Do I Have a Chance?

kuleczka
Thu, 19 Mar 2015 03:03:03 +0000

I think it’s worth applying. I’m not sure if you mean the College Prep Scholarship or College Match, but I’ll assume the latter.

I applied to Questbridge for College Match last fall even though I was pretty sure I wouldn’t make finalist since my family makes towards the upper end of the spectrum QB lists (just under $60k). I also am not a first-generation student, though my parents are both immigrants. However, I used one of the essays to write about my family’s situation and exactly what we’ve faced and how it’s affected me. I was named a finalist. It’s so worth it to apply even if you think you might not make a finalist.

A couple of benefits:
-If you’re a finalist, application fees to partner schools are waived. For some partner schools fees are also waived even if you’re a non-finalist. As a finalist you also have a chance of getting waivers for sending test scores and the CSS profile.
-QB does give you an advantage in admissions. It shows you’ve faced hardship and still persevered. It’s another thing to set you apart in admissions. Colleges are trying hard to be more socioeconomically diverse and Questbridge is a way to distinguish high-achieving students who are low-income.
-Even if you’re not made a finalist you’ll have a head start on your college essays!

I’d recommend you definitely apply. The worst is they could say you’re not a finalist. The best is… well, a full ride to a great school! Definitely worth a shot, especially if you use the biographical essay to really tell your story and your situation.

Best of luck. Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions about Questbridge!