questbridge scholars

Universe of Possibilities: A Visit to NASA

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In August 2016, 11 QuestBridge Scholars had the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with officials at NASA and the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy in Washington, D.C. Vi Nguyen, a QuestBridge Scholar and Yale University alumna, reflected on the visit to NASA:

Six people.

“At this moment, there are only six people in space? In total?” I re-asked my question, mostly out of sheer wonder. Our guide nodded with a smile, “Yes. Six.”

The 11 QuestBridge Scholars—eight current undergraduates and three alumni—sat around the table in NASA’s Space Operations Center, taking in the experience, unsure whether six human beings were too few or many more than we expected to be living beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

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QuestBridge Scholars at NASA

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Our Top 10 Tips for Academic Success

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strategy-iconThe QSN theme for October is Academic Success — just in time for upcoming midterm exams for QuestBridge Scholars! Late nights and last-minute cram sessions may seem inevitable in college; but if you figure out the study techniques that work for you, then you can minimize these as much as possible.

We asked QuestBridge Staff and Quest Liaisons for their best study tips, and here are the top 10… Continue reading →

Academic Success: Finding Academic Happiness

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Have you ever wondered how to balance academic success with your overall well-being? This month, the QSN theme is Academic Success, and guest blogger Alejandra Mendoza (Columbia ’19) is kicking it off with her insight about academics, happiness, and the important balance between the two:

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Alejandra Mendoza, QuestBridge Scholar, Columbia ’19

As I was sitting in my Contemporary Civilization class today, my professor asked our class what happiness was. According to Aristotle, happiness is an activity, a progress. But we didn’t approach happiness the way he did. We listed nouns instead of verbs. We said health, money, love, instead of “living well.” Amidst our definition of happiness was academic success.

While academic success does have the capability to provide happiness, success does not happen overnight. Success, much like happiness, is a progress – it happens because we’re willing to work for it. Continue reading →

My Quest to the White House: A Visit to the Office of Science and Technology Policy

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Ethiopia Getachew, QuestBridge Scholar, W&L ’19

Last week, 11 QuestBridge Scholars met face-to-face with staff from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to discuss issues that are important to them. Ethiopia Getachew, a Biochemistry major and a Computer Science minor on the pre-medical track at Washington and Lee University, reflected on the visit:

Two years ago from this day, I was in constant stress about applying to colleges and finding financial aid as an international student attending high school in the United States.

One year ago from this day, I had just arrived on the Washington and Lee University campus, excited for the four years ahead of me.

And on this day, I was on my way to the Office of Science and Technology Policy with incredibly smart and resilient young people who have dedicated themselves to pursuing their passion. Never would I have imagined this would be my life.
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Advice from an Applicant: Q&A with QuestBridge Scholar Daniel Espino

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Daniel Espino, QuestBridge Scholar, Vassar ’18

Having been a College Prep Scholar and National College Match Finalist, Daniel Espino (Vassar ’18) knows the ins and outs of applying to QuestBridge. Now a Computer Science major (and potentially Math, too!) at Vassar College, Daniel is sharing his advice with this year’s applicants in hopes that it will put them on the same path to success. 

Why did you decide to apply to college through the National College Match?

As a College Prep Scholar, I was invited to attend the Stanford National College Admissions Conference in 2013. There, I learned all about what the National College Match was and I learned about all of the benefits that came with applying through it. I learned that I could apply very early to up to eight schools (it’s now up to 12!) and have a chance at a guaranteed, full, four-year scholarship to any of those schools. Of course, I took that chance and decided to go through the application process. Continue reading →

Path to Success: QuestBridge Alumna Aya Saed

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Originally from Annandale, Virginia, Aya Saed graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013, with a BA in International Relations. She has an impressive roster of experiences already: intern at Google for two summers, Henry Luce Scholar, and Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow. She’s currently pursuing a J.D. at Harvard Law School and a Masters of Public Affairs at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

Aya Saed

 

Aya Saed, QuestBridge Scholar
Annandale, Virginia
University of Pennsylvania ’13, BA in International Relations

 

On applying to QuestBridge:

I discovered the program quite randomly as I was Googling resources that could be of help to low-income students. I landed on the website the summer before my senior year and applied immediately!

I was excited, and quite energized to know that such a program exists for low-income students. I was a bit overwhelmed by the application process, but realized very early on that this would help expedite my college application process and streamline an otherwise complicated system. Continue reading →

How to Support Yourself in College – What to Bring and What’s Already There

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Harpreet Singh, QuestBridge Scholar, Emory ’17

Harpreet Singh (Emory ’17) shared his path to becoming a QuestBridge Scholar recently, and now he’s sharing his advice! No matter where you are on your college journey, Harpreet’s insight can serve as a good reminder of how you can find the support you may need on campus.

Many students ask themselves as they are about to go to college – what should I bring to school? Many students may not be aware of the support resources that already exist on campus. It’s important to research and take advantage of these resources, but you also need to bring the things you need to support yourself. Here are three ways to cover all of the bases: Continue reading →

Finding My Identity: QuestBridge Scholar Harpreet Singh’s Path to Emory

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Harpreet Singh, QuestBridge Scholar, Emory ’17

QuestBridge Scholar Harpreet Singh (Emory ’17) has come a long way since applying for the National College Match in 2012. Originally from New Jersey, Harpreet ended up finding his college fit with a school 800 miles away that he had hardly heard of before being accepted. But that’s just the beginning of Harpreet’s transformative journey…

Since starting the National College Match application, I would say a lot has changed about me. I would say my self-confidence has increased. I would say I no longer doubt who I am and what my potential is. I would say I take risks more often than before. I would say I am proud to be who I am: a first-generation low-income student at a top-tier college.

What truly catalyzed this transformation, you may ask? I would say QuestBridge.
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Q&A with a College Prep Scholar & QuestBridge Scholar – Kim Rosa

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Kim-Rosa_Swarthmore (1)QuestBridge Scholars are known for their scholarship, leadership, and service, and Kim Rosa truly exemplifies each of these traits. Since becoming a College Prep Scholar in 2013, Kim has been a Quest Liaison, Quest Ambassador, Essay Coach, Group Leader, and — most recently — a Quest Intern! We sat down with Kim so she could pass along her advice to the next generation of QuestBridge Scholars:

Based on your experience applying to college through QuestBridge, do you have any advice for students heading into the National College Match?

Begin the National College Match application as soon as possible, even if you just log in to your application and read through the different prompts and requirements. Oftentimes it can be overwhelming to think about everything that needs to be completed, but if you begin early, you will have enough time to talk to your teachers about recommendations and you can begin to brainstorm your essay responses.

Do you have any tips for students who are just starting to research colleges?
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Take the Stress Out of Asking for Help

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Mental health. These are two words that are not mentioned often in the lives of low-income students. Oftentimes, money is the first word that is mentioned in low-income families. But stress and anxiety, among other emotions, can manifest themselves when money becomes the main stressor. Although money may be an inevitable stressor for low-income students, taking care of yourself should be a priority above all. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to accomplish as much as you’d like.

So, as a college student, what should you do if you think stress if affecting you in a negative way? Continue reading →