SAT University Admissions Guide

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Also known as: IMSA

Public school in Aurora, Illinois, United States of America

Established by the Illinois legislature in 1985 and opened in 1986, IMSA was co‑founded by Nobel laureate Leon Lederman and Governor James R. Thompson to provide residential STEM education for high‑achieving Illinois students . The three‑year academy enrolls approximately 650 students in grades 10–12 on its 200‑acre suburban campus and offers a rigorous, inquiry‑based curriculum across mathematics, science, and humanities . IMSA features state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and research centers such as the Center for Innovation and Inquiry, supporting student‑led scientific investigations and university‑level projects . The academy is consistently ranked among the top public high schools nationwide and boasts alumni who are leaders in technology, engineering, medicine, and academia .

public residential magnet

STEM-focused

inquiry-based learning

competitive admissions

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy background

SAT Scores are required

This university has a test-required policy.

All applicants to IMSA must submit official SAT or ACT scores as part of the competitive admissions process, alongside transcripts, essays, and teacher evaluations; scores received after the February 14 deadline are not accepted .

Note: Some programs or scholarships may still recommend or require SAT scores. Always verify the latest admission criteria on the official university website.

More SAT Admissions Info for Universities in Illinois

DeVry University

Lisle, Illinois, United States of America

DeVry University is a private for‑profit university in the United States.

Augustana College

Rock Island, Illinois, United States of America

Augustana College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Rock Island, Illinois, with a long‑standing test‑optional admissions policy for SAT and ACT scores .

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois, United States of America

Aurora University is a private university in Aurora, Illinois, offering a test‑optional admissions policy for SAT and ACT scores .

Benedictine University

Lisle, Illinois, United States of America

Benedictine University is a private Catholic university in Lisle, Illinois, with a test‑optional admissions policy for SAT and ACT scores .

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois, United States of America

Bradley University is a private nonprofit university in Peoria, Illinois, that operates a test‑free admissions policy and does not require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admission decisions .

City Colleges of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

City Colleges of Chicago is the public community college system of Chicago, Illinois, offering open admission and using SAT/ACT scores solely for placement rather than for acceptance decisions .

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