Can a gifted 8th grade Naperville asian boy, who has a 3.5 GPA (Grades are on an upward trend), averaging 700’s in math and cr for SAT (I am studying like crazy so my SAT score can cover my GPA), has a decent amount of awards and does many activities, loved by most teachers, an incredible writer, and has a deep passion in getting into IMSA, get into IMSA.
I know it will be very tough, but I am up to the challenge. Guys, tell me what I can do to improve my application any way possible!
also @YoloSwagMaster How did you study for the SAT?
Also @caressmytoenails Schmens are people applying in the 8th grade. If they are accepted, then they have the option of skipping freshman year to attend IMSA. You will be applying like every normal IMSA applicant. Those C’s may cut you off (it depends on the subject). Also calculate your combined IMSA GPA of 7th and 8th grade (IMSA GPA is only Math, Science, and English). And the average SAT score accepted was a 670 in math and a 610 in crit reading. So, I recommend working hard to improve these!
Oh i though a schmen was just short for freshmen XD
And yeah I got Cs in math during the first 2 quarters and in English for one quarter so that’s pretty bad… but how do I calculate an IMSA GPA?
Ok so its like calculating your normal GPA but only math, science, and ela. And they calculate your GPA from 7th, 8th, and half of 9th. Since you only did 7th and 8th, lets first find your GPA between these. Here is a calculator I use to find my GPA. It is very simple and easy to use http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/gpa.cfm .
Thank you 
So my GPA is 3.67, but in 8th grade my school got ride of pluses and minus(so no A-, etc), So how would I account for that?
I also checked my GPA if I get straight As in Highhschool, it would be 3.78, which is still pretty bad, but that gives me a better chance. I gotta study and stuff >.<
Ok how far away from aurora do you live in miles. Also does your school of percentages? A-s in IMSA would be 90-91%. So look at the percentages and incorporate that in the calculator… @caressmytoenails
Hey guys! I’m an accepted IMSA student Class of 2018! I used CollegeConfidential last (this) year and I’m more than willing to help out anyone or answer some questions you may have about the application process.
@Isutiger25 there’s no point in hypothetically analyzing your GPA. try your best to get straight As this semester in 8th grade and DO apply. The worst that’ll happen is that you’ll be rejected- but you could also get the 8th grade interview. In my knowledge the majority of 8th graders who get the 8th grade interview are accepted if they apply again next year. The camps etc. do mater but they don’t matter THAT MUCH. I only attended one IMSA camp in 3rd grade. What matters is making your application unique. You need that application to stand out in a good way. Ofc GPA matters but if you have outstanding extracurricular activities/talents then that increases your acceptance chance more than a good GPA will. For example- I showed that I was proficient in 4 languages- English, Hindi, Spanish and Sanskrit. Now- I know for a fact that nobody at IMSA is getting college credit for Hindi AND Sanskrit. As a result they saw that my application was different from everybody else’s and that brought about my acceptance. Similarly try to do something unique. Most people applying to IMSA have those science and Math awards. Most people have gotten to Regionals/State for Science fair.
So do something to make you stand out- if you do that then a bad GPA won’t stand in your way of getting accepted.
@priyaluvsbooks lol i can fluently speak Telugu, another Indian language. Is that good?
@Isutiger25 Lol that’s good! But- I was pursuing a college credit thing in Hindi. Maybe do the same? If you can read write and speak in Telugu then that’s also something you can point out in the optional statement 
@priyaluvsbooks I’m like every Asian person lol. Like im smart and yeah… I don’t have anything unique to show for it. What are some unique things I can do to show Imsa that I’m unique?
Uh… @Isutiger25 I have no clue… maybe volunteer? Not many kids do volunteering in middle school/beginning of high school and it’s sure to help you catch their eye. I reccomend Alden of Waterford in Aurora. You’ll easily get a job there
Also don’t forget to make your essays show genuine interest in math and science and maturity. A reason many 8th graders don’t get in is because the admission officers don’t see your maturity. @lsutiger25
@priyaluvsbooks Ok, on the application, where is the best place to put volunteer work under. For example, covering up a bad GPA :P. Also what exactly do you do in “volunteer work”. I have never done, this but I have heard for it. Like, give good examples that would look good on the application. Also, when did IMSA applications open up for the class of 2018? Just preparing for the future! Finally, @YoloSwagMaster where exactly do you show that you are mature in the application. Like, what section.
@lsutiger25 Say you volunteer under the essay section. Don’t be specific just say you volunteer. It’s better if the volunteering is math or science related, but anything is fine. You can get hours at student council or NJHS. Your whole essay should portray you as a smart mature person that loves math and science. Why do you want to get into imsa as an 8th grader so badly?
@YoloSwagMaster The reason why I want to get into IMSAthis year is because next year I won’t get a chance ;(. My parents have to move to Georgia for business purpose. And of course they are taking me with them. I was born in Illinois, and I grew up here, and I don’t want to move. My mom gave me an ultimatum. If I make IMSA this year we won’t move lol. That’s why it is crucial I get in this year…
@Isutiger25 personally I would volunteer at a hospital etc. While applying to Imsa I said that I was volunteering at Alden Of Waterford which is an old age rehabilitation center (so under health sciences and biology) which is kinda related to math and science. I really would recommend volunteering there! It’s super easy (You just work with elderly people and do arts/crafts with them etc.) and it looks great on college apps!
@priyaluvsbooks how do you exactly like ask if you can volunteer at that place. Or request to?
@Isutiger25 it depends on the place. At Alden I just simply asked if I could and they said yes and told me the times. However at Edwards Hospital I had to fill out an application and see if they would choose me to volunteer there.
In my area you have to be 16 or older to volunteer at a hospital, maybe it’s because I live in cook county @priyaluvsbooks @lsutiger25