Hello future applicants to the Illinois Math and Science Academy, this forum is for discussion relating to admissions for the class of 2024. I am applying for this class as an eighth grader, and wanted to make a forum because they seem to have been really helpful in the last years.
The discussion can involve chances, questions, etc.
Good luck!
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What are my chances of getting in as an eighth grader?
Hi! I’m also applying to IMSA- I’m glad to be a part of the community!
Only a handful of eighth graders are accepted and ultimately attend IMSA. This is in sharp contrast to the over 200 ninth graders accepted each year.
( Although the stats are a bit daunting) I found that through IMSA’s main and student-based websites , applicants can find lots of information on IMSA admissions. IMSA holistically determines eligibility of applicants through non-traditionally based mediums outside of grades or GPA. Other factors like demographics and location/school [that you attend] can also impact your chances.
I wish you well during the long months ahead! 
What do you think is a good SAT score for Bloomington/Normal area? And, because of covid-19, I am not able to participate in as many extracurricular activities, so do you have suggestions on what I could do?
Hi, I am an (incoming) eight grader interested in IMSA.
Demographics
I am an Asian male in the eight grade. I can travel to IMSA in 30 minutes, and reside in a Chicagoland suburb. I do not have friends or relatives who have attended IMSA.
Extracurriculars
- Math Club
- Robotics Club
- Stem Club (SCIOLY)
- Android and iOS Creator
GPA: I fall into IMSA’s highest GPA tier, that is between 3.75 and 4.0.
Awards: I have a few notable ones, but I would like to accumulate more awards before sharing. One that I can share now is the President’s Award for Educational Excellence.
Standardized Tests: I have not taken the SAT, but I might do it at the end of 2020. I am scoring in both the 1400’s and 1500’s on online tests.
Recommendations: How do I contact eight grade teachers for their recs. when I will be doing remote and getting teachers from another school in the school district? I won’t be able to have the same level of recs as if I was doing in-person at my own school.
Hi everyone! I am a current sophomore at IMSA! If any of you guys have any questions or concerns please ask away!
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Hi I want to know my chances of getting in, please.
Ethnicity- Asian
School- waubonsie valley
Gender- Female
Gpa- 4.0 (6-7) 3. 75 (8th) 4.0 (9th as of now)
Classes
- all honors but accel math In middle school
- taking ap world history and honors geometry in highs school
Activities/accomplishment
- I got the presidential award of excellence -taekwondo(7 years) (I went to state and went to a lot of tournaments) (certified 2nd degree by Kukkiwon- official taekwondo organization) -Carnatic music (singing) (5 years)
- kumon (7 years) (reading graduate) (math level k)
- 2 other language and doing Spanish in school
- go to math class
- memorized Bhagavad Gita
- play the oboe
- wind ensemble
- art club
- cross country
- student council
- did a pollution project outside of school
- volunteered at the library
- volunteer teacher Bhagavad Gita
- model un
- key club (volunteering club)
- micro greens (hobby I grow and make everything at home)
I did not take the SAT because of COVID-19 but planning to take it in spring of 2021
Sry my gpa in 8th grade was higher than 3.75 as I only had 1 A-
I live in Naperville
I have done 3 speech competitions and got 3rd place in one of them
Hi I am the same person as Kavs0306, but it was not letting me log back in, sorry for the confusion. I am editing my post and putting more details.
Ethnicity- Asian
School- waubonsie valley
Gender- Female
Location: Naperville
Gpa- 4.0 (6-7) above 3.75 (8th- I got one A-) 4.0 (9th as of now)
Classes
- all honors but accel math In middle school
- taking ap world history and honors geometry in highs school
Activities/accomplishment
- I got the presidential award of excellence -taekwondo(7 years) (I went to state and went to a lot of tournaments) (certified 2nd degree by Kukkiwon- official taekwondo organization) -Carnatic music (singing) (5 years)
- kumon (7 years) (reading graduate) (math level k)
- 2 other languages (Sanskrit and Telugu) (Both r Indian languages but telugu is my mother tongue) and doing Spanish in school
- go to math class
- memorized Bhagavad Gita
- play the oboe
- wind ensemble
- art club
- yearbook club
- cross country
- student council
- did a pollution project outside of school
- volunteered at the library
- volunteer teacher Bhagavad Gita (some kids asked me to teach them)
- model un
- key club (volunteering club)
- micro greens (hobby I grow and make everything at home)
- got 3 rd place in a speech competition
- participated in 2 other speech competitions
- I make toys and stuff for my pet birds (hobby ig)
I have a lot of awards for taekwondo and singing and an award for the speech competition
I did not take the SAT because of COVID-19 but planning to take it in spring of 2021
Also I hav always been in the 99th percentile in reading and 98th-99th percentile in math when I took standardized tests
@spicyfanatic0306 You are very similar to me, because I am also applying! I go OEHS near Waubonsie! If we both get in, I will see you next year!! Even though I have never went to IMSA and I am applying, it seems you have a very strong application. You percentiles are really good, GPA is good! SAT doesn’t matter as much as extracurriculars, GPAs, and Teacher Evaluations, and you have very good extracurriculars, as well! You are doing way better than me!! You have a strong chance!!
Thank You! I hope we both get in! Just worried a little bit about the essays… seeing as in the meeting they talked about how they always want more original ideas so…
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Hello! I am a 9th grader from Naperville hoping to get into IMSA, as it has long been a dream of mine. Here are my stats…
Ethnicity: Asian
School: Metea Valley High School
Gender: Female
GPA: 4.0
Courseload:
Honors ELA
Honors Algebra 2/Trig
AP World
Spanish 2
Concert Strings
Honors Bio
Activities:
Math Club
Science Olympiad
Tennis (Varsity) & 4th Place Conference
Dance (Company Dancer)
Model UN
Speech Team (DDA)
Awards:
Mathcounts State: 16th Team & Top 50 Individual
Mathcounts Chapter: Top 25 Individual & 3rd Team
NSF(Math): 2 Time National Qualifier
Scioly: Density Lab- State Qualifier (Didn’t go because of COVID), 4th Place & Density Lab 6th Place
SAT: 1420
Essays: My passion for medicine, specifically Cancer-related.
Can you tell me my chances and what I could improve on?
Also, I volunteer at OneinMath, which is a tutoring service for kids.
Hi, I am also a 9th grader and I go to Waubonsie. I think you have a really strong chance especially if you have done dance for years since they do like to see if you have continued things over the years. Good luck, I hope we both get in!
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Isn’t the SAT not required this year for IMSA? Or do they still look at it?
They said in an informational meeting that SAT are waived this year
Does anybody know how SBG or Standard-based grading translates to GPA? My Junior High used it and IDK how I should calculate it
What do you mean by waived? Do they still look at it or does it not matter?
Unfortunately, even if you send in your SAT scores, they will not put it into consideration. There will be a section to put it still, they just won’t count it. The SAT is required to attend the school though, which raises questions for me. Here’s the link: https://www.imsa.edu/admissions/apply-to-imsa/