IMSA Excels on National Math Exam
For Immediate Release, March 1999
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AURORA-- The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) placed first in the nation on this year’s American High School Math Exam; 5,071 high schools took the exam.
IMSA’s team score (top three individual scores) was 419 points out of a possible 450 points. In addition, IMSA had the second highest number of students (70) achieve national honor roll status and qualify to take the American Invitational Math Exam. (see attached list of students, by hometown). Out of 250,540 students taking the exam, only 6,474 students achieved national honor roll status. In addition, IMSA student Kevin Costello of St. Charles was one of only four students nationwide who received a perfect score of 150.
In the American High School Math Exam (AHSME), students are given 90 minutes to answer 30 difficult multiple choice questions. Students who score 100 or better then are eligible to take the American Invitational Math Exam (AIME). Based on the combined scores of the AHSME and the AIME, students qualify for the United States Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). The USAMO team will be announced later this spring.
Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 14,000 teachers and 20,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.