FAQ

Contents

    Admission Criteria

  1. At what grade level should an interested student apply for admission (i.e. during their 8th grade year for entry in 9th grade, during their 9th grade year for entry in 10th grade, etc.?)

    Students apply for admission by March 1st the year before they hope to attend. We accept students coming out of 8th or 9th grade who have completed a minimum of Algebra 1 and a year of a high school level science. All students enter the Academy as 10th graders and complete a three-year program of study here at the Academy. Students accepted out of the 8th grade skip their 9th grade year altogether. We do not accept students after they have entered the 10th grade.

  2. I am an 8th grader, what happens if I apply this year?

    Students apply for admissions by March 1st the year before they hope to attend. We accept students coming out of 8th or 9th grade who have completed a minimum of Algebra 1 and a year of a high school level science. All students enter the Academy as 10th graders and complete a three-year program of study here at the Academy. Students accepted out of the 8th grade skip their 9th grade year altogether. We do not accept students after they have entered the 10th grade. Invited 8th grade students may elect to self-defer to the following year. While application out of the 8th grade is more competitive, we would not consider it a waste of our time for a student to apply their 8th grade year, many students will use this year to get a feel for our application itself. We do worry that strong candidates may be discouraged if not accepted out of the 8th grade. We encourage these students to re-apply.

  3. Do I need to live in Illinois to attend?

    IMSA is an Illinois State school and is funded by state taxes (there are no tuition or room/boarding fees), therefore we are only allowed to accept students who live with a parent or legal guardian of the State of Illinois. If you are interested in attending IMSA you would need to move to Illinois prior to the application deadline (March 1, 2008).

  4. What do you mean by 9th grade level science?

    To fit the description of a 9th grade level science, the science coursework MUST be of at least an accelerated 8th grade course with a heavy hands-on, laboratory component. Survey courses do not apply. If the school does not provide this type of course, a class of this nature would need to be taken elsewhere in order to be eligible to apply as an 8th grader. Official transcripts would also need to be sent documenting successful completion of the course.

  5. What do you normally consider when accepting a student?

    The selection process for accepting students looks at a variety of criteria. These include SAT Reasoning exam scores, academic record (2.5 years of grades), teacher recommendations, student essays, and a student's interest in mathematics and science.

  6. What if I take the SAT more than once, which scores do you use?

    Students may take the SAT as many times as they choose during the application year. IMSA will use the highest total. If you take the SAT the first time and receive a 590 critical reading and 600 math and then take it again and receive a 550 critical reading and 650 math, IMSA will use the second test, which is an overall higher composite score. The test must be taken during the academic year in which the student is applying, no later than March 1st.

  7. How may I prepare for the SAT 1?

    Beginning to prepare for this is always a good idea when considering applying. You may want to check out your local library or bookstore on SAT prep books, visit http://www.collegeboard.com for sample questions/tests, or contact the Stanley Kaplan prep services to look into their resources.

  8. What is the average SAT and GPA (Class 2009)?

    The average SAT for the in-coming class of 2009 was Verbal- 594 and Math - 637. Our average GPA was 3.88/4.0. There is no minimum score required on the SAT, nor is there a minimum GPA to be able to apply to IMSA.

  9. What is the percentage of students that apply that are invited?

    Every year the number of applicants to IMSA changes. In the years past we have had anywhere from approximately 550-950 applications for around 230 spots. To generalize, about one in every three students that applies is ultimately invited.

  10. How many 8th graders are accepted?

    We do not have a set number of 8th grade students we are able to accept each year; the number that are ultimately accepted depends solely on the strength of the individual applicant. Application as an 8th grade student IS much more competitive due to the fact that, in general, we will accept a 9th grade student over an 8th grade student. We want to ensure both that an 8th grade student truly has the academic background of a 9th grader and is able to skip that grade, and is emotionally ready to make the transition to a residential high school. 8th grade students will have the ability to re-apply the following year if they are not accepted directly out of the 8th grade. This past year, we accepted 242 students, of those, 37 were 8th graders.

  11. Would my student be best served in taking part in an IMSA summer program?

    We do ask for student's to indicate on their application if they have participated in any IMSA sponsored activities. While this question is only one part of the entire written application component, we are looking for students who take advantage of resources in their area. For students in the Chicagoland area, IMSA summer programs are one such resource. From an admissions standpoint, attending an IMSA summer program can indicate a sustained interest, not only in mathematics and science, but IMSA itself.

    12. Student Information Requests

  12. Why should I consider attending your school?

    There is no one answer to why should I consider attending IMSA, but learning about what makes us decidedly different from a typical home high school can certainly provide you with more information. IMSA is widely acclaimed for its student achievements (examples: original research, presentations and publications in professional journals and conferences, top ACT scores in the nation, Intel (Westinghouse) Science Talent Search finalists, and its leadership in mathematics and science education, gifted education, problem-based learning, integrative curriculum development, professional development of teachers, and educational change and transformation. IMSA has been profiled by NBC-TV's Dateline, CNN's Science and Technology News, USA Today, New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Teacher Magazine, Curriculum Review, Educational Leadership, and The Executive Educator, to name a few. All courses are taught at the honors level. And IMSA faculty includes Presidential Award winners, National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certified faculty, distinguished authors and fellowship recipients. The average teaching experience is approximately 15 years, and all the faculty have advanced degrees with 44% holding a Ph.D. Outside of their core classes, students can choose from a wide variety of electives. There are 17 different mathematics electives, 22 science electives (9 in biology, 6 in chemistry, and 7 in physics), 11 social science electives, 9 English electives and 9 fine arts electives. IMSA also offers a choice of 5 world languages: French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. We also offer interactive research partnerships with master scholars and scientists in education institutions, museums, corporations and laboratories through programs like Mentorship, Inquiry and TALENT. In addition, the Great Minds program brings international prominent scientists and other professionals to campus to meet with students. Outside of the classroom, IMSA offers a variety of clubs and activities for students with different interests. We sponsor almost all IHSA sports. We also have many different service, social, performance and cultural clubs and organizations each with their own focus. We even have homecoming, prom and other types of high school dances. Since our first graduating class of 1989, there have been 3,363 alumni from IMSA. Of these, 99% have enrolled in college. Most of them would tell you what a truly, unique and positive experience IMSA was.

  13. When will information be out regarding the summer 2007 programs?

    According to our Coordinator of the Kids Institute, information for summer of 2007 programs will be available in February. For additional information, please e-mail Ms. Michelle Kolar at mkolar@imsa.edu

  14. What if I am in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades?

    Our Academy only accepts students who would be entering the 10th grade. Unfortunately you are beyond the eligibility requirements for our school. We distribute application materials to each Superintendent, Principal and Head of School Counseling in the State of Illinois, as well as conduct statewide information meetings in attempts to inform the students of the State about the opportunity of a possible IMSA education. We are sorry to have missed you, but wish you the best in your academic future.

  15. How may I receive information if I am in 8th or 9th grade?

    By completing the information request on-line or by calling us at 1-800-500-IMSA (4672) we will send you a general information packet soon. You will receive an application when they become available in September.

    16. Curriculum

  16. What is the curriculum?

    Students participate in an advanced curriculum where all classes are taught at the honors level. We offer a variety of core classes as well as electives in mathematics, science, wellness (PE), social science, English, foreign language and fine arts. Students are required to complete a minimum total of 8 credits in mathematics and science combined (most classes are 0.5 credits per semester), 2.5 credits in social science, 3 credits in English, 2 credits in foreign language, and a three year wellness program. A typical course-load for an IMSA student consists of around 6 classes per semester.

  17. Do you offer advanced programs?

    All courses are taught at the honors level. Although there are no courses which teach specifically to the AP tests, IMSA's general program combined with independent study and work with the instructor prepares IMSA students for those who choose to take the AP exam. In 2006, IMSA students took AP exams in numerous subject areas. The percent of students taking AP exams who scored a 3 or higher on at least one exam in 2001 was 89%.

  18. What classes are there to choose from?

    Outside of their core classes, students can choose from a wide variety of electives. There are 17 different mathematics electives, 22 science electives (9 in biology, 6 in chemistry, 7 in physics), 11 social science electives, 9 English electives and 9 fine arts electives. Some of these courses have prerequisites that require you to have completed the courses leading up to the specific course you chose. IMSA also offers a choice of 5 world languages: French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

  19. What are the semester dates?

    In the 2007-2008 school year, sophomores arrive on August 16th and classes begin August 20th. The semester concludes December 21st. Our week-long Intersession is January 7-11th. Second semester begins January 14th and concludes May 29th.

  20. If my chosen career is not a major in Science or Mathematics may I still attend the academy for a better education?

    Any student, regardless of their future plans, can attend the Academy. However, our graduation requirements are strong in the mathematics and science areas; students must fulfill 1/2 of their graduation credits in mathematics and science, and the other 1/2 in social sciences, wellness, and humanities. All of our subject areas are taught at the honors level, but with a focus on math, science and technology. Students who do not enjoy mathematics and science frequently have difficulty adjusting to the requirements.

  21. What is Leadership programming?

    Our leadership program has been implemented through various activities such as the Residence Life Curriculum, LEAD teams, SYNERGY, Service Learning and Navigation. Participation in each area is designed to build a comprehensive personal portfolio of evidence in communication skills, activism, ethical decision making, personal development and community involvement. Feel free to contact Mr. Robert Hernandez, our Director of Student Life and Leadership Development, at 630-907-5009 in regards to the success we have had since developing programs such as these.

  22. What are the teachers like?

    IMSA faculty includes Presidential Award winners; National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certified faculty, distinguished authors and fellowship recipients. The average teaching experience is approximately 15 years, and all the faculty have advanced degrees with 44% holding a Ph.D. The are also accessible, having office hours throughout the week.

  23. Why are there no classes on Wednesdays?

    Our school week has 4 days of structured classes that include both a student's core and elective choices for that semester. The 5th day is one of self-directed learning. This 5th day allows students an avenue to advance themselves in individual areas of interest and pursue research opportunities before the collegiate level. Students can engage in this type of hands on learning through Student Inquiry and/or Mentorship. Sophomore students are also involved in self-exploration through group meetings that deal with the transition into the academy.

  24. Is Driver's Ed available?

    No, we do not teach Driver's Ed. Many of our students will take driver's ed through their home school during the summer, or through a private driving school in Aurora.

  25. Do you offer band and choral programs?

    IMSA offers a variety of instrumental and choral programs. We have three different courses including Symphonic Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and a full Symphony Orchestra. We also offer pep band, solo/ensemble contests, madrigals and sound f/x for students who are interested. You can find out more about our Fine Arts programs, faculty, class offerings, private lessons and other additional information by contacting our Fine Arts staff.

  26. What kind of technology is used?

    IMSA uses and supports both PC and Macintosh platforms, and has computer labs in the academic building with both machines. Students are not provided with laptops, we do have a computer loan program where students can apply to borrow an older model machine from our Computer Network Services office for $25 a year. Many students bring their own computers from home. There are two computer outlets per room, separate from the phone outlet. After the first quarter, students may request networking access from their rooms. IMSA is currently moving to 1:1 computing for students. Information is available here.

    27. Extracurricular Activities

  27. What are the extra curricular activities?

    IMSA offers a variety of clubs and activities for students with different interests. IMSA offers 18 interscholastic, IHSA sponsored sports. IMSA is extremely active in several academic related teams and competitions also. We have many different service, social activities including Homecoming, Prom, etc., performance arts and cultural clubs and organizations each with their own focus.

  28. Why no football?

    A number of factors contributed to our decision to not offer football as a part of our interscholastic athletic offerings. Our small enrollment is the first factor. We offer soccer, golf and cross-country in the fall for men's athletics. We do not have the enrollment to support another fall boy's sport, especially given the interest in the three. Secondly, football is more expensive than other sports in terms of equipment, maintenance, and coaching. Finally given the nature of the sport, football starts early in August to allow for proper conditioning to prevent injury. Our schedule does not allow our teams to start practice until late august, thereby missing several weeks of conditioning and practice.

    29. Additional Guidance

  29. What is the EXCEL summer program?

    The EXCEL program is designed for students with strong potential for success, but due to factors outside of their control, they have not had the background/preparation that other IMSA students have had. Students are selected for EXCEL based on their application and/or their mathematics proficiency exam (this is the test, which all accepted students must take in order to attend in the fall.) The program is three weeks long and happens in July. Students who are selected for EXCEL MUST successfully complete the program in order to attend IMSA for the school year.

  30. What about emotional/psychological/transition concerns?

    Yours is a concern many face when weighing the positives and negatives of an IMSA education for their student. From an admissions standpoint, while you might think that because of their age the adjustment to living away from home might be more then most young students could handle, however, the majority of our students do exceptionally well transitioning into in the IMSA community. We have about an 85% overall retention rate from Sophomore year through graduation, a high success rate when compared with most colleges. The number of support systems (residential life staff, peer tutors and community developers, learning strategies specialists and college admission counselors, low student to teacher ratio etc.) here at IMSA, and continued strong parent support are two large contributors to that success. We have concluded a ten-year longitudinal study of our graduates and have found that "IMSA graduates consistently attribute specific dimensions and characteristics of an integrated living and learning experience as critical contributors to their intellectual and ethical development." And while we are beginning our 20th year, we have not noted any long- lasting negative effects of a residential educational experience such as ours.

    All that being said, IMSA life has it's emotional challenges, but you will find our students and their parents believe the benefits far outweigh them. We encourage you to speak with IMSA parents on what the transitional experience has been like.

  31. What academic support is available at the academy?

    Each student is provided with a CAC (College Academic Counselor) upon enrollment. They work with students individually on course scheduling while here at IMSA and throughout the college application process. Because of the lower ratio between CAC counselors and students they serve, the CACs are able to take special care in finding the right fit between student and college or university. They also plan College Visit days here on campus. Students can also utilize our Learning Strategies Specialist, peer tutors, department IPAs (Instructional Program Assistants, somewhat similar to a Teaching Assistant at the college level), or meet with faculty during their office hours to get extra assistance.

    A low student to teacher ratio of 10:1 allows for individual attention. Class size is capped at 24, while most classes have nearer to 15 students.

  32. What if I want to go back to my home school after I have enrolled at IMSA?

    When students choose to leave IMSA, for any reason, IMSA will work closely with whichever school you choose to go to when you leave. Our Academic Counselors will work with the school to place you in classes most academically appropriate based on what you have taken while enrolled at IMSA. However, the decision to allow you back into your home school is made by your home high school. I would encourage you to ask your current guidance counselor about your school's policy on students returning to the district. Your counselor and/or principal should be able to answer your questions.

    33. IMSA Statistics

  33. What is the student body diversity?

    Located 45 miles west of Chicago, the Academy has enrolled 650 students for the 2006-2007 academic year who represent the geographic, ethnic, racial and socio-economic diversity of the state of Illinois. 68% of the students come from the Chicagoland/metropolitan area and 32% from the remainder of the state. Of the 50% males and 50% females; 7% are African-American, 34% Asian, 5% Latino, 49% Caucasian, 2% Bi-racial and 2% not reported or other.

  34. What is your testing history?

    The IMSA mean score on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT is consistently above the Illinois College-Bound Senior mean. Our mean SAT I score from the class of 2006 was 672 verbal and 721 math. For the 2006 ACT exam, IMSA's mean composite score was 30.3. Of 184 students in the Class of 2006 we have 46 National Merit Scholars.

  35. What is the percentage of graduates?

    The average retention rate per class is 85%, Students leave IMSA for a variety of reasons (family moves out of state, homesickness, early college enrollment, academic or social difficulties, other interests, etc.).

  36. Where would you be on a list of top schools?

    IMSA is widely acclaimed for its student achievements (examples: original research, presentations and publications in professional journals and conferences, top ACT scores in the nation, Intel (Westinghouse) Science Talent Search finalists and winners, and its leadership in mathematics and science education, gifted education, problem-based learning, integrative curriculum development, professional development of teachers, and educational change and transformation. IMSA has been profiled by NBC-TV's Dateline, CNN's Science and Technology News, USA Today, New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Teacher Magazine, Curriculum Review, Educational Leadership, and The Executive Educator, to name a few.

  37. After graduation what do IMSA students do?

    Including our first graduating class of 1989, there are 3363 alumni from IMSA. Of these, 99% have enrolled in college, 44% in-state & 56% out-of-state. Our longitudinal study also shows that IMSA graduates have had significantly higher percentages of degrees earned in both mathematics and science than the national norms.

    38. Campus Residence

  38. What are the dorms like?

    IMSA has 7 residence halls, 3 male, 3 female and 1 coed, with each hall housing approximately 100 students. A team consisting of 1 Hall Coordinator or HC", 3 Resident Counselors or "RCs and 1-Day Hall Supervisor supervises every hall. The halls are set up to house two students per room, with each room containing its own bathroom, telephone, and two computer outlets.

  39. How are roommate's chosen?

    Roommates for sophomore students are selected based on an interest survey. Jrs. and Srs. select their own roommates.

  40. Are you allowed to go home on the weekends to see your family?

    YES! Students are allowed to go home on the weekends with their parent's permission. The Academy also has what are called extendeds about every six weeks where we close on Wednesday or Thursday and students are required to go home for a long weekend break.

  41. Is there a Doctor or Nurse on campus?

    While there is no doctor on campus, we do have a nurse who is here five days a week to handle illness-related absences from school, and any prescription medications. We also have a relationship with one of the area hospitals in case of a medical emergency.

    42. Campus Visits

  42. Are open house visits available?

    IMSA offers two open house options for prospective students and parents. One Saturday of each month (October through May) we are open from 10:00-2:00 for families to come and visit. These Saturdays will offer campus tours, an opportunity to see the IMSA Admissions Video and a chance to speak with an admission team member. Families may plan on coming out for 30 minutes or several hours as they choose. RSVP is required in advance so that we can plan for numbers.

    IMSA also offers two structured IMSA Preview Days for a more formalized open house. On these days there will be a 3-4 hour program of speakers, student and parent panels, faculty presentations and campus tours for all families. No reservations are necessary for these large visitor days.

  43. Can I have an individual tour of campus or participate in a shadow experience?

    It is not possible for applicants to have individual visits or shadow experiences. We try to accommodate interest in visiting by offering two large open houses and the smaller sessions the first Saturday of each month October through May. Besides the days listed, the Admissions Office is typically not open on weekends.

    44. Tuition and Scholarships

  44. How much does it cost?

    In regards to financial considerations, IMSA is a state-funded educational program, so we do not have any tuition. The annual IMSA Student Fee for the 2006-07 Academic Year is based on a formula derived from the Federal Lunch Program and assesses the fee on a sliding scale (from $340 to $2,490) depending on total family income and the number of members in the family. Everything else, including tuition, books, room and board, is covered by the state. Personal items and travel and phone expenses are the family's responsibility.

  45. Do you offer scholarships to top students?

    The Academy does not offer scholarship money on its own, however each student has an assigned college and academic counselor. This person will work with individual students on the design of their IMSA academic program and the development of their college planning, including financial aid and college admissions testing programs.