Rank candidates taking IQ test at US university (6)

I believe the answer is:

status

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'rank' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'candidates taking iq test at us university' is the wordplay.
'STATUS' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for status that I've seen before include "Importance, standing" , "Facebook feature" , "Social ranking" , "Social or professional standing" , "Importance (in society?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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