<p>@theeedog Not quite, no. IMSA understands very well that not all students in the state of Illinois have equal opportunities when it comes to education. So while you may have lower scores than a particular person, that does not mean your chances are shot. Take into account the school you attend. Have you been given a lot of academic opportunities? Would you say that your current school has a very strong math or science program? If you live in an economically disadvantaged school (or maybe a small school in a rural town) and have done everything in your power to succeed with the resources you’ve been given, you have nothing to worry about- just put your best effort forward!</p>
<p>If you DO go to a very good school (i.e. a Naperville School or any school with a very good math/science program) and you are still not satisfied with your scores, then I would encourage you to retake the SAT. However, you did mention that your GPA is very good, so that means you are doing well in the academic environment that you are in. I am confident you will be just fine as long as you work hard on your essays. As I told SbhattUS, those essays are important because they make you unique in the eyes of the admissions team. Words speak louder than numbers- I promise. Just have a trusted adult or teacher read them over and edit them until your satisfied with your work.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>@Daisybug Hi! I have a 1400 SAT score, 3.94 GPA (I got 1 B) as well as have gotten to State in Robotics, I’ve gotten to finals in Speech team, 2nd Place at Batavia in Math Team, I volunteer at an old age retirement center (Alden of Waterford) and have received a Gold Presidential award for volunteering for over 100 hours at the library. I am in all honors (not that imsa cares about the boosted GPA), and was a participant in the 8th Grade Interview, where they told me that my essays were unique and “eye-catching” and my recommendations had nothing bad to say. What I’m mostly worried about is my GPA. I recieved one B. But my GPA is still above the average. If the rest of my application is perfect will my lowish GPA matter too much?
Thanks</p>
<p>@Daisybug I don’t go to a Naperville school nor does my school have an esteemed program in math or science. However, my school doesn’t have a bad math or science program, I would put it more in the middle. Thanks for your insight!</p>
<p>@Daisybug IMSA only receives the math, sience and english grades… right?</p>
<p>@priyaluvsbooks Batavia math team? Does that mean you’re a Batavia student? I went to Batavia last year- I was part of the Freshmen/Sophomore team that went to state. Ah memories…
Anyway, to answer your question: The B you received should not have too much of an impact. It also depends on what subject you got it in; was it math or science? If not, don’t worry about it. Did you get it this year or in 7th/8th grade? If it wasn’t this year and all your grades this year were A’s then it’s not that big of a deal. The worst case is this: You got the B this year in either math or science. Even if that is the case, IMSA won’t tear up your application just because you got ONE B. If the rest of your application is great, that B won’t matter one bit. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>@SbhattUS Honestly, i can’t say anything about our chances. But I’m definitely debating on whether or not to give the SAT one more time to see if I can get a higher score. </p>
<p>@Daisybug I got a B this year in Math for Honors Alg 2/Trig. I got sick right before the math finals and bombed them. Are you sure that the B won’t affect my application too much? Since my GPA is still above the Class of 2017 average then it shouldn’t have too much of an impact right? </p>
<p>@priyaluvsbooks I’m glad you brought that up, it’s a common mistake to compare yourself to last years average. Everyone does it, everyone is guilty of it, but don’t do it. Your competition is not the class of 2017, we already got in. Your competition is the class of 2018, who may have a higher SAT average or GPA average. You need to do the best that you can do and don’t compare yourself to last year’s class. Also keep in mind that that is the AVERAGE, meaning that there were scores much higher, as well as scores that were low that brought the average down. </p>
<p>Now back to your situation: As a freshman, you took Honors Algebra 2/ Trig. Statewide, that is considered a junior level math course anyway. Though most students in the current class of 2017 took at least Algebra 2 before coming to IMSA. So my question to you is this: How good of math program would you say your school has? If you used up your resources well and Algebra 2 is the highest math course you can take as a freshman at your high school, then IMSA will recognize that and deem your B as reasonable, therefore not counting it against you. Furthermore, if you were very sick before the finals (maybe a fever, but wanted to tough through it?) then just mention that in your application! If memory serves me right, there should be a section in the application that is labeled “other information you would like the admissions team to take into consideration”?</p>
<p>Regardless, a good teacher recommendation in math that depicts you as a passionate and eager learner will be worth more than the B you received. I promise you, it is less of deal than you think it is 
</p>
<p>Relax- you’ll do great! </p>
<p>Thank you so much. I can’t do much about it anyways, just work the best I can at the rest of my application. Would you be willing to look over my essays? @Daisybug</p>
<p>@priyaluvsbooks yeah sure. You can email them to me at
<a href=“mailto:dbugarin@imsa.edu”>dbugarin@imsa.edu</a></p>
<p>Thanks!! It’ll be a huge help!!</p>
<p>Hi Daisy,
I’ve got a 780 in CR and a 690 in Math on the SAT. Like Priya, I was in the 8th Grade Interview. I don’t know what my GPA is, but I can give you my grades, if you need them.
I’m in IMSA’s independent research class, and I’m applying for their Organic Chemistry Course. For the past two years, I’ve gotten in the top 5% for ACT scores in NUMATS. I got 3rd in the State competition last year in the You Be the Chemist competition. I tutor Alg 2 and H Chem at my school, and I’m in Chem Club, Science Speakers Club, High School Math Competition Club, Science Bowl, as well as the head of my own club, the OHS Detective League.
My eldest sister has already graduated from IMSA, and my current sister goes there, which may or may not help my chances.
My grades are mainly A’s and A-'s, but I’m more worried about my SAT scores. Is the math score too low? </p>
<p>@chemsniper huh, I don’t think I’ve met another person with a higher CR/ writing score than their math score! I got an 800 in writing (which meant nothing to IMSA <em>insert sad face here</em>). Any who…</p>
<p>Your math score should reflect what math course you are currently taking. So if you are in BC Calculus III (because there are freshmen who apply to IMSA who have already taken BC III), then your score should be very high. The math on the SAT is not remarkably advanced. Doesn’t the math only go up to geometry? I think so…? So unless you haven’t taken geometry yet, then your math score should be reasonably high.</p>
<p>In my opinion, your math score is not too bad. If you would like to retake the SAT to get a higher math score, then it will only increase your chances. If you can, I would encourage you to take the SAT again to improve your math scores. I personally would try again, just because I am an over-achiever. Also, there is also no harm done if you don’t do better in reading or math- IMSA takes your highest overall scores (So if you currently have a CR: 780 and Math: 690, then take the test and get CR: 700 and Math: 750, IMSA will take your CR: 780 and Math: 750). However, if you are not registered for the January SAT and you’ve missed the deadline to register, then it shouldn’t be a big deal.</p>
<p>Your GPA, I’m assuming, is reasonably high as well? If so, it sounds to me like you are in good shape. IMSA also likes to see students who are not only involved in math and science, but IMSA itself- so they will like the fact that you’re taking their organic chemistry course and their independent research class. Ask your sisters for advice too- see what they have to say! However, to my understanding, having siblings who have gone through IMSA will not necessarily help your chances of getting in. Just because they had passion in math and or science does not automatically mean you do to, right? So do your best, because your competition (class of 2018) is different from their competition when they applied.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p><em>HEY PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS</em>
I sure hope that many of you have taken advantage of IMSA’s two hour tours and preview days? IMSA wants to see interest in math and science, but also interest in IMSA itself. Attending these events shows a direct interest in the academy and I strongly encourage you all to register. If you live far south, then don’t feel obliged to drive all the way up for a tour, but if you live in the Chicagoland area or even in central Illinois (yes- I am talking to you, Springfield kids) then do consider it!</p>
<p>I will personally be helping with IMSA’s second (and final) preview day of the school year. It will take place on Sunday January 11, 2015 from 10:30 am- 3:00 pm. It’s a lot of fun and current IMSA students/ parents will be available to answer all of your burning questions. </p>
<p>Two-hour tours are scheduled once a month on a Saturday. Either 10 am- 12 pm OR 12 pm- 2pm. You may pick either the morning or the afternoon session.</p>
<p>Both events require registration ahead of time and spots fill up fast. So look into it! </p>
<p>You can see more information on IMSA’s website here:<br>
<a href=“https://www.imsa.edu/admissions/experienceIMSA/visitingIMSA”>https://www.imsa.edu/admissions/experienceIMSA/visitingIMSA</a></p>
<p>@Daisybug I’m currently taking Geometry.I plugged my grades into a GPA calculator and I got 3.85. </p>
<p>@Chemsniper Oh- sorry about that! I forgot that some schools do it in the Algebra 1, Algebra 2, geometry order. Most other schools in the state do it in the Algebra 1, geometry, Algebra 2 order. My apologies!
In that case, your 690 is pretty good for the class you are taking. If you can, still try to take the SAT just because your score can get even higher. However, you have a very solid score as it is. </p>
<p>Your GPA is also good, and with the extracurricular activities and awards you mentioned earlier, I am sure you will do very well in the admissions process. Remember, IMSA wants students who are willing to work very hard, not just students who are human calculators. Being a math prodigy means nothing to this academy means nothing if you are not willing to put in the work to succeed. By doing IMSA’s independent research class and Organic chemistry class, you are showing the academy that you like a challenge, and that will impress the admissions team. </p>
<p>Keep up the hard work!</p>
<p>@ChemSniper How are you taking Organic Chemistry? In the course specifics it says completion of one year of high school chemistry. At my school we are only allowed to take Biology as freshman. Did you do chemistry outside of school?</p>
<p>My school offers high school courses to all grades. I took high school chemistry as an 8th grader.</p>
<p>@ChemSniper Wow… What district is your high school in?</p>
<p>@Daisybug Hi, I got a 680 math and 580 cr on my november SAT. I have a 4.0 unweighted gpa and a 4.7 max weighted gpa which is not 5 due to not all classes for a freshman being ap. My unweighted gpa for the last 3 years has been 4.0. I’ve been captain of the basketball team for past 3 years including this year, captain of my school’s math team for the past 3 years including this year, participated in science fair 2 years and science olympiad this year, won a couple gold track medals, was the student council president in 6th grade, gave the graduation speech in 8th grade, got the presidents award for academic excellence, I am also in all honors classes including AP huge, and for math I’m in algebra 2 honors. I also participate in scholastic bowl. Assuming that all my teacher recs are excellent which they 99.9% will be, and my essays show my passion and at worst somewhat show my true passion, do you think I have a chance at getting in? Keep in mind I live in Palatine (cook county) known as crook county and go to Palatine High School which is honestly consists of a terrible terrible student body. In my opinion, the only thing that hurts my application is my sat scores and pretty much for reading as my math is about average. </p>