Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Acceptance Rate

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), a prestigious residential high school rather than a university, is known for its rigorous admissions process for gifted students in Illinois. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2026, based on available data), IMSA's overall acceptance rate is estimated at around 23.0%. This selectivity is influenced by a competitive applicant pool, typically consisting of top-performing middle school students, and the academy's limited enrollment capacity of approximately 650 students across three grade levels. While IMSA does publish some admission statistics on its official website, detailed breakdowns by category are not always publicly available, leading to reliance on historical data and reported trends for deeper insights.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: Estimated at 23.0% for the Class of 2026, with approximately 1,000–1,200 applicants and around 250 admitted students annually based on historical figures.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable. IMSA does not offer early action or decision programs as it operates on a single application cycle for high school admissions.
• International Student Rate: Data unavailable. IMSA primarily serves Illinois residents, and out-of-state or international admissions are extremely limited, if permitted at all.

Over the past few years, IMSA's acceptance rate has remained relatively stable, reflecting consistent demand among high-achieving students in Illinois. The academy's selectivity is comparable to other top STEM-focused high schools nationwide, though it is less competitive than elite university programs like those in the Ivy League, which often have acceptance rates below 10%. Factors such as the strength of applicants’ academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular achievements in STEM fields heavily influence admissions outcomes. For prospective students, understanding IMSA's holistic review process is crucial, as the academy seeks well-rounded individuals with a passion for mathematics and science. More detailed statistics may be available through IMSA's official admissions page at imsa.edu/admissions.