@ptvnicorn Excel is just a way to make sure that kids who have the passion and intellect for IMSA, but who didn’t necessarily get the right background or teachers, are still able to be successful here. Of course, being in Excel doesn’t mean that you are stupid, or know less than everyone else; it’s just IMSA’s way of making sure that you don’t struggle once you get into classes here. I personally wasn’t in Excel, but I have a bunch of friends who were, and they all loved it. 
And guys, don’t count on where you are from as a hindrance or help to your acceptance chances- while IMSA does try to take in kids from all over Illinois, that barely (if at all) affects chances of being accepted. The same goes for race, gender, etc. I know that you guys want to try and analyze the decision as much as possible, but there is no way to predict acceptance. @yeldarb1 has the right idea; focus on your current schoolwork, and try not to worry too much. (I know that’s a lot to ask, but try!) The letters will be mailed either way, so don’t freak out about it. 
Thanks @SquadLeaderZ ! To the people who aren’t worrying about the decision im so jealous. I am so anxious to find out whether or not I’ve been accepted, im on imsas website practically fangirling every day! And there’s still over a month left until may 15, the latest the letters will be mailed. Don’t know if I can make it
I disagree with SquadLeaderZ. Gender, race and location definitely affect your chances. First gender - there are 7 halls divided between the two genders, one hall is co-ed. They may not accept a full fifty fifty mix of male/female depending on how many beds are open for each gender. They factor into account how many of each gender graduated or will not return (either voluntary or involuntary). Next race and location. Squad - if you are a sophomore then you were not there last year when there was a lot of talk about members of congress from Aurora complaining about the make up of IMSA. They want more minority representation. Next, think about all the budget cuts right now. For IMSA to survive, they need help from as many members of Illinois senate/congress as possible. How much support do you think the downstate politicians will provide if most of the student population is from upstate? It is nice to think that you are judged on your own merit but like universities IMSA has to populate a diverse class.
Oh, one more thing, is the acceptance letter like a huge envelope? Or is it normal sized? My dad said you knew whether you got into college based on the size of the envelope, and I was wondering if it’s the same way for imsa @SquadLeaderZ
@nickster12 you go to imsa? What grade are you in?
@ptvnicorn - I graduated from IMSA, an older sibling also did and I have a younger sibling applying next year. I still have friends at IMSA.
@nickster12 so does that mean that my friend, who is attending the same school as I and who is a URM, (also, he’s taking a more advanced science class than I do) has more chances of getting in? (I’m Asian)
@sherlocked221 - all things being equal my guess is yes. It does not mean though that there will only one student accepted from your school. In my class there were at least 10 accepted from one school.
Guys - do not stress out. You have done what you could. Your fates may already be decided. I know there was a big admissions meeting a few weeks ago. Relax, enjoy the rest of the year and maintain excellent grades. Good luck!
@ptvnicorn From what I remember the envelope was normal sized, but I might be remembering incorrectly.
Of course, as soon as you get the letter, might as well open it, right? 
@squadLeaderZ - are you feeling the effect of budget cuts yet? A friend told me about one thing that went away because of the budget cuts.
@nickster12 what went away? And how much was the budget cut? If you’ve already graduated… where are going to college? @SquadLeaderZ do you think that the letters may be mailed late April contrary to mid may- since you said they just had a huge meeting…
@priyaluvsbooks - some events that students were able to go to before, I cant divulge more info. I go to a top 6 college (USNWR). cant divulge more than that
A top 6 college? Like Harvard, University of Chicago… etc? that’s amazing.
@nickster12 I mean, there’s the fact that the halls are closed during classes, but that’s about it. I’m sure there are other changes due to budget cuts that I haven’t noticed as a new Soph, but with projects like the Innovation Hub and new student union going on, it certainly doesn’t seem like money is too much of a problem.
@priyaluvsbooks As far as I know, all of the admissions stuff has been going according to schedule. Besides, since proficiency testing is May 22nd (and that would be really hard to reschedule), I doubt anything will be delayed.
And if for any reason the letters don’t make it out on time, the counselors will let you know. The last thing they want is a bunch of angry parents on the phone. You’ll get your letter, don’t worry.
i’ve been hearing from quite a few people that there’s a chance letters will come out earlier than normal because the application deadline was sooner than usual. is that just a rumor, or is there any truth to that?
also, is anyone on here is taking the AP test for ap human geography?
I’m taking the test for APHG, it is going to be quite difficult to study with lacrosse currently going on :0
@squadleaderz I have a few people that want me to wait until they’re there with me to open it, I just didn’t know if you could figure out based on the size of the envelope 
and @yeldarb1 and @kidfood I’m taking AP World and ugh haha. Anyway, I don’t think the letters will come out that much earlier, because there are multiple decisions meetings that take place, and I think those happened/ are happening around the same time as they did last year. I was given the impression that they didn’t start reviewing applications until Mid march. I hope I’m wrong though.
Apparently my counselor didn’t send in my 7th grade transcripts previously so I had to send them in a few days ago. Considering this, I doubt that any admissions meetings looked at the quality of the applications yet. It is probably about what type of people they want coming up.
i’ll definitely let you know if i find any good resources for studying for the AP test @kidfood i think i’m going to make a quizlet with all of the vocab words this weekend, i’m honestly freaking out about how soon the test is!
may 15th is kinda like a doomsday for me, i have the AP test and that’s also when letters are mailed 
@yeldarb1 I haven’t heard that, no. Of course, “early to mid May” doesn’t leave much room for there to be a “normal”.
I have heard that they tell current students the day that they send out the letters, but I don’t know if that’s true.