OP …I say this with respect…the goal is NOT to stand out. The goal is to demonstrate why you would be a terrific addition to the college… academically, intellectually, artistically, socially. Focus on the impact you would have, not on trying to compensate for whatever weaknesses there may be in your application. And logically, that means dropping a few “Hail Mary” applications in favor of a few “wow, we want this kid on campus” applications. See the difference?
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And the goal should include a few colleges where you actually have a higher chance of acceptance…that are affordable.
As others have stated, you need to include QB attainable for admission colleges, and not questbridge meets full need colleges where you have a good chance of acceptance.
Maybe I missed those additions, but I don’t see them.
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All QB colleges provide full COA scholarships to those finalists who match. The student’s level of need doesn’t really matter in those cases (they are getting full COA no matter what their FAFSA and CSS show), but this is also why the majority of matched finalists have SAI of -1500. I’ve never had anyone from QB confirm this, but that’s why I think the entirety of the QB matching process is need aware.
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I assume OP would be looking at UVA - meets need and is on QB and UNC - meets need.
I think OP gets it - his strategy is QB and maybe other meets needs and Rutgers. Maybe a Hail Mary to a “lesser” name like Providence for the Roddy or SMU for the Presidential but I don’t think so.
He’s throwing out big names - but in the end, at least through QB, he’s going to have to pick only 15.
I’m sure he gets it.
He might over reach. On the other hand, those over reaches might take a higher # of QB.
It’s an art, not a science…at least to me.
Right…so this OP needs to include some QB colleges where he has a better chance of acceptance…that’s what I’m not sure I see. The schools they have added are still competitive for admissions…and IIRC there were some suggestions made for other QB schools…like Denison.
And they most definitely need affordable NOT QB colleges and at least one or two with higher chances of acceptance.
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Yes, hopefully OP updates us on his QB and non-QB list.
I (and other posters) have encouraged OP multiple times to add LACs to his QB list. I can easily make the case that LACs are better for pre-med than any of the reachy unis on OP’s list, not to mention, many LACs are specifically looking for more males.
Denison is a great idea, but it also has a sub 20% acceptance rate. OP might research all of the LACs on the QB list, look at fit, location, and acceptance rate as they finalize their QB 15.
I agree it would be ideal to add some schools beyond Rutgers, but it does seem like OP has come around on Rutgers. Posters have mentioned many other schools that would be in the target range that meet need or would be affordable, so hopefully OP adds a few of those too.
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Notre Dame does not have a Greek system, FYI
With all due respect, I see it a little differently.
My goal is to stand out, not in some desperate “compensate for my flaws” kind of way, but in a focused, intentional way. The best applications don’t blend in; they burn an image into the reader’s mind. Admissions officers read thousands of files. From everything I’ve read, everything I’ve observed—if I want to have any shot at getting in, I have to make them remember me. My voice. My story. My character.
Holistic admissions isn’t about picking a bunch of well-rounded people, it’s about building a well-rounded class. Schools aren’t looking for clones; they’re assembling a mosaic—for lack of a better word. That kid obsessed with aquatic ecosystems? The one who’s fixated on animal cognition or soil density? They’re essential. Because the best classes aren’t made of generalists. They’re made of people with sharp edges and deep fascinations. The kind of student who, years down the line, will contribute something meaningful back to the world, and whose name a school is proud to attach to its legacy. That’s the student admissions offices are searching for. Someone spikey who brings something specific to the table.
In my case? Public service and the arts. That’s my spike.
I’m a low-income Muslim kid from a low-resourced public school in Jersey. I’m not trying to squeeze into a mold I was never built for. I’m not from a pipeline school. I’m not the typical Asian American applicant they’ve seen a thousand times. I’m leaning hard into what makes me different: public service, storytelling, advocacy, art.
I’ve founded a nonprofit that established health initiatives for Native communities. I’ve reported on neglected children and school failure. I’ve conducted research at Stanford investigating corporate corruption harming the health of the American people. I’ve written to make sense of society’s cracks and, maybe, how to heal them.
From an admissions standpoint? I genuinely believe I’m not some “hail Mary"—but instead someone who helps the class take shape. Someone with a purpose and story that adds real value.
I do want to thank you, though, for your reply and time. I really appreciate your insight, and want to extend the same thanks to everyone else here as well. Grateful for the perspectives, advice, and generosity! 
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I’m planning to send my QB/non-QB college list either later tonight or by tomorrow afternoon, after I wrap up a bit more research. Thanks again for your time and support!
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Best of luck.
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I know this isn’t your application essay and it doesn’t really matter here, but a quick google search shows that at least some of that great description of holistic review isn’t original. Be sure your application essays are original and authentic.
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I wish you luck, but I also think you are underestimating the applicant pool at these schools. Apply wisely.
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What I wonder about is -
a need aware school may so no to a full need kid outside of QB but if they’re a part of the QB program, yes inside.
So Connecticut, as an example - maybe they say yes in QB but no as a direct app.
But what if Connecticut takes 10 QB whereas another school takes 60.
We don’t know the QB counts by school except for those that share it.
But I think it can’t just be - apply to the easiest to get in.
I don’t know there’s a formula that can be figured out - but my guess is more might be at play here - perhaps a combo of the most aggressive and perceived easiest to get into might be smart - like the high (those who publish how many QB and you can tell it’s a lot and the low, less endowed, easier to get into) - just thinking out loud.
I don’t think it’s really possible to game, but the combo strategy seems reasonable. I do think OP should give some thought to overall acceptance rates and fit, including at what schools they are most likely to be among the top students. Because that’s where they need to be to make it to med school, whether they are at Rutgers or Harvard.
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That’s true - fit matters so much.
And while I’m sure no doubt Harvard has more QB than a Connecticut (by multiples I’m sure) - the point of my last post but obviously it’s harder to get into…
But I bet the # listing Harvard on their match dwarfs what a Connecticut or Holy Cross get.
There’s probably 20 or 25 schools that get the bulk of the match requests.
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It would be so interesting to see all that data!
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Thanks for the reminder! I see where you’re coming from, and I appreciate you pointing it out. I’ve been diving deep into how holistic admissions really work, and I found this Ivy Coach article, this video, and even this page on “spikey” admits eye-opening. They’ve helped me understand how elite schools build a class and what they tend to look for.
If anything I wrote about holistic admissions came off too close to what’s already out there, I’m glad you caught it, that definitely wasn’t the goal lol. I’ve just been trying to absorb as much as I can so I can share, as clearly as possible, why I’m reaching high.
Thanks again
Authenticity is important
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Totally agree. I’ve been trying to really focus on being myself 10000%, but also making sure I’m putting my best foot forward..highlighting the parts of my story that singularly show how I might contribute to their community. Appreciate you bringing that up!
Seems like these articles focus on helping to craft a “spikey hook.”
I believe in applying to schools that are a good fit, rather than twisting yourself into what you think they want.
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