Questbridge Process

Hey guys, I'm really interested in applying for Questbridge and I've heard it can be a bit of a complicated process. Could anyone break down the main steps in the Questbridge process for me? Just want to make sure I understand it well before I decide to apply.

Sure! The Questbridge National College Match process can be broken down into a few main steps. Here's a brief overview:

1. Check eligibility: Before beginning the application, make sure you're eligible for Questbridge by reviewing their criteria, which include academic achievement and financial need. Generally, students should have strong academic records and come from households earning less than $65,000 for a family of four.

2. Complete the application: The application opens in the summer and you must submit it by the deadline, usually in late September. The application requires detailed personal, financial, and academic information, as well as short essays and a longer personal statement. It's important to treat the Questbridge application like regular college applications and invest time and effort into crafting high-quality essays.

3. Submit to College Match partners: If you are selected as a finalist, your application will be forwarded to the colleges you ranked as part of the College Match process. You will rank up to 12 partner colleges in order of preference, considering factors such as academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and campus culture.

4. College Match decisions: Around early December, you'll find out if you've been matched with any of the colleges you ranked. If you are matched, you will receive a full scholarship to the matched school and are required to attend. If not matched, you'll progress to the next stages.

5. Questbridge Regular Decision: If not matched, you can apply to Questbridge partner colleges through Regular Decision with your Questbridge application, often without an additional application fee. You can apply to as many partner schools as you'd like, and you're no longer bound to one school as in the binding Match process.

6. Final decisions: Regular Decision notifications are sent in the spring, usually by April 1st. If accepted, you'll need to review financial aid packages and make your college decision by the national response deadline, May 1st.

Overall, the Questbridge process can be a bit more complex than the regular college application process, but it's designed to help high-achieving, low-income students gain admission to top colleges with full scholarships. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to putting in the effort, it's an excellent opportunity to explore. Good luck!