repzolow

Check out some of the schools that don't have such big-name recognition on QB's list. Always nice that when you're into the finalist stage, to have a backup or safety (I hope it's appropriate to use these terms in regards to the QB app.).

AeroplaneoertheC

Hey everyone-

I was a QB College Match recipient last year, so if anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me or post on here!

kyledavid80

I wouldn't say so. The overwhelming majority of QB's schools are highly selective, so it'd be hard to call any of them a safety, period. A few might be called a safety if you're very highly qualified (Trinity, perhaps, or Wheaton, but that isn't a partner college anymore). However, since you're competing for a full scholarship--a very expensive offer for these colleges--none of them are safeties. Add to that the uncertainty that ranking brings, and getting in through QB, even into a 'lesser-known' college, is unpredictable.

unefille

Jay 123: I'm sorry but I'm not French. I do love languages though, and French is one of my favorites. Je suis desolee que je ne sois pas francaise mais j'aime le francais aussi! Et toi, es-tu francais(e)?

jay123

Non, je ne suis pas francais, mais j'aime les langues! Un jour, je voudrais aller a Paris et voir la tour Eiffel. =D

lol.

jonasbrothers1

how do i know what my gpa is supposed to be for these colleges

Carlosd3co

there is no "cut-off" GPA.

Questbridge says this, however, if your GPA is not strong you will have almost no chance of getting the scholarship. That was a little misleading, let me clarify: they evaluate each applicant holistically. If your GPA doesn't show your academic strength, they will look for it in other indicators (perhaps SATs ACTs, teacher recommendations).

However, do keep in mind that the program is intended for high achieving low-income students. If you fit the low income criteria but not the high achieving one, you may not be as competitive as other applicants.

P.S. before posting any questions here i urge everyone to go through the WHOLE Questbridge site. It might seem like a daunting task, but it is well worth the effort for someone is completely clueless about the college application process (like i was :-D). They have some amazing tips that i would have never though of myself.

No one should ever discourage you from applying though. There have been applicants who never considered Stanford as a possibility and yet, there they are attending with a full ride.

kyledavid80

As Carlosd3co said, they will evaluate applicants holistically. So for example, they will take into account what courses you're offered, the rigor of your course load, your rank, and most importantly, the context that you've grown up in and the environment you're exposed to. They will take into account, for instance, that your GPA is slightly weak because you had to work a job every day to help support your family. They will take into account all relevant circumstances you describe on the application. As such, there is no cutoff GPA. As QuestBridge says (or rather, doesn't say or specify):

National College Match - Selection Criteria

Notice also that typically finalists are in the top 5% of their class (though obviously you don't need to be), and the rigor of your course load is important for finalist selection, as is the same for the scholarship and for general admission to colleges (more so top ones than others). According to this:

National College Match Program: 2006 College Match Recipient Profile

about 30% are outside the top 5%.

That's very good advice. Most of what I've answered on this thread can be found on QuestBridge's site, so it's not as though I have much insider information. Its site is full of resources, tips, statistics, and more, so definitely look into it.

Pro28

Just so I understand the process...

Student applies for the National College Match. Applications are reviewed by QB. If you aren't selected as a finalist, this is the end of the line for you. If you are selected, you move onto the matching round.

The matching round is basically if a college that you ranked also wants you, then you are in. If you aren't matched, you get moved to the RD round.

And the RD round is basically the same as a normal RD applications, with a possible boost.

Do I have the general idea? Or am I totally off-base? XD

kyledavid80

^^ That's about right. Good job, you have successfully comprehended QuestBridge's Match process. Just a few clarifications:

You can have your application forwarded to the RD round. You can also apply early to any college you'd like. You are not, however, guaranteed a full scholarship.

Essentially, yes, but you're matched to the school that ranks highest on your list and that also admits you. You could end up getting matched to your third choice if neither of your first two choices admit you.

Sligh_Anarchist

I've got this strange paranoia that QB's partner schools only look at students who rank their particular school #1. Unfounded? Do any of you know anyone that got a match to a school you ranked as #5 or so?

kyledavid80

Unfounded indeed. QB's partner schools do not know where they rank; QB only sends them your application, NOT your ranking. So they have no idea whether you applied to only their college or lots of others, or where they rank (#8, #2, #1, who knows?--except you and QB).

I know a few who were matched to their #3, #4, and #6 choices.

theguybehindyou

If I only apply to non-binding schools via QB, can I also apply EA to other schools?

Also, lets say I apply to MIT via QB, can I also apply to MIT EA?

mc1600

what happens if an applicant only lists the non-binding schools (yale, princeton, notre dame, stanford) on the questbridge application and is admitted to at least one of these schools? can he/she still apply to other schools that do not participate in the national college match? considering that some colleges dont report admissions status to students until april, it seems unlikely to me that questbridge would allow winners to hold their full-tuition scholarships for that long...

kyledavid80

theguybehindyou:

A friend of mine last year had this same dilemma, and so she emailed QB about it. The answer was no, you cannot apply to any schools early if you are going through the Match program, even if those you rank are non-binding.

If you go through the Match program, no. The Match program is essentially ED (or EA, in some cases). Thus, there's no point in applying to MIT early; it's like submitting two applications RD. If you aren't matched, then you can apply RD to MIT.

If you do not become a finalist, then you can apply EA to MIT.

mc1600:

The applicant would be matched to the school that he/she ranked highest and that also admitted him/her.

Yes. The non-binding schools are that way so that the student does not feel obligated to attend and can make a choice; thus, after being matched to a non-binding school, you can still apply to schools RD.

I know someone who was matched to Princeton, but applied to Stanford RD, got in, and is now going to Stanford. (Of course, in theory, she could have applied to Podunk State, gotten in, and gone there instead.)

However, you really should choose your schools carefully for QB. Even though some schools are non-binding, truly be sure that you would attend if matched to them. Otherwise, you're taking spots that you don't want, spots that could be given to other deserving low-income students.

What do you mean? It is not QB that "allows" winners. It's the colleges. In addition, it's as though you've been admitted ED/EA and they've made a financial aid offer, which happens to be a full scholarship; they will hold a spot for you, and they will give you that scholarship if you attend. The assumption is, I suppose, that getting a full scholarship is attractive enough that they don't need to threaten taking it away unless you commit before April; most students seize the opportunity. Not to mention the whole point of their offers being non-binding is that you don't feel bound to attend and you can compare financial offers. That is one of the great holes in normal ED, but QB's program patches that up nicely.

I hope that answers your question.