September 2026

Welcome to the IMSA Admissions Newsletter!

We are thrilled to kick off the new academic year with the first edition of our monthly Admissions Newsletter.

From September through March, you will receive a new edition in your inbox once a month. Think of this newsletter as your personal guide to navigating the application season smoothly and with confidence.

What to Expect Each Month:

Application Guidance: Key updates, tips, and step-by-step instructions to keep your application on track.
Upcoming Events: Dates and registration details for campus open houses, information sessions, and virtual Q&As.
Student Spotlights: Authentic stories and practical advice from current students living the IMSA experience.
Important News & Deadlines: Timely alerts on due dates and updates.

We look forward to staying connected with you over the coming months! If you have any questions along the way, please reach out to our team at admissions@imsa.edu or 630.907.5028.

Application Opens October 26!

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) will begin accepting applications for the 2027-2028 academic year on October 26, 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the IMSA website for more information and to start their application process. Click the buttons below to view the application requirements and timelines.

In-State Application Requirements & Timeline

Out-of-State Application Requirements & Timeline

SAT/ACT Requirements

All applicants are required to submit an SAT/ACT score. Students should visit either the SAT website or the ACT website to register for a testing date. Scores must be submitted by the application deadline (In-State: February 5, 2027 | Out-of-State: January 15, 2027).

Tests taken after the application deadline will not be accepted. To learn more about our testing requirements, visit our website.

IMSA Application Counseling

Connect with an Admissions Counselor in a 30-minute virtual meeting via Zoom or Google Meet. This is your chance to ask questions about the application process, admission requirements, and important timelines.

Appointments are available from October to January. To schedule your meeting, please find the counselor assigned to you based on the first letter of your last name, except for out-of-state applicants who will meet with Ms.Clarissa Jimenez, and click the button below.

Last Names A - H (Hye Min Yoon)

Last Names I - P (Clarissa Jimenez)

Last Names Q - Z (Simone Moore)

All Out-of-State Applicants (Clarissa Jimenez)

Campus Tour & Presentation

Tour the campus with our Admissions team! Prospective students and families can get an insider tour of campus from Student Ambassadors and attend a presentation about the Admissions process with our Admissions Counselors. The day will conclude with a Q&A session where families can ask questions about the admissions process or life at IMSA.

Part of the campus tour is outside, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire. The event is approximately two hours long.

Sunday, September 27, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Preview Day

Ever wondered what life is really like at IMSA? Step into the shoes of a student and find out for yourself at Preview Day! We’re opening our doors for an action-packed, in-person sneak peek into our vibrant campus. Get ready to jump into fun mock classes, tour the residence halls, explore interactive info booths, and get all your burning questions answered during our admissions Q&A. Plus, you’ll hear unfiltered insights directly from the people who know it best during our live student and parent panels—come discover the community and see if IMSA is your perfect match!

Saturday, October 24, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Registration Opening Soon!

Virtual Admissions Presentation

The IMSA admissions virtual presentation provides prospective students and families with an interactive overview of life and learning at the academy. Participants will hear directly from the admissions staff to gain insight into academic programs, residential living, and the application process. The event concludes with a live Q&A session, allowing attendees to ask questions and explore if IMSA is the right fit.

September 23, 2026

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Virtual - Zoom

IMSA in Your Neighborhood

Discover where IMSA will be this month! Register for events using the links provided below. Some events are open to all, while others require registration.

Location & Date	Event
DeKalb, IL - September 19	NIU STEAM Fair 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. No Registration Required
Wyoming, IL - September 19 - 20	Stark County Fair 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. No Registration Required
Edwardsville, IL - September 26	Unity Fest - Edwardsville 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. No Registration Required
LaSalle, Il - September 30	La Salle Public Library 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Register for the Event Now!
Kankakee, IL - October 1	Kankakee Public Library 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Register for the Event Now!
East St. Louis, IL - October 3	Emmafest Family Fun Festival 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. No Registration Required
Alsip, IL - October 3	Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. No Registration Required

Can't make it to any of these events? No problem! See if they'll be in your area in the following months by visiting our website: www.imsa.edu/admissions/visit-imsa

Are you a 9th grader who enjoys STEM and wants to experience it in a fresh and interactive setting? The PROMISE Program offers exciting hands-on experiences, engaging STEM courses, and collaborative learning opportunities. Participants work alongside IMSA faculty, staff, and student mentors while exploring a variety of academic topics in a supportive and inspiring environment on IMSA’s campus in Aurora.

The PROMISE Program is designed to support culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse (CLED) students from across Illinois. This grant-funded program is open to all students, especially Black or African American students, Latinx students, students who qualify for the national free or reduced-price meal program, and students from rural Illinois counties.

Admission is competitive. There is no fee to apply or to participate for students who are selected. Do not miss out on this affordable and exciting opportunity!

Apply at www.imsa.edu/promise

If you have any questions, please contact the PROMISE Program directly by phone at 630.907.5566 or by email at promise@imsa.edu.

Apply by September 4, 2026!

Meet the Admission Counselors!

Hye Min Yoon

Admission Counselor A-H

Having grown up on free and reduced-price lunch in a low-income immigrant family, Hye Min has a heart for expanding opportunities for advanced STEM education for students of all backgrounds. Hye Min studied Psychology and Linguistics at Emory University in Atlanta during her undergraduate years, where she researched heritage and second language learners.

More recently, she completed a Master of Public Administration program at the Illinois Institute of Technology with a focus on Nonprofit Management in the context of secondary education. She is looking forward to connecting with students and families from across Illinois and beyond, and to paving broader pathways to STEM education through her work in admissions.

Clarissa Jimenez

Admission Specialist I-P

Starting her fifth year at IMSA, Clarissa is thrilled to welcome prospective students and families to campus! As a first-generation Mexican American holding a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology (with a Social Justice minor) and an MBA in Human Resources, she deeply understands the unique hurdles students face on their academic journeys.

Her dedication to student life runs deep—whether she is advising Alma Latina, advocating for student success, or drawing on her experience as a former IMSA volleyball coach. When she isn’t guiding future Leaders, Clarissa loves building with LEGOs, crafting, baking, catching up on new TV shows, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and discovering new music—all with her two adorable mini goldendoodles by her side. She can’t wait to connect with you and help you kickstart your IMSA adventure!

Simone Moore

Admission Counselor Q-Z

Simone Moore is an Admissions Counselor at the Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy who is passionate about helping students feel supported, confident, and excited throughout their educational journey. With a background in higher education, student mentorship, and community engagement, she enjoys building meaningful connections with students and families from diverse backgrounds.

Simone earned her Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership from North Central College and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement from Northern Illinois University. She is especially passionate about creating inclusive spaces where students feel encouraged, empowered, and able to thrive both academically and personally.

Take a look at some of the incredible things our students have been up to lately!

Layna Velarde, Class of 2027

From Palos Hills, IL

Layna Velarde '27

This Summer, Layna spent time continuing her SIR work from her Junior year. She is one of the first IMSA students to have an SIR in law. Her Junior year SIR was about The Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Intellectual Property Law. She had the opportunity to present this research at the NCSS, The National Consortium of STEM Schools, where she presented at Fulton Science Academy with several other students. Afterwards, they had the opportunity to go to Georgia Tech and discuss their projects there with professors.

Aadya Agrawal '28

Over this summer, Aadya conducted a research project at Southern Illinois University under the mentorship of Dr. Zhong Chen. Their research consisted of testing various prompting configurations for a Large Language Model to predict cancer patients' pain levels based on their survey responses. The application of this research is being used in clinical practice by oncology specialists to help them flag severe symptoms early on, develop treatment plans accordingly, and support a better patient journey.