IMSA is accepting a small number of tuition-paying students from outside Illinois for the 2027-2028 academic year. Out-of-State applications will open on October 26, 2026.
Discover IMSA
For 40 years, IMSA has brought curious, motivated students together to learn, create and make a difference. Now, we’re excited to welcome eligible students from beyond Illinois to experience the Academy’s unique residential learning community. From innovative STEM education and hands-on research to a vibrant campus community, IMSA gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves, discover new passions and learn alongside peers who share their curiosity.
IMSA’s commitment to academic excellence has earned national recognition. The Academy has been ranked among the nation’s top high school programs for preparing graduates to attend Ivy League and other highly selective universities by Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal and Worth Magazine, and has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top public high schools. Discover what makes IMSA special.
Qualifications and Eligibility for Out-of-State Students
IMSA offers a uniquely challenging and advanced education for students talented in mathematics and science. Admission to IMSA is determined through a competitive application process, in which all prospective students must complete. Although the process is highly competitive, there are no minimum scores required to apply. Students who demonstrate the strongest combination of academic achievement, passion for STEM, and the ability to thrive in a residential school are invited to attend.
To determine this, IMSA uses a holistic admission process that incorporates classroom performance, participation in extracurricular activities, and leadership history alongside more traditional indicators of talent, such as test scores and grades.
Out of State Eligibility
The following information must be submitted by each eligible applicant to be considered for admission. Highly qualified non-Illinois applicants will be held to the same academic standards and must submit the same requirements as Illinois resident applicants. Those students who present the strongest combination of academic achievement, passion for STEM, and the ability to thrive in a residential school are invited to attend.
In order to determine this, IMSA utilizes a holistic selection process that incorporates classroom performance, participation in extracurricular activities, and leadership history with more traditional indicators of talent such as test scores (SAT or ACT) and grades. Geographic and demographic variables are also considered to promote a diverse student population and enhance the learning of all students. Learn more in our Out-of-State Admissions Policy.
- Be a Resident of the United States and U.S. Territories, but not a resident of Illinois
- Have completed Algebra 1 and a high school equivalent science course: Applicants in eighth grade must submit documentation of having completed an academic program comparable to ninth-grade-level work in mathematics and science. This must include a minimum of one year of algebra and one year of high school-level science. Online algebra and science courses can be used to meet the algebra and science requirements.
- Not be enrolled beyond the 9th grade: Current tenth through twelfth-grade students are not eligible for admission.
- Have a completed application file: Including an online application form, official grade reports, teacher evaluations, counselor form, and official SAT and/or ACT scores
- Eligible out-of-state students should be prepared to cover annual tuition, room and board costs of approximately $55,000–$57,000.
8th-grade applicants must be enrolled in at least Algebra 1 and a high school-level science course and must have at least 50% of the course completed by the application deadline (February 6, 2026). If their school does not offer these courses, they will need to find supplementary courses through an accredited institution to meet this requirement. Here is a list of popular program choices among our applicants.
Important Dates and Deadlines
October 26, 2026: Application Opens
October 2026 - February 2027: Complete Application Materials
January 4, 2027: Teacher Evaluation and Counselor Forms Available
January 15, 2027: Out of State Application Closes
March 8, 2027: Decisions Released
March 17, 2027: Student Decision Appeal Due (View the Out-of-State Admissions Policy for details on the appeal process.)
March 22, 2027: Student Responses Due
June 2027: Attend Orientation (All admitted students are required to attend one Orientation date. Orientation will be held on June 11 and June 12. Always check back for any updates. Please plan vacations accordingly).
July 11 -31, 2027: EXCEL (Required for only selected students based on their Placement Test results.)
To view the full list of enrollment dates and deadlines, click here.
Tuition and Student Fees
Eligible out-of-state students should be prepared to cover annual tuition, room and board costs of approximately $55,000–$57,000.
View a detailed tuition and fee breakdown for the 2026-2027 academic year here.
Applying to IMSA
Are you ready to take the next step toward becoming a Titan? Our admissions team is here to support you along the way and help you get to know the IMSA experience. The out-of-state application for the 2026–27 school year opens October 26, 2026, and closes January 15, 2027.