QuestBridge

💸 High school seniors: We have a few tips to keep in mind as you work through the Income and Assets section of your National College Match application. Stay tuned for more tips, and if you haven't started your application yet, visit the link in our bio to apply.

Review our Income and Assets Guide for detailed help:https://asset.questbridge.org/content/uploads/pdfs/2024-Income-and-Assets-Guide.pdf

Congratulations to Emma for earning a B.A. in Biology and Political Science from Grinnell College! 🎓

During college, Emma discovered the importance of self-belief and exploring the various resources available on campus. “I have learned to never underestimate myself and always try my best to accomplish things that I want, even if my goals seem lofty. I also learned to always take advantage of the resources available to me.”

After graduation, Emma will be pursuing a Master of Public Health degree while serving as an Advocacy Program Coordinator at a rare-disease nonprofit in Washington, D.C.

“Before I learned about QuestBridge, I wasn’t entirely sure what college was the best fit for me. I was worried about being able to pay for my tuition and all the other expenses that come with attending university. QuestBridge opened my eyes when I received my first pamphlet. I learned about all the opportunities that the top universities offer without the worry of expenses. I read what made each university unique (academically and geographically). With QuestBridge, I discovered that attending a top university is possible for a high-achieving, first-generation, low-income student. … I would advise high-achieving students not to procrastinate but also to have fun when researching each university.” -Miguel A., Blue Island, IL University of Chicago ‘28

Through the National College Match, you can rank up to 15 colleges to be “matched”— or admitted early with a full, four-year Match Scholarship — to the college that appears highest on your list that is also able to match with you. Yash reflects on his ranking strategy, “I chose to use all 15 slots. … I applied to my dream schools, competitive schools for my intended major, and one school because of location. I researched each institution with my dad for many hours, looking into their course offerings, faculty expertise, extracurricular opportunities, and the support services available for students. I also considered the overall environment and community of each school, aiming to find places where I felt I could thrive both academically and personally.” -Yash K., Beavercreek, OH, California Institute of Technology ’27

Apply to the National College Match today at apply.questbridge.org where you'll have the chance to craft your own rankings list of up to 15 of our college partners!

After graduating from Yale University with a B.S. in Cognitive Science, Joey is now working to gain research experience and planning to apply to graduate school for clinical psychology.

Throughout college, Joey discovered the importance of embracing change: “For me, the biggest change I experienced in college was actually growing in my faith.”

Congrats on graduating, Joey! 🎉

“I was ecstatic and overjoyed when I read the 'Congratulations, you matched!' heading. I matched to my dream school, my top choice, and words could not describe the emotion I felt. I cried, laughed, and screamed so loud that the video I was recording didn't pick up the audio. It truly was a moment of happiness for me and my family. I hugged my mom and my sister, who I owe so much of my success to. … QuestBridge has been an avenue to opportunity. I'm not going to have to worry about paying for college and my future. I'm going to be able to focus on my studies, and never have to worry about my family's financial circumstances and how that might affect my education.” -Deborah A., Upland, CA, Claremont McKenna College ‘28

Discover National College Match events this week →

⛹️ Meet Our Colleges: Athletics & Academics
‣ A live webinar panel for high school seniors, families, and educators
‣ Wednesday, August 21, 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET
‣ Register: https://www.questbridge.org/events/meet-our-colleges-athletics-academics?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=weekly_digest&utm_content=athletics

🏫 Fall 2024 Updates for Educators and CBOs
‣ A live webinar for high school educators, counselors, and community-based organization professionals
‣ Thursday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET
‣ Register: https://www.questbridge.org/events/meet-our-colleges-athletics-academics?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=weekly_digest&utm_content=educator_updates

🔗 Register for and view all upcoming events: https://www.questbridge.org/apply-to-college/events?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=weekly_digest

📝 High school seniors: We have a few tips to get started gathering teacher recommendations for the National College Match application. Stay tuned for more tips, and if you haven't started your application yet, visit apply.questbridge.org to get started.

💌 Do you have a teacher or mentor who has supported or inspired you? Tag them below and say thanks!

Today, we celebrate University of Chicago graduate Narvella, who earned a B.A. in Global Studies and advises Scholars to “try new things and take advantage of every opportunity you get.”

Narvella will be working for a healthcare consulting firm before starting medical school. Congrats, Narvella! 🎉

“QuestBridge, to me, embodies connection and community. It has allowed me to forge deep and meaningful connections, initially with my fellow College Prep Scholars, and now, as a Match, it's led me to build friendships with future classmates at my future university. The platform has provided a space where I can connect with individuals who comprehend and relate to my experiences, fostering these strong bonds with others who share similar backgrounds and circumstances.” -Kevin N., Lawrenceville, GA, University of Pennsylvania ‘28

Discover National College Match events this week →

💻 Meet Our Colleges: Community Engagement
‣ A live webinar panel for high school seniors, families, and educators.
‣ Wednesday, August 14, 3:00 p.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. ET
‣ Register: https://www.questbridge.org/events/meet-our-colleges-community-engagement?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=weekly_digest&utm_content=community_engagement

🔗 Register and view all upcoming events: https://www.questbridge.org/apply-to-college/events?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=weekly_digest

✍️ High school seniors: gain insight into the Writing section of the National College Match application. Stay tuned for more tips, and if you haven't started your application yet, visit apply.questbridge.org to get started.

How do you spark creativity for writing? Let us know in the comments!

From Match day to graduation day! 🎓 Join us in celebrating the recent college graduations of our newest QuestBridge Alumni.

Maria-Fernanda shares a valuable lesson learned during college: “College taught me the value of curiosity. A curious mind beyond the classroom informs every step we take. I learned that college is not a collection of credits but building blocks toward lifelong friendships and moments that solidify who you want to be.”

Maria-Fernanda, who earned a B.A. in International Studies from Vassar College, will be working as a paralegal in New York City while studying for the LSAT to prepare for law school.

Discover National College Match events this week →

💻 Meet Our Colleges: Small Town Charm
‣ A live webinar panel for high school seniors, families, and educators.
‣ Wednesday, August 7, 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET
‣ Register: https://www.questbridge.org/events/meet-our-colleges-small-town-charm?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=weekly_digest&utm_content=small_town

🔗 Register and view all upcoming events: https://www.questbridge.org/apply-to-college/events?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=weekly_digest

“QuestBridge is single handedly one of the best things that has happened to me and my family. … Take a risk on yourself and recognize your own worth, you have worked so hard in such difficult circumstances, and now more than ever, universities are looking for people exactly like YOU!” -Khrystyna B., Lindenhurst, NY, Tufts University ‘28

Are you a high-achieving high school senior from a low-income background? Apply to the National College Match at apply.questbridge.org if you want these four benefits in your college application journey:

🎓 Receive a full four-year scholarship
📖 Share your unique story
🏛️ Gain access to top colleges
🤝 Get support along the way

🔁 Please share and re-post!

🎓 High school seniors: Apply to the National College Match by September 26 to be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship to the nation’s top colleges. Find out if you are eligible and apply for free at ➡️ questbridge.org/national-college-match

“QuestBridge changes lives and makes the stress of college affordability melt away. Even if you don't get matched, you still have the opportunity to get a generous financial aid package through the QuestBridge Regular Decision round. … This scholarship has had a tremendous impact on my family. They always knew that I had high aspirations for the future, but there was the worry of not being able to afford to go to a top-tier school. My family has played a big role in my path to college, always encouraging me to shoot for the stars. Well, look where I am now! Hey, Mom and Dad, I'm soaring through the air!” -Yvangi J., Brockton, MA, Dartmouth College ‘28

🖋️ The National College Match application is launching soon! We're excited to share the prompt for the 800-word-limit Personal Essay: "We are interested in learning more about the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your successes. Please describe how the most influential factors and challenges in your life have shaped you into the person you are today."

📃 Start brainstorming and drafting what you want to share so you can have a head start when the application launches!

QB Convene: Reflections, inspiration, and personal growth. ✨

We hope that all of the Scholars and Alumni who joined us gained meaningful insights from our speakers and enjoyed connecting with the QuestBridge community. Check your inbox to access the recordings of our sessions, including a keynote fireside chat with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Matthew Desmond and QuestBridge Co-Founder and CEO Ana Rowena Mallari.

“I jumped, screamed, and sobbed into my friends’ arms, just thinking about how my life was about to change forever. ... QuestBridge has opened doors I never thought possible to enter. It has given me the opportunity to study what I love at an amazing institution and the confidence that I will succeed in my future endeavors.” -Andrea M., Mckinney, TX, Case Western Reserve University ‘28

“Don't limit yourself. ... You'll never know what will happen unless you try. I would have never thought I would be going out of state to study—at a prestigious college nonetheless. The worst answer you can get is a no and even then you know you tried your best and can only grow from that moment.” -Rafael R., Doraville, GA, Boston College ‘28

MBA scholarships for QuestBridge Alumni! Apply to the Graduate School Match: MBA by Monday, August 26. Learn more about our graduate school partners ➡️ https://www.questbridge.org/mba-match

QB Scholars and Alumni: Registration for QB Convene is closing soon! ⏳

Sign up to hear how these three QuestBridge Alumni channel their personal histories and experiences into their professional endeavors. Then join fellow Scholars and Alumni for small group conversations about embracing your background in your own work or in your future career aspirations.

Register by Thursday, July 11! ➡️ https://apply.questbridge.org/register/2024qbconvene

“QuestBridge to me means family and opportunity. I have been able to get to know so many QuestBridge Scholars and Finalists through the program. It's really cool to be able to contact people from all around the country, and even the world, who are going through similar experiences as I am. The QuestBridge community is a great one; we are all like family.” -Cecilia C., Tampa, FL, Brown University ‘28

“The Match Scholarship gave me the perseverance to fight for my intellectual curiosity and thirst for knowledge without being held back by anything. In tandem, I wanted to completely flip my comfort zone around and change my environment to see another side of America. … QuestBridge is a program that lets you reach for the skies so why not go all in and try your hardest? It may seem scary and that there are so many people like you, but the thing is, you are uniquely you and you should feel confident in who you are as a strong academic student that is guaranteed success no matter the outcome.” - Alan L., Staten Island, NY, Washington and Lee University ‘28

“Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by statistics, and focus on your abilities alone. If you love learning and desire to get the best education, then you deserve a chance to do so. Do well in your classes, utilize your support groups, ensure that you meet all the deadlines, and make time for yourself when necessary. The college application process is not an easy road and it will more than likely take a toll on your mental health, but you can do it as long as you strive to always put your best foot forward. I believe in you and wish you the absolute best.” - Chidinma H., Rahway, NJ, Smith College ‘28

QB Scholars and Alumni: QB Convene is coming up on Saturday, July 13! ✨

Join us for breakout sessions focused on navigating cross-class relationships and managing the obligations of family and money with speakers Valerie Rivera and Dr. Jessi Streib.

Register today! ➡️ https://apply.questbridge.org/register/2024qbconvene

“By providing numerous opportunities for me to learn more about college and the factors that go into picking where an ideal fit would be, [QuestBridge] gave me a much clearer perspective on the entire process. … By becoming a College Prep Scholar, I felt better prepared for the process of being a competitive college applicant through the sessions provided, the support given by current QuestBridge Scholars, and the ability to meet other students in the same situation as me. … Having the opportunity to connect with other students striving for the same goal as me was extremely rewarding. By being able to communicate and see the same struggles in other individuals, it motivated me to try even harder, as we were all collectively striving for the same goal.” - Rodolfo S., Burbank, IL, Grinnell College ‘28