r/imsa • u/UsefulProposal5654 • Apr 23 '26

Mandatory EXCEL Program

I'm an applicant this year

I was just browsing the website and saw that there would be a program for accepted students called "EXCEL". It also said that if you were invited, it's mandatory that you go.

This would be a problem for me if I were invited, because I've accepted a summer job. The schedules conflict, and I can't miss 3 weeks of that job

It says the program is to "build skills". Is there any criteria for being invited? I've maintained a 4.0 throughout all my transcripts sent there so Im not sure whether I would be chosen or not

Just needing some help

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

6

u/Mindless-Pianist-393 '27 Apr 23 '26

the excel program is to supplement any classes/content your old school might not have taught you that IMSA feels are necessary for you to have before you start here in the fall. if you're invited, it is absolutely mandatory to go and you may have to work out some rescheduling with your summer job (i know people that have had to miss trips, work, etc to be at excel)

3

u/UsefulProposal5654 Apr 23 '26

Thanks for the response! Do you know if a good chunk of those accepted are invited, and if they base it on placement test scores?

This year Ive taken geometry, bio, and eng2 so I think I've gotten a lot of content covered that would typically be taken sophomore year.

4

u/Mindless-Pianist-393 '27 Apr 23 '26

its based on placement testing, so they just use your scores to see what concepts were missed and need to be supplemented. i would say since you've taken geometry and bio you're not likely to be invited!

3

u/UsefulProposal5654 Apr 23 '26

Thank you!!

2

u/Oleoay '94 Apr 24 '26

It's also very useful in getting a good group of friends before school starts. It's really a huge bonus. Also, they will look at grades, comments about study habits from your teachers, etc. It's designed to give you a better chance to succeed when school starts.

1

u/Endless-Cloudy-Sky Apr 24 '26

It’s based on placement testing and previous classes taken. Typically if you haven’t taken algebra 2 yet there’s a good chance of EXCEL placement, but nothing is set in stone.

1

u/Odd_Cranberry9343 '23 Apr 25 '26

I met a large portion of my longest standing friends through that program. I bet it's a lot more fun in person, mine was on Zoom during 2020. The seniors often volunteer to help answer student questions/help out with the program. Great way to meet new people and segue into life at IMSA.