Chances???

Hello everyone, I am currently an 8th grader who is keen on applying to the Illinois Math and Science Academy for the year of 2020. I am fairly certain that with my current application that I would have no issue if I had applied in the 9th grade as to getting into the school as my SAT scores are 610 and 670 for math and reading respectively, and my SAT essay is a solid 6 out of the 8 points that were possible for the NEW SAT. Also, I am in the highest classes offered at my school, which includes Geometry, SWAS (Gifted), etc. With a perfect unweighted GPA of 4.0. I have attained Honor Roll throughout all quarters of middle school and my list of awards and activities is something that I would like to say is at or above average. I am in good standing with all of my teachers so recommendations will be exceptional, and I am aware of my ability to develop a proficient essay10, and I have planned everything out. I have also taken an online high school Bio course as well, and that seemed fairly easy as well. Any reports on my chances? I am confident that I will achieve my goal of attaining admission in IMSA, but right now the question is whether it will be this year or not, because I am aware of the fact that they weigh middle schoolers more than that of prospective sophomore applicants. Thanks!!

I am not in IMSA (I am an 8th grader applying this year), but I think that you should try to improve your math SAT score. According to their 2015 data, an average for invited 8th graders is 734, so I think the optimal strategy for you (and me) is to try to get at least 700. Also, what kind of extracurriculars are you taking? I think you know this, but an average for an 8th grader applying to IMSA seems to be enrolled in:

  1. 3-4 STEM/Leadership extracurriculars.
  2. 1-2 Sports
  3. 1 Musical Instrument
    However, what I did not find are awards. Nobody on College Confidential or on any major forums seems to be talking about their awards. So… it is possible that the fact that you have a regional/state award might really help your admission.
    P.S. Fun fact. For 8th graders, the admission rate seems to approach 9%, which is equivalent to CalTech or Brown University.