@corrjayna There are 4 essays usually. They will give you 4 questions. You come up with your own essays to show your own creativity and your own self :-SS
Here is a copy of the IMSA application from 2014: https://www.imsa.edu/sites/default/files/upload/imsaapp13-14-use.pdf
Hi, I’m an IMSA a applicant;class of 2020 and I want to know what my chances are at IMSA. If I could get honest answers that would be great. Thank you in advance!
SAT SCORES
Math->650
Reading->630
COURSES
Honors Algebra 2/Pre Calculus
Biology
TEACHER RECS
Most of my teachers love me, I’m just iffy on my English teacher but that’s it.
EXTRA CURRICULAR CLASSES
Debate team captain
Math counts
Scholastic bowl
Student council vp
ESSAY
I’m very good at writing essays so I’m very confident in that
AWARDS
Presidential award for excellence
Science fair gold winner
Robotics 2cnd place
My gpa for seventh grade was 3.8 and for 8th it was 3.5 and for ninth its 4.0
Oh and I’ve also vollunteered at a hospital, library and coached a little league basketball team
@captain1929 Did you take New SAT already or it is the Old SAT results?
Also, geographic area, gender and race might be important too… So if you are an african american/latino female and if you live in the middle of nowhere, you have a very good chance. However, If you are an Asian male from Naperville, you should work harder on your SAT score and other stuff… to make it super impressive and unique… You should just do your best despite on who you are 
@javascript I took the new SAT and I am from Elk Grove Village, so it’s not a very popular area and I am Asian.
@javascript I am male so I understand it will be harder for me
And I’m planning to score more than 700 on math and more than 650 on reading do it think I’ll have better chances if I can achieve this or should I work even harder? @javascript
@captain1929 Honestly, it is just my opinion… I am not an admission officer 
sorry about that … Well, I applied as 8th grader and did not make it. You have an average SAT score for IMSA, which should be fine. All will depend on competition this year… SAT score is not everything though… You have to transmit your passion to math and science and your personality through your essays. However, SAT score and GPA are still important formal criteria…
Hey @lsutiger25, you do not say anything here anymore… :-w It is your thread. :> Very little activity :-< Was it the same last year?
Once apps come out it should be more active
I guess SAT Score really does not hold any value as I had 2200 composite score as an 8th grade applicant and I had no coaching for SAT. I am from district 204 area Naperville/Aurora area .Had a 4.0 GPA straight A’s throughout my middle school. Perfect ACT explore gold medal score in 6th grade etc.I was rejected by IMSA. No other Naperville area 8th grade applicant had my score.I guess IMSA looks at the extra curricular activities you are involved outside of school which I think is really subjective. they look at volunteering and leadership qualities in you
@Kagero You will have a good chance this year as 9th grader if you choose to apply again. Well, I think leadership has pretty low correlation with mathematics/science skills. I was just wondering why leadership is important to them? I understand volunteering shows that you are not self-centred and willing to commit your time to help your community… But leadership? Are they looking to prepare a future math/science teachers?
IMSA wants to train students that will one day become leader in their respective field of math and science. Leadership is huge when it comes to math and science. You may be a really good scientist, but without good leadership skills and commitment to the community, then what use is it to become a scientist/mathematician because the point of being in those categories is to give back to the community.
@Kagero Krishna, you went to the worst middle school in the district though. So, it was easy for you to obtain those straight A’s. I believe IMSA would rather see you be very on top of things at Waubonsie rather than judging you based off your grades at the worst middle school in the district.
@lsutiger25 I do not think there is a direct correlation between classes difficulty and grades. As for me I am not doing good in boring slow and easy classes… just because I am bored! I am taking three AP classes this year just to challenge myself. Honors classes in my school mostly boring… Kagero has a very good SAT score, so I believe his straight As are not because of easy classes…
@javascript I believe the easier the class, the easier it is to receive an A. So sorry about my beliefs…
ALSO TO ALL CLASS OF 2020 IMSA APPLICANTS, THE APPLICATION IS OUT!
@lsutiger25 You are right about your the easier class- the easier to get As…, I just wanted to shar my story… I can not work hard if the class is boring and senseless to me… I wish I could work through boredom…
Thanks for the great news about APPLICATION!!!
wow, apps are out?
Ours got delayed to like December…