<p>I have quite a few friends that go to IMSA (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy). I actually applied a few years ago myself! Admissions is similar to applying to any normal college; SAT score, recommendations, essays and the like. Quite a few kids end up at the likes of MIT, Caltech, Stanford and Chicago (to name a few) on a yearly basis. Numerous ISEF/STS, Siemens finalists and semifinalists, etc.</p>
<p>Though the school consistently spews out talented students, the amount of state funding it gets for its petty expenditures is unnecessary. As of recently, there seems to be great financial disparity between it and the rest of IL’s public schools, giving them opportunities the average Illinois student would only dream of (or fight trying to achieve). Granted, a lot of their success is drawn from genuinely talented students, but there’s something to be said about the opportunities they get over other bright IL high schoolers solely due to the state of the school’s allocated funds. Even then, it’s a fantastic school that’s fun to work with/compete with. The faculty the school attracts is also something to be jealous of.</p>