@nerdgirl6645, Here’s the Questbridge website http://www.questbridge.org/about-questbridge/our-programs
I strongly recommend you read extensively if you are going to apply to the National College Match (NCM). Understanding the process will help you exponentially as you proceed. There will also be a facebook page where the 2015/2016 Questbridge “Family” (applicants) can answer each other’s questions as you go through the admissions season.
There is also an overview of QB programs stickied at the top of this forum.
The short answer is that not everyone is matched –not at all. Last year out of 11,654 applications, 4,180 students (36% of the applicants) were selected as Finalists and of those 500 were selected as match recipients. However, more than half of the remaining finalists will be admitted to Questbridge schools in the regular decision process.
Use the drop down menus on the QB site to read about the process, about partner colleges, about finalist and matched student profiles…the ‘Questies’ who do best are the ones who really immerse themselves in and understand the program.
You might also look into diversity fly-in programs that you can start applying for this summer. Many colleges (QB and other top schools) offer fully funded campus visits for low income, first gen and URM students. If you qualify for these, it is a great thing to do during your senior fall, since you will get to visit chosen colleges on their dime. There’s a thread about it. http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/african-american-students/1539855-diversity-fall-fly-in-programs.html. The dates won’t be accurate for next fall but you can start to think about/research programs.