What is the Criteria for Being A Genius?

You always hear things like “wow that kid’s a genius” for getting a 36 on their ACT or constantly getting good grades, but what actually makes someone a genius? Are you only a genius if you invent something or pass a standardized test? Brilliance is commonly connected with being a genius. According to slate.com, “Geniuses are habitually curious, attentive, open-minded, and imaginative. Their work ethic tends to be relentless, methodical, diligent, and purposeful” (“What is Genius”). A typical IQ for a genius is said to be between 140 and 145. Some people say geniuses are one in a million. Others say geniuses come from hard work and dedication, but can anyone be genius? A CNN article states that many geniuses have a below average or moderate IQ and used evidence from college graduates compared to super stars and Pulitzer Prize winners. None of these individuals had “genius” ranked IQ’s but the article says that they are considered geniuses.

It seems to me that being a genius is correlated with an opinion about a particular skill. Albert Einstein is considered a genius but he never liked or did well in school. Also, if a superstar or pullitzer prize winner is considered a genius, their “brilliance” most likely didn’t happen over night. I believe being a genius depends on the situation sometimes. If an individual has a “genius” IQ then clearly they are very gifted. Some people could be naturally gifted, but others do have to work hard for success. Many genius inventors probably failed multiple times, but eventually found something that worked contributing to their brilliance. I disagree with part of the article for the fact that they only looked at college graduates as geniuses and how they came to be. Many people graduate college and aren’t extremely smart in the end, others are. Also, people that didn’t go to college yet are still considered geniuses, for example the “gifted children” on TV showing their brilliance. So what is a genius? A brilliant IQ, a famous person, an award winner? I guess it will take a genius to know.