Chances to get into IMSA (Illinois Math and Science Academy)

Hey guys…

I think plenty of people ask this all the time, but I’m gonna ask too. It’s also a little long… sorry.

What do you all think my chances of getting into IMSA class of 2020 are?
I realize its a long way away, but you can never be over prepared…

My new SAT scores are 1190/1600. Math is 600. Reading is 590. They are decent. I’ll try to improve them in 9th grade, and I am doing many prep classes. My goals are 680 Math and 620 Reading… though it probably wont happen.
I’ve taken Honors Geometry in 8th grade and I’m gonna take Honors Algebra 2 with Trig in the coming school year. I’ve gotten a head start because on weekends of my 8th grade year, I’ve taken Algebra 2 with Trig. The coming school year I will maybe take Pre-Calc on weekends. I’ve competed in Math Count and AMC too.
In science, I took Honors Biology, and coming 9th grade, I’ll be in Honors Chem.
All of my classes, except French 2, Gym, and Orchestra- Chamber, in the coming year are advanced. They are graded differently.
I don’t really know how to calculate my 8th grade GPA as I have a few classes, English, Math, Science, that were honors. So it’s either a 3.69 equally weighed, or a 3.9…?
I am a little quite in class. I have social anxiety and am shy. Once I get comfortable though, I am pretty active. I never got comfortable enough though in a few of y classes. I’ll try to participate more coming freshman year, but as of right now, I believe I have an okay recommendation from 8th grade teachers, not an outstanding one, if I ask them… though I did win the Merit, Kindness, and Respect Award from the principle during graduation, me and four other people out of a good 200 kids for the 3 years at the middle school.
I am really excited and so are my parents. They are pushing me and I am pushing myself too. I feel like I am ready next year and the year after that to work hard. IMSA is a dream school of mine, and hopefully will help with me getting into my dream college as well.
By the way, I am Asian- Chinese, and queer, so I don’t know if that is a factor.

Anyways, thanks!!

Your SAT score is very low for Imsa standards. I applied for the class of 2017 with a 1420/1600 and I was rejected. Imsa is a crap shoot from what I’ve seen, they tend to first weed out by straight stats and then consider your essays and rec letters. I would focus firstly on your SAT score and keeping grades up. Then build connections with teachers and have good recommendation letters. This is the one thing I did not have and I believe it’s what hurt me the most. Demonstrating interest is also very important. Participate in preview days and summer camps if you can. Though in the end it comes down alot to luck.
But please, no matter what happens, take your decision and run with it. I was absolutely devastated when I received that letter. But you can still do just as well and push yourself at any public school. And don’t believe IMSA is the fast track to a good college; you are pitted against some of the best minds from around the state. It is near impossible to maintain a good GPA (I have several friends who went). And if you are in the top 10% of your class, expect that rank to fall significantly. You learn alot from IMSA and it really is an amazing opportunity and an amazing school. But think really really hard about your decision beforehand and don’t let whatever happens stop you from going to your dream college.
(If you need more advice I’m happy to try my best to help)

I am a current IMSA senior. IMSA is a very challenging school to get into expecially for Caucasians and Asians for the majority of applicants fall in thsee ethnicities. As far as SAT I think you shold work on bringing it up just a little. Your GPA Is not too bad if it’s 3.9, applicants get B’s sometimes. Most importantly I think you should work on becoming involved in extracurricular activities. IMSA loves students who are well rounded. You are building a strong application and I hope I answered your question.

I applied to IMSA and another private school by me. I know some kids at IMSA, and I’ve met some teachers. All the kids I’ve met have been major flakes. Teachers are great, though. Looking back, I’m happy I didn’t choose it. My advice to you is to raise your SAT and trust your instincts. Something told me that IMSA wouldn’t be good for me. Although it is a good school, the name (or almost any good name, my high school included) will not get you into your dream college. You can get into your dream school with hard work at an average high school.

Aside: you remind me of myself when I was your age. Same classes and everything. If you want IMSA, you’ll get IMSA. Show them that you’re exceptional, because there’s not a doubt in my mind that you aren’t.

@musicgirl131 @IAMME62199 @blountwil2 Thanks guys!! I appreciate all the advice and encouragement! I raised my sat scores to 1350, 710 math and 640 cr (and a low writing score, so i hope they don’t look at that). I took everyones suggestions and lifted my GPA to 3.857… this year too. I also joined plenty of extra curricular ranging from athletics to environmental to community. Through I still don’t have confidence in my freshman teacher recs. I actually believe that I have a chance now. I’m applying this year, and I feel like I constructed a good application. Thank you guys so much!!