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Why should I apply to the National College Match?

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If you have excelled in school but are concerned about the cost of college, we’re here to tell you that you can afford to dream big. The 2017 National College Match can open many doors that can lead to a full scholarship or very generous financial aid so you can attend a top college. The application opens this summer and is due on September 27, 2017.

Sometimes the hardest part of applying to the National College Match can simply be finding the motivation to get started. So we asked QuestBridge Scholars who were matched in the 2016 National College Match to share their insight, and here’s what they had to say…

“If you’ve been introduced to QuestBridge, it’s because someone knows you have what it takes to succeed in an incredible college. You’ll do amazing work however you apply to college, but QuestBridge can be your middle man that makes sure you get the credit you’ve earned.”

– Joseph K., Columbia University, Albion, MI

“Do not let your background dictate your future endeavors. Do not be afraid to ask for help, because there are people that would gladly lend out a hand; it is up to you to take the offered hand. QuestBridge helped me uncover my eagerness to receive an excellent education. I am sure the program will do the same to you.”

 – Ariel G., Bowdoin College, Panorama City, CA

“I always said I wanted to go out of state for college, but I never actually thought I could. And NEVER to an Ivy League! I expected to have to go to a state university in Florida similar to ninety-five percent of my peers, but I was given the chance to go someplace entirely unknown. I am beyond thrilled! . . . Believe me, I never thought being accepted to a selective school on a full scholarship was possible for someone outside of the movies, but QuestBridge delightfully proved me wrong.”

– Beth B., Dartmouth College, Coral Springs, FL

“Before QuestBridge, I was kind of in a scramble for scholarships. My plan was to find somewhere cheap, maybe even go to a community college for a couple years before I went to a university. I was mostly keeping my fingers crossed. When QuestBridge came into the picture, college stopped seeming like one of those unachievable dreams of my childhood; it started to become a real possibility.”

– Cassandra P., Northwestern University, Indianapolis, IN

“Colleges are getting more and more expensive, and I was afraid that I would have to sacrifice a better education for a more affordable college. QuestBridge showed me that there are more options out there and that one simply has to look.”

– Dillon D., Yale University, Lamar, CO

It Takes a Community to Build a Home

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Leslie Luqueno, QuestBridge Scholar, Haverford College ’20

A bit over a year ago, I was accepted through Early Decision to my top-choice school, Haverford College. But first-quarter-high-school-senior me would have never imagined myself attending a small liberal arts college across the country. I was set on attending well-known, large research universities, but after attending Haverford’s fly-in in October, I knew that it was the place that felt most like home. Abandoning my original dream institutions was not easy and there were many factors I had to take into account to see if it was worth going across the country, leaving my beloved golden state behind. Continue reading →

Dear QB: What are application readers looking for?

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In a recent QuestCast, we asked applicants what topic they most wanted to read about on The Bridge Blog. The unanimous answer was: What are application readers looking for in a strong application? Today, we’re diving into that topic!

Before we begin, it’s important to remember that we review applications holistically. There is no single part of an application that is “make or break.” We are looking for students who are both academically high-achieving and come from low-income backgrounds. With that in mind, let’s dive in… Continue reading →

Admissions Officer Insight: Now is the Time to Brag

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Meghan Grandolfo, Colby College,
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions for Access and Inclusion

You may have seen or heard the term “holistic” while exploring the admissions policies for many colleges and universities. And you may know institutions that practice a holistic review consider not only your grade point average and standardized test scores, but the entirety of who you are, the broader context of where you’ve come from and the opportunities you’ve been presented with, and the ways you’ve contributed to your family and community. As admissions counselors, we want to learn more from your application about the passions and interests that inspire you and the stories and experiences you’d bring to our institution. Each and every applicant has a unique background and perspective to share, and each has the opportunity to highlight their diverse talents and involvements in a distinct and meaningful way.

It may feel awkward to be boastful as you approach the college admissions process, but if there was ever a time to boast, this is it. Sharing who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what matters most to you can help distinguish you from many other students and can provide admissions counselors with invaluable information as they consider your application. Continue reading →

Dear QB: How can I find a summer job to help pay for college?

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DearQBIf you have already received your financial aid package, you may have seen the term “Summer Work Contribution,” which is a common component of financial aid. This is the amount of money you are expected to save this upcoming summer to bring with you to college.

Why is this so important? Well, this money is your responsibility to earn. Be sure to arrive on campus with this money on hand or else you will be short during the year. Here are a few tips to make sure you stay on track to earn your summer work contribution: Continue reading →

Admissions Officer Insight: Top Three Reasons to Attend a National College Admissions Conference!

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Jazzmin Estebane, Pomona College, Admissions Officer
Jazzmin Estebane, Pomona College, Admissions Officer

Every summer QuestBridge hosts their National College Admissions Conferences for College Prep Scholars, giving students and parents a chance to learn more about the QuestBridge National College Match process and college applications. Here are the top 3 reasons (and one bonus!) I think you should attend a National College Admissions Conference in-person.

1. Visit a college campus.

Whether it’s during high school visits in the fall, at college fairs, or in our office, one of the most frequent topics of conversation I have with students is college fit. During the National College Admissions Conference, you’ll not only have a chance to sit down with real admissions officers and discuss college fit, you’ll get to see how questions of fit work while you visit a college campus in-person. Continue reading →

Dear QB: How do I fight senioritis?

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DearQBSen·ior·i·tis (noun)

A supposed affliction of students in their final year of high school, characterized by a decline in motivation or performance.

If you’re a high school senior, you have likely been forewarned by your counselor, teachers, or parents about “senioritis.” Graduation is now less than six months away and it can be tempting to slip into a senioritis state of mind. But now — more than ever! — it’s important to stay on track. To make this part easier on you, we’ve compiled our tips to help you fight senioritis: Continue reading →

A Look Back on 2016 Match Stories…

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As 2016 comes to a close, we want to take a look back on some of the great moments from the 2016 National College Match. This year, 5,338 high school seniors were selected Finalists, and 767 students were matched to our college partners — both record numbers that are definitely worth celebrating! But the individual stories of each student are truly what make 2016 a great year for us. Check out some of the reactions from our recently matched students:

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“When I was matched I was speechless. I felt as if a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders for the next four years of my academic career. I stared at my phone in disbelief, but also in confidence because I knew that this was my prize for all the hard work and dedication I put in during these four years of high school.”

– Mazie A., Williams College, Class of 2021 Continue reading →

Dear QB: How do I write a great supplemental essay?

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DearQB

At this point in the application process, you have probably spent countless hours on the QuestBridge application, and likely wrote numerous drafts of your essays. It would be great to hear that you never have to write a college admissions essay again, but unfortunately, that is probably not the case.

Many of our partner colleges have a short answer/essay prompt that you need to pay attention to. Sometimes it’s just a few words long: Continue reading →

Dear QB: I wasn’t matched. Now what?

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DearQBWhen December 1 rolls around each year, we know it’s an emotional day for all of our Finalists. Anticipation, curiosity, thrill, disappointment… you name it! If you were not matched, we’re here to tell you that it’s going to be all right. The college admission process is a journey, and you have many bright paths ahead of you.

Remember these important things:

You are a QuestBridge Finalist, which is an incredible achievement that colleges recognize.

Remember how excited you were when you found out you were a Finalist? Don’t forget that feeling! There’s a reason why you were excited — it’s because being a Finalist is a significant distinction. As you continue to apply to colleges through Regular Decision, this distinction will help you stand out as an applicant.

Don’t believe us? Check out what some of last year’s Finalists (who were not matched!) have to say… Continue reading →