IMSA is indeed a great school. (I went to high school at another well-regarded school in Illinois, and saw quite a bit of IMSA folks deep into the statewide competitions for math team, quiz bowl, debate, etc etc.) I avoided going to it for exactly the reason you mentioned, with the worry that that would be exacerbated by social isolation caused by being away from my family.
I imagine many folks find it a wonderful place to be.
I imagine many folks find it a wonderful place to be.