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 Illinois 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. For this reason, students with the highest test scores may not necessarily emerge as the strongest applicants. Geographic and demographic variables are also considered to promote a diverse student population and enhance the learning of all students. You can find more information about our Admissions Process in our official Admissions Policy.
Eligibility Requirement for Illinois Applicants
- Be an Illinois resident:** Illinois primary residency must be established by the first day of semester 2 (or trimester 2 if your school follows trimesters) of the year of application.
- Must be enrolled in or have completed the equivalent of Algebra 1 and a high school equivalent science course: Applicants in eighth grade must submit documentation of having completed at least 50% of the academic program comparable to ninth-grade-level work in mathematics and science at the time of application. Online algebra and science courses can be used to meet the algebra and science requirements. Proof of at least 1 year of algebra and 1 year of high school-level science will need to be submitted once grades are available. Here is a list of popular program choices among our applicants.
- 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/ACT scores.
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
February 5, 2027: In-State Application Closes
April 5, 2027: Decisions Released
April 14, 2027: Student Decision Appeal Due (View the Admissions Policy for details on the appeal process.)
April 19, 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.
Student Fees
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a public school funded through the Illinois General Assembly. We believe all eligible Illinois students, regardless of their family’s financial resources, should have the opportunity to attend the Academy.
The annual IMSA student fee is based on a formula derived from the Federal Lunch Program and assessed on a graduated scale based on total family income and the number of family members. Illinois applicants who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch are eligible for a waiver of the IMSA seat deposit fee.
Download the Student Fees for Illinois Residents Class of 2029 (PDF)
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 application for the 2026–27 school year opens October 26, 2026, and closes February 5, 2027.