I’m a bit confused with the QuestBridge application process. I understand that you essentially “apply” to multiple schools ED/EA, and are matched (or not matched). But how exactly does this process work? Is it possible to be admitted into that school but not considered for the scholarship (could I have gotten in had I not applied through QB)? In a hypothetical situation, would I have a better chance getting in if I only applied to Princeton ED versus ranking it as one of my QuestBridge colleges (Princeton used as an example)? And another question - if this is the case, could I apply to a school both ED and through QB (if that makes sense)?
Outside of QB NCM, Princeton offers restricted EA, not ED.
QB NCM is like a ranked binding ED (except non binding like EA for MIT only). So if you match, it will be your highest ranked college that admits you. If you are willing to commit to your highest ranked college that admits you through QB NCM, that seems like a better option than a single ED or restricted EA application.
The Match Scholarship | QuestBridge says that matched admits get a full ride except a small student work earnings contribution (no parent contribution or student loans assumed). But note that the colleges may require non-custodial parent information if your parents are divorced or separated.
QB NCM applicants agree not to apply ED or EA elsewhere until a QB NCM decision is made, and it is a non-admission to any of the ranked schools.
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Questbridge can be a very powerful application tool, if one has high academic stats and is also low income. Most finalists who match have SAI -1500. Do you meet these criteria?
QB’s application is rigorous, and that would be in addition to doing the common app (and any other schools that have their own app like the UCs.) For the matching process, you can rank up to 15 schools but only those who become finalists can match to one of their ranked schools.
Unmatched finalists also have a relatively high rate of being accepted to a QB school as unmatched finalists can roll their app to RD. Some also allow unmatched finalists to get their app in ED or EA, even after the deadline has passed. All of the details are on the QB site linked above.
QB is a great process. You rate your schools. Yhe highest ranked school that admits you is your match. You can only ED (or restricted EA) at one school, presumably your top choice. So if #1 says no, you’re done in a non-QB process. But in QB, you now are considered by #2. The #3 if that doesn’t work.
The schools in the QB network also know the value of the QB screening process. I don’t know for a fact if this is a finger on the scale, but I suspect it helps.
If you have the QB option, it’s a good one!
In some ways, QB is even stronger than ED because it means you’re a hooked ED applicant 
And of course you can apply to as many top schools as you wish, within a limit of 15 - and there’s not a bad one in the bunch.
Non Questbridge qualifying students would go wild if they could apply to Amherst, Bowdoin, BU, Stanford .. with an ED app (and the relevant ED advantage).
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