Hey guys, I've heard about the QuestBridge National College Match program and I'm curious how it works. Can anyone who's participated or knows about it explain the process and the benefits of using it during the college application process? Cheers!
Sure, happy to help explain the QuestBridge National College Match program! QuestBridge is a non-profit organization that partners with top colleges and universities to connect low-income, high-achieving high school students with a full four-year scholarship. Here's an overview of the process and benefits:
1. Application: To be considered for the program, you need to fill out the QuestBridge application, which asks for information about your academic, extracurricular, and financial background, and contains some essays and short answer questions. The deadline is typically in late September/early October.
2. Finalists Selection: In mid-October, QuestBridge reviews all applications and selects the finalists, based on academic achievement and financial need. If you're selected, you'll have the opportunity to apply to some of the top colleges in the U.S. through the National College Match program.
3. Rankings and Match Requirements: As a finalist, you can rank up to 12 partner colleges that you'd like to attend. You'll need to submit additional materials specific to the colleges you've ranked, such as supplemental essays, test scores, and financial aid documents. These materials are due by late October/early November.
4. Match Decisions: In early December, match decisions are released. If you're matched with a college, you'll receive a full four-year scholarship that covers tuition, room, and board. Being matched is binding, meaning you're required to attend the college you matched with.
5. Regular Decision Pool (if not matched): If you're not matched with a college, you can still apply through QuestBridge's Regular Decision process to any partner colleges that offer it, using the same application materials. Your QuestBridge application will act as your college application, and you'll automatically have your application fees waived. Most partner colleges also guarantee to still meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need.
Participating in the QuestBridge program has several benefits, such as:
- Access to highly competitive colleges with excellent financial aid packages
- Application fee waivers for QuestBridge partner colleges
- Comprehensive support through the application process from QuestBridge themselves
- Early application and notification (Match decisions occur in December)
On the downside, it is important to note that QuestBridge is highly competitive, and not all finalists will ultimately be matched with a college. However, have confidence in yourself—good luck with your application!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.