2009 QuestBridge National College Match Discussion & Help - Page 58

Mare_Crisium · 08-24-2009, 09:42 PM

tomjonesistheman: Read this page QuestBridge National College Match - Regular Decision Table it mainly talks about regular decision requirements, but it has a non-finalist section, and also talks about early decision. I'm sure you've already checked it, but for places like Caltech, it says that you shouldn't foward your questbridge application regardless of finalist or non-finalist status. Also, considering they're specific colleges, I figure that you're better off e-mailing them and asking, as they'll give you more definite requirements.

flyingllama: I'll admit, that is pretty unfourtunate, but I'm pretty sure in the short 300 essay question, that's where you should put any extra information that you would like them to consider. If you explain it well, and show how that doesn't mean you are super-rich, I think you'll be fine.

alexandrafitzmor · 08-24-2009, 09:45 PM

@Mare_Crisium: The ones that are more important to you should have priority. You want to show them that you have passion for a specific activity. Think about it: let's say you start talking about your passion for volunteering in an essay, and they glance at your EC list and see no volunteer work. Why? Because you didn't have room. But they won't see that. So I would put your volunteering projects first (most important, junior and sophomore year priority), and in one or two spots put your best ECs. So yes, you're right.

alexandrafitzmor · 08-24-2009, 09:47 PM

Oh, and flyingllama: go start a reality show called The Real Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

@tomjonesistheman: Contact the schools! As the specific requirements are different for these schools, you really should just drop a quick note in with their admissions office.

yipyip0901 · 08-24-2009, 10:06 PM

Can you send me the answer after they reply you? ^^

Ju_liaa · 08-24-2009, 10:15 PM

Hey guys if i'm doing QB can i apply to another school (not a QB partner) Early Decision through the CommonApp?

alexandrafitzmor · 08-24-2009, 10:17 PM

Ju_liaa: No.

Ju_liaa · 08-24-2009, 10:21 PM

Ugh that blows. What if i don't become a finalist but am planning to do QB RD?

alexandrafitzmor · 08-24-2009, 10:33 PM

If you don't become a finalist you can apply to ED/EA colleges. There are also EDII programs. If you become a finalist but aren't matched, you will have time to participate in EDII.

ca87 · 08-24-2009, 10:45 PM

Are there any QB programs for HS juniors? I know the College Match program is for seniors, right?

Ju_liaa · 08-24-2009, 10:53 PM

@ca87: The one for 2010 isn't up yet but what you are asking for is this-

QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship - Overview

kiterunner18 · 08-24-2009, 11:06 PM

Yeah, I am looking for the answer to this question, too.

Mare_Crisium · 08-24-2009, 11:19 PM

Sure! I'm happy to help. This was the part of the conversation you were looking for:

Mare_Crisium: I'm reading this part of the application process, and even though I knew this, on the website, it says "Please note that without test scores, it is significantly more challenging to become a finalist." I have high marks in almost every other area, but unfourtunately, my SAT scores ended up in the mid 1800s range. Should I still submit my scores anyway? Or should I wait till I take the ACT's in September and send my scores to the colleges while risking the chance of finalist status?

alexandrafitzmor: Do you think your score will be significantly higher when you retake it? Some students just don't test well, and if that is the case for you, then I wouldn't worry so much. If the other parts of your application are stellar, then you should be fine. Look at the statistics- the average score is 1940, which means there are probably plenty below and plenty above. Be very vocal about who you are as a person and you may very well get in.

Mare_Crisium: Well, i've taken the SAT and i've done practice scores for the ACT, so I think my scores would be significantly higher when I take the ACT, so I'm not worried about the fact that they will be raised, I just didnt want to submit scores that were lower than the norm and risk finalist status because of it. But thanks, i'm strong pretty much everywhere else, (EC's, GPA, etc.) and i'm a good essay writer, so i'll focus on those parts on my application and wish for the best.

alexandrafitzmor: Well, your plan B can be something like this: submit your higher ACT score to your choice of ED college with the QB essays pasted in the essay section. That way, you still recieve some of the benefit. I don't think that will be your situation come October, bu tits always good to have a backup plan. Good luck!

..... if you need me to clarify anything, just ask. : )

ca87 · 08-24-2009, 11:44 PM

When does the College Prep Scholarship program begin accepting applications? I registered for an account but the only option is the College Match app.

kiterunner18 · 08-25-2009, 12:11 AM

What if you're interested in a school that requires SATII's and you haven't taken them at all?

xctf · 08-25-2009, 12:44 AM

@alexandra and julia- thanks so much for your help, I just hope these teachers don't blow me off and ruin it for me.

To anyone, a quickie question, I'm filling out some supplements on commonapp for the questbridge schools in case I become a finalist. Now, is it considered "early" decision for the college match?