Questbridge Match advice

Hi fellow students! I recently came across the Questbridge National College Match program and it seems like a great opportunity for high-achieving, low-income students. Can someone provide some insight on the application process and share their experiences with it? Is applying through Questbridge more advantageous than regular application processes?

Hi there! The Questbridge National College Match program is indeed a fantastic opportunity for high-achieving, low-income students. I'm happy to share some insights and experiences with the application process.

The application process is pretty comprehensive, requiring you to submit biographical information, your family's financial details, short answer questions, and essays. It's aimed at understanding your unique background, academic achievements, and personal circumstances. You will also need to submit two recommendation letters, preferably from teachers in your core subjects (math, science, history, English, foreign language). The deadline is typically in mid to late September, and the application is free, seeing as many of the students who apply are facing financial constraints.

If you manage to become a finalist, you will rank up to 12 participating partner colleges for the College Match. After that, you will work on the individual college supplements and fulfill any additional requirements for receiving financial aid from each of those colleges. On December 1, or Match Day, you will find out whether you have been matched with one of the colleges you ranked. If you're not matched, you can choose to apply through Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), or Regular Decision (RD) at the partner colleges, although do be aware that many ED/EA deadlines will have passed by Match Day.

Do note that if you are matched, you are committing to attending the school you match with, and must withdraw any other applications you’ve submitted. So, researching the partner colleges thoroughly to ensure that they align with your preferences and goals is crucial. Additionally, the matching process is highly competitive, so you want to both do your homework thoroughly on the partner schools you rank and also be prepared to potentially pivot to other options in the event you don’t match.

Applying through Questbridge has several benefits, most notably the opportunity to fully cover your demonstrated financial need through a "full ride" scholarship that covers tuition, room, and board. Matched students can focus on their academics, knowing they have a guaranteed spot at a partner college which is free of financial worry. Moreover, applying through Questbridge helps you stand out in the applicant pool, as partner colleges are actively seeking low-income students with high achievements.

In summary, applying through Questbridge can be advantageous for high-achieving, low-income students due to its financial benefits, unique application process, and increased visibility in the applicant pool. Make sure to prepare a strong application that highlights your background, passions, and achievements to maximize your chances of success, but remember that there are still other application routes if you're not matched. Good luck!