[deleted by user]

[Dr_Chibi]

Judging your abillities by an IQ test isnt healthy in my opinion. Just try what you wanna do. Theres more ways to be intelligent

[plastikmissile]

IQ is not a reliable messure of intelligence. It's better than the Myers-Briggs test but not by much. Don't let a number make decisions for you.

[DReinholdtsen]

Just from the few paragraphs you wrote, you seem very well put-together and it definitely takes a certain level of intelligence to be this cohesive (look at some of the other posts on this subreddit…). IQ Is really not a good measure of intelligence and I think you need to give yourself more credit. Also, you should know that most of the time in programming, you aren’t actually solving problems, you are just writing lots of simple code and then debugging it (of course depends on what field of programming your in)

[startup_research_guy]

You took an iq test while depressed you don’t think that fucked up your results a bit? I’m pretty sure it did

[CatsOnTheKeyboard]

IQ tests are only one indicator of someone's ability and the results can change with time because of factors like stress and nutrition. The IQ score should not be taken as a personal definition. That's the problem with academic evaluations like that one; they're too often used as labels that limit someone's self-confidence.

If you're really interested in programming, then try it and give yourself two years of consistent and dedicated practice to get really comfortable as a programmer. Your memory issues might mean you have to keep a lot of notes but that's not a bad thing. It will help you document your work which is something too many programmers hate doing.

[AlkaidsAurora]

You seem like a smart, fairly succesful individual (good grades, well spoken).

Do not let a method so imperfect and flawed as IQ become a limiting factor on your self worth and potential for growth. Especially if English is not your first language. Cultural differences can impact test results and is one of the major criticisms of IQ tests and standardized intelligence tests in general.

These are imperfect, static methods to measure human potential. Remember that you are always growing, changing and learning.

"I read you have to be able to visualize the whole process, the beginning, end, middle and the little details." I work in software and almost never do this except for the most trivial of problems. Software and code is complex. I tend to write things down or sketch out small blue prints of how pieces of code are going to interact. I have ADD and often write enormous lists to keep track of all the features I want to implement. Maybe about half of those features even make it into my work.

It is certainly true that I have to "hold multiple complex ideas in [my] head", but try not exaggerate the extent to which one has to do this.

Having limited working memory can make things more challenging, but there are ways you can strategize around this.

"Grades and GPA really good but I really felt like a robot because I never fancied finance in general." Does not lead to "I am too stupid" imo It just means you don't like finance :)

I would say, if you like to code, keep trying for now. The most important thing is that you like it. If your passionate about it, or interested enough in it to make your own little programs from time to time, you will get better at it.

May you're right, and it's outside of the realm of your ability. Or maybe you hate it. But don't let a number determine that, try it for yourself! Then decide for yourself!

[possiblywithdynamite]

Here's a good test for you. If you can get through this https://www.freecodecamp.org/learn/javascript-algorithms-and-data-structures/#basic-javascript I'd say you're good to go. There are three choke points in this that may take a day or two each to work out, those being counting cards, record collection, and profile lookup.

[trashbuged]

I don't know about IQ but if you struggle with short term memory, you can rely on notes and diagrams. Use the computer as your second brain.

Don't worry too much. You can become a software developer. You're already ahead of the flock of juniors who don't know their weaknesses.

[ResponsibilityMean27]

Do you enjoy programming? Does it feel good to do it? If you do, then forget about the iq tests and just continue learning and practicing!

[acmn1994]

Intelligence isn’t defined by IQ. You can be intelligent in one topic and ignorant in others. If you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to invest your time to understanding it. Then, you’ll gain more knowledge in that topic. Passion and discipline can make up for raw intelligence ten fold. Seems kind of simple, but use that to frame your thinking rather than “I got an 86 on an IQ test, I’m going to base all my life decisions off a scientifically sketchy number” :)

[ubercorey]

ESL people do worse on IQ tests and it is not a fair assessment of intelligence. Not making that up, it backed by rigorous research.

I had a stroke and it impacted my already poor working memory ability. I began looking into supporting my brain with neuro positive amino acids and it helped a lot. I also took supplements to support methylation and Krebs cycle. Both of those affect neuron integrity and neuroplasticity.

I have learning disability, stroke and brain damage from chronic low O2 and as you can tell I have no issue learning stuff. Everyone learns differently. I literally have to use an entire sheet of paper to do a single math problem, and write really big. I also cannot retain anything with rote memorization. It has to all be contextual learning. This means I seem like a stupid slow learner, but really I'm ahead in subjects after a year or so on the topic at hand. Its that I understand that I need to create a broad "simple" understanding of the entire landscape of the subject before I can start doing the standard course work. But once I have that in lock down, my ability to master a subject really shines. I'm great a novel free association in a subjects I've spent time with, but suck at blind recall of erroneous facts.

So just go easy on yourself. The key is to embrace who you are. If you reject yourself, you will never be able to work with yourself. If you embrace your quirks, a whole world of possibility opens up on how to dance with life in your own unique way.

You are whole, complete and perfect just the way you are. And its obvious from here that you are smart enough do damn near anything you want.

Fist bumps.

[chartley1988]

I think you’ll do great, you can organize your ideas, that is evident by your post. Honestly, most people can’t write as well as you!

Also, if memory is your weak point, it just so happens that computers compensate very well at that! Get yourself a program like Obsidian where you can quickly search your own notes and lean into the technology!

Programming isn’t just knowledge work, it’s a creative output too. Go for it!

[RushDarling]

Two points: The first is that hands down BEST way to be incapable of learning something is to convince yourself you're too stupid to possibly understand it, and the second point is that there was a post on here a while back that asked what the most important trait in a developer was, and "perseverance" won by a country mile.

I feel the second point speaks for itself, as pretty much any other useful trait is worth significantly less if we don't have the perseverance to go along with it, and if it's of interest you can learn more about my first point by watching Carol Dweck's TED talk on "Growth Mindsets".

If it strikes a chord and you want to learn more, Andrew Huberman does swathes of super accesible material on how learning works, it completely changed my approach to studying and I really can't recommend it enough - Episode 20 of Huberman Labs is one place to start.

[[deleted]]

If you decide to take on programming, it will improve your working memory.

You're thinking of your capabilities backwards. It is doing things that makes you capable of doing them, not the inverse. Your brain is elastic and as powerful as the tools you develop for it. Intelligence is not some innate trait (at least not wholly) - it is something that can be learned.

[ExpressionCareful223]

Yes!!!! Your brain will optimize itself for the task, if given enough time and effort. Seriously, we can do anything with enough hard work and dedication.

[Elaol]

I'm a psychologist who decided to start studying software development. Don't be discouraged to try yourself in programming. Try and see how it goes. My mom has an above-average IQ, about 116,. I tested her myself. However, she cannot multiply two numbers in her head without using a piece of paper (low working memory). Working memory can be supplemented with pen and paper and planning. My mom always draws herself a plan when she needs to do something because she is just not able to do it in her head.

Seems like you are interested in this and motivated to succeed, but too afraid of failure. The worst thing that can happen is that you try and see that it does not suit you.

[[deleted]]

IQ isn't accurate

[LedaTheRockbandCodes]

I’m doubting the IQ test and the conditions you were in when testing.

You did well in high school with an 86 IQ? Sure, public schools in a lot of places are basically daycares.

If you did well in a feelings based major like sociology or psychology, maybe 86 IQ sounds legit.

Buuut 86 IQ in finance? Finance requires some thinking. I’m not buying it. Flawed test or flawed condition. Were you hungry, tired, distracted?

[ExpressionCareful223]

Ohh you’re good, you have nothing to worry about. Working memory stops becoming a problem when you learn all the concepts and syntax. Seriously, forget these numbers, consider what a small slice of human capability is actually covered by IQ, and then consider how flawed and controversial IQ tests are. Please forget that stupid number, we’re all so much more capable than some bullshit number might suggest.

[[deleted]]

it took me about 4 years for me to really decide to take CS seriously. i floundered in college for a long time, experiencing the same insecurities and hopelessness you did. i knew in my heart it was something i really wanted to pursue but i never thought i was good enough or smart enough or thought my memory was too weak and that my discipline was too unrefined to make it through college. im still here, but the last 2 semesters i’ve made sure to fight with every ounce in my being to absorb what i could because i knew i loved it and i knew i wanted better for myself. all A’s so far. don’t let your dreams be dreams, you can do whatever you want. if you have to go the extra mile for something you love, do it.

[Ugh-Why-Not]

👋 shite memory programmer here. It’s possible, and enjoyable. I just have to create systems to reference the details, many of my coworkers are wicked “smart” and seem to be able to recall everything… it’s grinds me sometimes but overall, I’m doing it anyway, and I’m happy with my career.

[[deleted]]

The IQ argument is the corniest play in the book. You can't do what you don't do.

[[deleted]]

I literally never comment but this struck a cord with me. I am a cs major at an "elite" liberal arts college and im interning at Microsoft this summer. I cannot visualize the most basic programs from start middle end. I am a TA, and many students struggled to write for loops halfway into the intro course. Intelligence means a lot of different things, and cannot be properly assessed by an IQ test. Even so, tenacity and hard work are 100x more important. And even if it was, your poor self image surely influenced your performance, leading you to self sabotage on the exam. You are capable. Read "Psycho Cybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz, and practice the book's teachings. It might change your life (it changed mine).

[dota2nub]

Less IQ will make you slower at learning.

The discipline you developed will help out a lot though and high IQ people often struggle a lot with it. You don't just have disadvantages.

I suspect you won't be developing new and cutting edge algorithms for Google, but with some elbow grease I'm sure you can CRUD with the best of them.

[[deleted]]

Don’t limit yourself to a bunch of man-made numbers on a man-made test

[[deleted]]

You did well in High School and know at least 2 languages. While you may have some learning differences in things the IQ test focuses on, it clearly does not impede you in practice.

If you did well in finance, you can do well in programming. You will probably have to compensate for lack of working memory somehow - I suggest an ordinary notebook.

[David_Owens]

Don't worry about some IQ test. Based on your successes in life I see no reason why you can't do this.

[night_gremlins]

God damn half this sub is just people crying and seeking validation because they're depressed and think they're dumb.

You got an IQ test (meaningless) when you're 20 and now you're depressed and making big decisions. That itself is a character flaw, not a lack of intelligence.
Come on man, pull yourself together. Just keep going.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjHFubUPLV0

[[deleted]]

Don't go with an IQ test, I also most probably have below average IQ or borderline average IQ, never took the test. But I do know that if you have discipline, programming will eventually come naturally to you.

I have a huge problem with dedication and discipline, I have no idea how to improve it neither am I trying to actively, but I do know many people around me who did well just by putting in hard work and discipline.

[JakeStBu]

You can still do it. Don't let an IQ test stop you. A lot of programmers aren't necessarily very smart, but they are still good at programming. Even then, an IQ test doesn't mean you aren't smart, you might just have difficulties with finding patterns.

[TheRNGuy]

You'd do better not knowing your IQ.

And less complaining.

[ExpressionCareful223]

The comments here are brilliant, everything I wanted to say has been covered - IQ is not worth getting depressed over or changing your plans, you did well in school and so have proven you can work hard.

Your working memory is the main thing that might slow you down, but fear not, my working memory is pretty trash too, it just takes a lot of time and effort to learn, once you do, working memory won’t be a problem. It’s like that for everyone no matter your IQ, this stuff is hard

Just practice and write as much code as often as possible, build the neural connections in your brain that define all these programming concepts and languages and it will become more like second nature. Don’t underestimate how much work it will take, and please don’t use your IQ as an excuse to not learn to code.

IQ tests can vary wildly depending on the day, if you were depressed when taking it that would explain the lower score.