I feel kinda insecure about my stats. What can I do to get in as a 8th grader? ( if don't get in this year do you think I will be able to get in next year?)

Some of my stats:

GPA- 3.9(7th- 4.0, 6th -3.7, 8th - 4.0(1st quarter, 2nd tbd)

SAT- 1400-1450(taking in December, might be able to get higher)

I have a good idea for my essays

Stem Activities:

Coding Program (HTML, CSS, JAVASCRIPT) - 3 years

VEX robotics club - 23-24

VEX robotics club - 24-25

IJAS science fair - 23-24

IJAS science fair - 24-25

Metea Valley Highschool robotics camp - 32 hours

IMSA camp

Personal Project

Non-Stem Activities:

Sports:

WSWPC - water polo - 4 years

Community Swim Team - 4 years (summer)

Community Waterpolo Team - 4 years (summer)

Cross Country - 7th grade

Track and Field - 7th grade 

Misc Clubs:

Table Tennis Club - 6th grade

Esports Team - 6th grade

Chess Club - 2 years( 6th, 7th)

Awards:

High Honor role - 4/4 6th

High Honor role - 4/4 7th

High Honor role - 2/4 8th(so far)

State Award IJAS science fair 23-24

Regional Award IJAS science fair 23-24

23-24 Robotics Semi Final - Regional level

23-24 Robitcs qualification rounds 1st - Regional Level

23-24 Robotics Skills award 2nd place - Regional Level

23-24 Robotics tournament 1st place - district 

(24-25 robotics tournaments are in January)

Question: approximately how many 8th graders get in every year? I see all these apps and I'm lowkey scared that I'm not even close good enough.

About how many 8th graders get accepted each year

About how many 8th graders get deferred each year

About how many 8th graders get waitlisted each year

What is the quality of student life at IMSA outside of academics? I received plenty of info about the academic programs, but what about time outside of class?

Do lots of students play sports or do non-academic activities or is it all studying all the time?

What is the quality of food like in the cafeteria? Do kids ever leave campus during the week to do fun things?

okay is it just me or are teacher recs not a part of the application this year? where do i find them?

I have multiple questions to ask and this Reddit page seems like the perfect place so here they are.

1. Is getting into IMSA higher if I live in a rural area?

2. I’m a freshman with a 3.7 gpa average with the most honors classes possible, does that have a factor?

3. I live in Lasalle county and I heard that only two people from Lasalle county is at IMSA, does this info also contribute to my chances due to the very little amount that are enrolled at IMSA?

4. Is getting the “prospect” letter from IMSA another chance to raise my odds of getting in?

I'm applying as an 8th grader this year and I'm wondering how much the achements and awards matter. I haven't done many stem related activities and will that ruin my chances of getting in? If yes what activities around Oswego (Aroura ) would you recommend.

Due to the amount of activity in the subreddit among new applicants, I thought that it would be helpful to post the Co28 discord link again so that you can communicate with other applicants and receive advice from current IMSA students.

Note: Verification in the form of a screenshot of an ongoing application (or acceptance email/personalized mail for current students) is required in order to gain access to the server.

https://discord.gg/bdE5tM4Hek

(edit) what if you were to create a research paper and add that onto your application? not a plan of mine but i heard a couple of people chatting about that for a college application

of course, stem activites are heavy for the application, and the essays will be amazing. i keep looking at replies saying that the essays are not the most important but i feel as if they matter the slightest bit more. help a friend out by replying?

https://preview.redd.it/bvhoujllvlvd1.jpg?width=966&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a3c1589a6384ecbbe39f744a6263e2259b72916

I might take it in december again but should i

Hi! Long post coming up.

I'm a freshman in the Chicagoland area, and I'm wanting to apply. I received a letter in the mail one day, and honestly had no idea why. I figured maybe it was because I applied and got accepted to Fenwick Catholic High School, starting my freshman year. I don't currently attend as the tuition was WAYY too high. I also applied to Chicago magnet schools (was not accepted into any but oh well 🤷).

Academics: I have always been academically gifted. I've known how to read since before 24 months (My reading level was always grades above my grade at the time), I take an AP Class this year, and I did extensive math during my 3rd grade year (ik it was long ago but it's somewhat relevant ig).

As of now, my GPA is somewhere on the 2.5-3.0 on a 5.0 scale. Yes, I'm aware it doesn't sound great, but this is mainly due to me always turning assignments in late. I have a very hard time staying focused as well as getting myself to actually do the work (I'm working on getting an ADHD evaluation, hoping it'll help me understand myself better). But otherwise, I'm doing well academically.

This year I'm taking pretty much the only honors classes available to me. Honors Integrated Math I, English, Biology, and AP Human Geography. To which I understand the concepts of everything very well. (Except AP, which we have been told is a very difficult class and you're guaranteed at LEAST a B, which is equla to an A in core classes.)

We took the PACT at my school not long ago, which I know I totally bombed. I was tired, and anxious and rushed through, having no idea what to do, or what these tests were on. I plan on taking the SAT or the ACT in December, as to give myself enough time to study, while also giving me enough time to receive my score in time for the application deadline.

Extracurriculars:

All throughout 6-8th grade, I have done theater as my main extracurricular, and have done very well. I plan on doing theater again in my second semester, but couldn't this one due to tennis. I played tennis for my school for a full season on the JV2 level, as it was my first time doing it, I wasn't very good. And I volunteer at my local library for about 2 hours as much as I can. I'm hoping that now I'm done with tennis, I'll have more time to volunteer, which I chose to do on my own. Rather than for graduation requirements. It also helps to get it out of the way tbh. I love playing instruments and singing. I've done choir since 3rd grade, and taught myself how to play the guitar.

Social: I haven't seen anybody else do this part, but I feel it's somewhat relevant?

I've always been a big, outgoing social butterfly. I'm the most extroverted introvert you'll ever meet. As hyperindependent as I can be, I love to work with other people and listen to different opinions and ideas. My teachers have always had nothing but good things to say about me throughout my entire life. The only negative comments they really have is that I just need to stop talking lmao.💀

That's honestly it. I know I yapped a lot about random things, but if you actually made it to the end, thank you! and I'd love to hear your opinions about what more I can so to improve my application, or how you think it'll turn out as of now. thanks so much!

Good morning. I apologize to those who have messaged me over the past few weeks, but the first couple weeks of October are typically my busiest of the year.

I wanted to address something I've seen popping up repeatedly in responses to application questions. Specifically, the idea that essays are the most important part of the application**.**

I usually see this from current students who have gone through the application process, but not actually been a part of the admissions process. I've been trying to address this as it pops up, but I wanted to actually dedicate some communication on this, to see where this idea comes from and why students feel this way.

Some insight on the application process:

There are three steps to the IMSA admissions procedure. The first step is the Admissions Review Committee, which is comprised of IMSA faculty and staff, professional educators and academic counselors, and volunteer alumni. The second step is an academic review, which is (as I understand it) completed by IMSA professional educators. The final step is completed by the IMSA admissions staff, who combine and review the scores from the previous two committees to determine a ranking for admission.

Essays are considered during the first step, the Admissions Review Committee (ARC). During this process, all completed applications are distributed amongst roughly two dozen subcommittees composed of three to four individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Each subcommittee has roughly twenty to thirty applications to review over the course of two days.

The information presented to the ARC is essentially everything, except for scores and grades. This includes all activities, statements, teacher recommendations, awards, and, yes, essays. The ARC is responsible for scoring and justifying several questions from this portion of the application, then providing an overall score.

At no point is there a question regarding a score for the essays.

It has been my experience that the essays give context to the rest of the application, but they do not, they themselves, bear any more weight than the rest of the application. It is, perhaps, true that they are the point that an applicant can most affect at the moment they are written, but outstanding essays themselves will not bring up a lackluster history of academic disinterest, nor overcome a lack of display of genuine STEM interest (one of the items we are asked to consider). Likewise, I've seen lacking essays easily outshined by stellar performances in a variety of STEM-related activities, with awards on the state and national levels.

So, I'm really curious, especially amongst our younger IMSA family, where this idea that essays are the most important element of the application has come from, and why you feel that way?

Thank you!

I'm thinking of applying to IMSA, and since I live 4 hours away from Aurora, how would healthcare (checkups, dentist, eye, gi, mental, etc) work? Would I be able to go to appointments without parents?

I just had my mom call me into her room with a packet about IMSA application with my name on it. I’m only in 8th grade though. So does that mean I would skip 9th or? I’m so lost. Also do I need to do online classes to get the algebra 1 thing and high school level science? If so any recommendations? And should I apply? I don’t know how I feel about leaving my school, friends, and current teachers behind. I mean I’d see them every weekend and still call and text them but. I don’t know it’s all just so nerve wracking.

Is there a soccer part of the program and if there is, how would i join it

badminton, twice a week, 2 years (i think 9360 minutes or smth)

debate 2022-2023

mathcounts 2023-2024

science oly (this year)

violin 6-8 grade

swingin strings

volunteering like i think 15-20 hours (i have to check)

math counts this year

imsa summer camp

art class 3-6 grade

and i have others but i need to like check

Stem Activities

Mathletes, 2021-2024, 3hrs

Robotics, 2021-2023, 2.5hrs

Chess Club, 2024-2025, 7hrs

Non-Stem Activities

National Junior Honor Society, 2023-2024, 1hr (Volunteered 50 hours)

Volleyball Team, 2023-2025, 4hrs

Soccer Team, 2023-2025, 3hrs

Wrestling Team,2024-2025, 2hrs(Before school)

Leadership, Experience, Opportunity (Leo Club), 2024-2025, 1hr (Volunteered 15 hours)

Muslim Student Association, 2024-2025 1hr

Stem Awards

District Math Competition 2nd place, 2023 (individual)

District Math Competition 3rd place, 2024 (individual)

District Math Competition 5th place, 2022 (individual)

District Math Competition 1st, 2021 (individual)

District Chess Club Competition 1st place, 2024 (Individual)

District Chess Club Competition 2nd place, 2024 (Team)

63rd Chess.com Thematic National Tournament 2nd place, 2024 (individual)

Non-Stem Awards

National Junior Honors Society Officer Graduation, June 2024

Academic Excellence Local, June 2024

Quran Competition Regional 2nd Place, September 2023

Hello guys! Hope all is well. This is my application so far, obviously not much but I will get more awards and stuff this year. I will take the SAT in december as well and will update this as everything goes! TIA!

STEM Activities

• Adventures With Mr. Math, Infinity & Beyond, Level 3, 2021-2022, 2 hours weekly
• Adventures With Mr. Math, Infinity & Beyond, Level 4, 2022-2023, 2 hours weekly
• Adventures With Mr. Math, Infinity & Beyond, Level 5, 2023-2024, 2.5 hours weekly
• Adventures With Mr. Math, Deep Divers, 2024-2025, 3 hours weekly
• Geometry Level 5, 2024-2025, 3 hours weekly
• STEMTigers Science Class, Intermediate, 2023-2024, 3 hours weekly
• STEMTigers Science Class, Advanced, 2024-2025, 3 hours weekly
• AMC 8, 2023-2025
• MathCounts, 2024-2025
• Math League, 2022-2025
• Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Division E, 2021-2024
• Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Division M, 2022-2025
• IAC Science Bee Regionals, 2024-2025
• Young Entrepreneurial Symposium Contest, (Science), 2024
• National Science League Earth Science Team, 2024
• North South Foundation Science Bee, 2024
• Community Service- Tutoring on Core Science Subject, Grade Level Math, Competitive Math Class, 2024 - Ongoing

Non-STEM Activities

• Art Class, Started 2020-Ongoing, 2 hours weekly
• Bengali Classical Singing Class, 2023-Ongoing, 2 hours weekly

STEM Awards

• Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Division E, Highest Individual Scorer
• Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Division E, Honor Roll
• Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Division E, Top 5 National’s Team Contributor 2021-2023
• Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Division M, Top 5 National’s Team Contributor for 2 years, 2022-2024
• Math League Algebra, 21/30/ 2024
• National Science League Earth Science Team, 1st Place Nationals, 2024
• Young Entrepreneur Symposium Semifinalist, 08/27/2024
• Young Entrepreneur Symposium Second Place, 09/08/2024

Non-STEM Awards

• Art Competition First Place at Iskcon Temple, 2022

What SAT score would be good enough for IMSA?

Hi- 8th grader here applying for IMSA in the upcoming school year.

My weighted GPA (as of 7th grade) is 4.8, and I have not yet taken an SAT/ACT test. I'm not part of any STEM extracurriculars other than Science Olympiad. I am currently taking H. Chem and Geometry.

I've always had a passion for game development, and I'll be sure to mention that in my essays- currently the plan is to create a new game by myself to showcase my skills. Here's a link to what I've been working on if needed.

Am I ready for this school? Is there anything in my control I can do at this point to get into IMSA as a freshman?

P.S. I'm not the greatest at writing, are essays scored based more on the quality of work or the ideas conveyed?

We received a letter in the mail today inviting my 8th grade son to apply. How do they pick kids to apply for it?

Like many others I received the letter today and i have some questions.

So I have 2 questions how/why was I sent this letter and am i good enough. I live in southern rural illinois for context.

I have had straight A/A+’s since 5th grade and i was the runner up for valedictorian at my small grade school. My current weighted GPA is a 4.36 and I am in mostly honors classes.

I have never really had access to stem activities living in a rural town, and they just now became semi available to me through my highschool. I have 0 stem experience or awards although i’m interested in it. I have many not stem related awards however. In my state tests 6th grade year i was in the top 98% of students in math in the US. I was co-captain of the basketball team and captain of the track team. I was on the high honor roll 5-8 grade and the way my grades look i will be again for my first semester of highschool. I am an active member of Drama, Art, and History club and will play Tennis and Discus in track when I can.

I haven’t taken the SAT yet nor have I studied as I just now received this letter. I don’t know what to do.

Just got home from school to see I received a "prospect" letter. It seems neat and all but I don't know how I feel about living on campus at age 14/15 and I don't know if I want to leave my friends behind. PS I understand this is not a definite entrance but I would like advice on whether to apply or not, application suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

TLDR: Help me make a decision

Hoping for some info from people who may be familiar with IMSA. My 8th grade son received a letter from them with I formation and asking him to apply. I have no idea how they would have gotten his information (maybe state testing scores? I haven’t seen those yet, but he did receive a prize from his junior high for scoring well on the tests, which he typically does). We’ve not really been doing anything to promote leadership or get his grades at a certain level, etc., although he does currently have all A’s.

Is it even feasible that he would get in? I see info about ACT/SAT scores. I didn’t even realize an 8th grader could take those tests. Who do you even call about scheduling for younger kids? Maybe find an instructor?

He’s in an Advanced Math class that is weighted. His GPA coming out of 7th grade was about a 4.7. He’s in BETA club and does some volunteer work occasionally with the local shelter - really only when he has time. He plays competitive soccer (3 different teams), band, is an ILMEA honors chorus member and received a couple of solo roles in a recent local musical, and is a green belt in Yoshukai Karatedo. I’m not sure if any of that is even applicable or matters. The concerning part for me is he is also unmedicated ADHD, which means he is a bit behind in maturity, but he also is a creative thinker and soaks up interesting bits in lots of subjects.

Help a momma out. I’m clueless and a bit nervous and a lot proud and maybe excited for him.

These are some of my stats.

Do you see any specific strengths or weaknesses? What do think my chances are? How does this compare to other applications? Anything specific you would recommend for me to improve?

GPA- 3.88(7th- 4.0, 6th -3.7, 8th - tbd)

Stem Activities:

Coding Program (HTML,CSS, JAVASCRIPT) - 4 years

VEX robotics - 23-24, 24-25 

IJAS science fair - 23-24, 24-25

Metea Valley Highschool robotics camp - 32 hours

Non-Stem Activities:

Sports:

WSWPC - water polo - 4 years

Cross Country - 7th grade

Track - 7th grade 

Misc Clubs:

Table Tennis Club - 6th grade

Esports Team - 6th grade

Chess Club - 2 years( 6th, 7th)

Awards:

High Honor role - 4/4 in 6th, 4/4 in 7th, 8th- tbd

State Award IJAS science fair 23-24

Regional Award IJAS science fair 23-24

23-24 Robotics Semi Final - Regional level

23-24 Robotics Skills award 2nd place - Regional Level

(24-25 robotics competitions are in January)

(I also have a personal project relating to stem, I am just not comfortable disclosing it)

Hey, I am a 9th grade applicant for IMSA class of 2028. I have one major question about my ECs and Awards: I have no awards for what seems like a lot of STEM ECs, so does that come across as a problem? Also, I had a B- and C in consecutive quarters in 8th grade, but improved with an A- for the last quarter. Is that bad? And if I get good grades in my classes in high school (listed below) would that maybe show me as a person more? Okay the intro is super long so here you go:

STEM ECs:

STEM Shala 3-day Summer Camp for programming and creating a robot, 2021-2022, 3hrs

STEM Shala LEGO robotics, 2021-2022, 1 hr

VEX Robotics Competition Team for ***** Middle School, 2021-2022, 2hrs

VEX Robotics Competition Team for **** Middle School, 2023-2024, 4hrs

Niche Computing in ************ High School, 2024-2025, 1hr

Girls in STEM Engineering Club in ************ High School, 1hr

Non-STEM ECs: AA Competing Volleyball Team for **** Middle School, 2022-2023, 10hrs

A Competing Basketball Team for **** Middle School, 2022-2023, 10hrs

A Competing Volleyball Team for **** Middle School, 2023-2024, 10hrs

Student Council Board Member for **** Middle School, 2023-2024, 1hr

Builders Club (Volunteering) for **** Middle School, 2022-2023, 1hr

Tae Kwon Do at ******** Tae Kwon Do School, 2019-ongoing, 1hr 30min

Participated in the spelling bee at **** Middle School, 2023-2024, 1hr

STEM Awards: High Honor Roll 2021-2023

Other Awards: 2 gold and 1 silver medal at a tournament for ***** Tae Kwon Do School, January 2023

Stats: 4.0 GPA 7th Grade (all As)

3.6 GPA 8th Grade (A, B-, C, A-)

High School TBD GPA

SAT Score: TBD, but practice tests are around 1210s

Classes: Highest classes for all years of middle school

AP CSA, AP Human, Honors Algebra 2 and Trig, Honors Bio, Honors English

Essay writing:

I want to talk about me overcoming my own hatred towards my culture through an item for a challenge

I want to talk about how IMSA could get me the resources and sponsors/teachers to make a field of study more available in my home country.

PLEASEEEE GIVE ME FEEDBACK AND SORRY FOR THE SUPER LONG POST THANK YOUUUUUUU

Hey guys, this is the Discord invite for the Class of '28 server: https://discord.gg/2Wqpztbxy8. Feel free to join even if you're not 100% set on applying.

The server is targeted towards applicants as well as upperclassmen, though it will likely turn into a student-only server once decisions come out in May. See you there!

Hi, I am currently a high school freshman planning on applying to IMSA. I would deeply appreciate any feedback, chancing, and recommendations based on what I will be providing. I definitely will improve on everything as I feel that my ecs, stats, and awards are all very light.

Stats: 1200 SAT, I will be providing my GPA after the end of semester 1

Extracurriculars: Middle School - Student Council President 21-22 (6th grade), Math Team 21-23, Orchestra 3 years 21-24

High school - Mun alpha theta, Business Professionals of America, and Finance club. (will be adding onto this later on)

Awards: High Honor Roll 2021-2024 - Insecure about my awards

Outside of school ECS: Basketball one day shootout 2x champions, local park district league champion 1x and top 3 qualifier 1x, competitive AAU basketball 23-24, STEM Robotics Camp 2021, 8th grade basketball team semi-finalists, Badminton 22-23, Tennis 21-22

Classes: Spanish 1, AP Computer Science A, AP Human Geography, Honors Algebra 2 Trig, Honors English 1 Literature, and Honors Biology.

• That's all as of now. I will provide a redefined stats, ecs, and awards later on once I participate in extra activities. I mainly hoped to receive feedback on my standings now so that I am able to receive insight on what I need to improve on, change, etc.

Thanks

What do you guys think my chances are?

GPA - 3.91

STEM activities:

Robotics Team, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025

MATHCOUNTS Practice Team - 2022

CONRAD Challenge Participation - 2024-2025

Science Fair - 2024-25

Academic Peer Buddy Program - 2022-23

Non-Stem Activites:

Chamber Orchestra - 7th, 8th

ILMEA Orchestra District IX- ?? (to be confirmed)

Swingin’ Strings Orchestra - 7th

Jazz Band - 6th

Jazz Ensemble - 7th

Debate Club - 6th

Feed my Starving Children Volunteering - 22-23

Piano (OOS)- 7 years (Completed AIM level 8)

Dance Club (OOS)- 6th, 7th

Intramural Volleyball - 7th

Table Tennis Club - 7th 

Student Council - 24, 25

Stem Awards - 

MATHCOUNTS Math Competition 3rd Place - School Level, 6th grade

Robotics Semi-Finals - Regional Level, 7th grade

Robotics Skills Award 2nd Place - Regional Level, 7th grade

Robotics Runner-Up - Regional Level, 6th Grade

Non-Stem Awards -

Solo & Ensemble festival: Perfect Score - 2023

Spelling Bee 3rd Place - School Level - 2022

Sonata and Sonatina Festival Silver Medal - District Level - 2022

Spelling Bee Participation Award - District Level

Piano Music Theory Honor Roll - National (Not Competitive)

Me and my friend are also planning on starting a math tutoring 3-6 grade, and volunteering at loaves and fishes