. I attended college on a debate scholarship and graduated with honors from a top-tier law school (U.S. News rankings). The U.S. Census website indicates that less than 10% of the U.S. population has a graduate or professional (i.e., post-undergraduate) degree, so, yes.

As for the other stuff—reading with a critical eye, thinking things through—sure, I do those things. I’ve even written a legal treatise, a fancy word for reference book. I suppose that’s fairly unusual. It also prevented me from watching a lot of football games I wanted to while writing it over a two-year period.

Based on these reasons, I have to admit that, yes, I do think I’m smarter and more educated than the average person. Don’t worry, I don’t take myself too seriously and, if I did, my wife would beat me into humble submission.

Well, I am not sure I am. I am not a stupid person, but today’s averages on IQ’s are probably alot higher, than when I was in school. By the way, that was back in the 70’s. I think I am most likely average, or just under. Peace!

I think I am average. I have a college degree but all that takes is going to class on a regular schedule and getting C’s or better. Most average people can do that.

Yes, in the area and where i work very few people graduated high school, and actually use a calculator for one digit numbers, like 8+5.

noee54 is on the money… as Mark Twain once said:

“Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.”