Antonika Shapovalova of Carpentersville is one smart, busy kid.

Just 13 years old, she has been taking classes at Elgin Community College since fall semester 2024. She’s working toward an associate’s degree even though she’s not yet old enough to attend the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora, where she said she’d like to go due to its individualized programs and reputation for getting students into prestigious universities.

“They typically don’t take students until they are in the 10th grade,” she said.

Still, as it can be a factor considered for IMSA admission, Antonika already took the ACT test. She scored a composite 33, including a 36 in science and 34 in math.

Down the road, Antonika hopes to attend Princeton or another university to study astrophysics.

“My mom has told

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