There are several different ways that schools measure intelligence and a handful of ways that they determine which of their students are mentally gifted. Many students don’t realize that they’re gifted until they are prompted to take an IQ test or a teacher points out their accelerated learning.
Being gifted can present a few challenges. For example, gifted students may grow bored or restless in class. They may struggle to relate to their peers as their knowledge increases.
Still, there are many benefits of being gifted. If you were identified as a gifted student, we’re here to celebrate you.
Read on to learn about the benefits of being a mentally gifted student and more.
What It Means to Be a Mentally Gifted Student
Before we talk about the benefits of being a gifted student, let’s talk about what that means. Do gifted students have better brain development? Were they given better opportunities to learn at a younger age?
It’s not always clear what makes a gifted student gifted. However, the results are clear. Gifted students are learning at an advanced rate for their age, can master many (or all) subjects, and show a proclivity for learning.
Many gifted students excel in school and in the extracurriculars that interest them. For example, you might get straight A’s and know how to play several instruments. You might be at the top of your class and create stunning visual art.
In terms of specific interests and backgrounds, gifted students are as diverse as the rest of the student body. The key is that they are excellent learners.
The Benefits of Being a Gifted Student
It’s not always easy being a gifted student, but there are a lot of pros. Let’s take a look at the top three benefits of being a mentally gifted student.
Gaining Recognition
First, it’s great to gain recognition for your advanced knowledge and skills. As we mentioned earlier, that recognition may start with teachers or it may start with high test scores on something like an IQ test or HAST test.
This recognition is often the first step toward appropriate changes. For example, some gifted students are entered into gifted programs that supplement their school day with advanced lessons. Some gifted students are sent to new schools or pushed ahead a few grades.
Accessing Great Opportunities
Once you get that recognition and get the ball rolling, you start to access great opportunities. There are certain types of schools that gifted students may attend that offer a prestigious and well-renowned education. Even if you don’t attend one of these schools, you will likely receive accolades and honors that set you up for success.
Many gifted students go on to great colleges and universities. They may also have several college credits under their belt by the time they get there, leading to early graduation or multiple degrees. After completing a robust education, many mentally gifted students go on to conduct successful and lucrative careers.
Mastering Skills and Fields
Gifted students are gifted because they have a knack for learning new things. This makes it easier to master challenging skills and delve into exciting fields of study and research.
When presented with a challenge, gifted students often experience joy and satisfaction in their work. The key is to ensure that there are always new learning opportunities that keep gifted students interested and engaged.
Signs That Smart Students Need a Bigger Challenge
How do you know if you’re in need of a bigger challenge than what your school curriculum or extracurriculars offer? Let’s take a look at the easy-to-miss signs that gifted students are ready to take on more than they’re being given.
You Finish Your Work Early
Your teacher assigns work for the period and everyone is expected to move through the assignment on their own. While other students are still busy completing the task, you’re finished and have nothing to do. You might move on to the night’s homework, pay attention to additional reading materials, or start helping other students who are struggling.
You Grow Bored or Restless in Class
Because the lessons you’re learning aren’t hard to master (or you already have), you tend to grow bored or restless in class. You have a hard time paying attention to lectures or staying quiet or still because your mind has nothing to focus on. You may find yourself getting scolded or getting in trouble because your boredom is creating distractions for other students.
What You Learn Outside of School Is Harder Than What You Learn In School
You spend your free time learning about subjects that interest you, watching videos and documentaries or reading books to enhance your understanding. The materials you’re working with outside of school are harder to comprehend than what your school assigns. At this point, you complete your assignments to make a good grade, not because you have to complete them in order to understand what is being taught.
Celebrate the Gift of Advanced Intelligence
Mentally gifted students have plenty of life advantages and successes to be proud of. However, it is imperative that these students are challenged and given opportunities to keep learning as they surpass their peers’ knowledge. If you are a gifted student or think that you might be, it’s time to seek recognition for it and gain access to new challenges and opportunities.
Looking for more information about educational opportunities and trends? Take a look at our education content to find out what’s happening in schools across the world and how to excel in the subjects that you love.
