Are you a high-achieving high school senior from a low-income background dreaming of attending a top college but worried about the cost?
The QuestBridge National College Match could be your golden ticket to a debt-free education at one of the nation’s best universities.
QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects the country’s most exceptional low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities.
Their flagship program, the National College Match, offers full four-year scholarships worth over $325,000 each to high-achieving high school seniors with significant financial need.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the QuestBridge National College Match, including eligibility requirements, benefits, the application process, scholar stories, and more.
By the end, you’ll be ready to apply for this life-changing opportunity.
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What is the QuestBridge National College Match?
Apply Now: QuestBridge Offers $325,000 Scholarships for Low-Income High Achievers
The QuestBridge National College Match is a college and scholarship application process that helps outstanding low-income high school seniors gain admission and full four-year scholarships to the nation’s most selective colleges.
If you’re admitted to a college partner through the Match, you’ll join a supportive community of over 10,000 QuestBridge Scholars currently attending our college partners.
QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation’s best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself.
Our college partners share this vision and are committed to making college affordable for all admitted QuestBridge Scholars, regardless of their financial situation.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the National College Match in 2024, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- High school senior, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the U.S. and planning to attend college the fall after graduation, or a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident living abroad
- Earning primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered
- Demonstrating strong writing skills and intellectual curiosity, plus resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed
- Typically from a household earning less than $65,000 annually with minimal assets (for a household of four members)
QuestBridge uses a holistic review process to evaluate applicants, taking into account academic achievement, financial qualifications, personal qualities, and more.
Even if you don’t meet every single criterion, we still encourage you to apply if you feel the National College Match is right for you.
Benefits of the National College Match
Full Four-Year Scholarship
The biggest benefit of being admitted through the National College Match is receiving a full four-year scholarship that covers tuition, housing and food, and other expenses.
This scholarship is provided by the college partner and is loan-free, meaning you won’t have to worry about paying back student loans after graduation.
The value and exact terms of the scholarship vary by college partner, but each is worth over $325,000.
Some colleges may require a minimal student contribution in the form of work-study, summer savings, or student loans, but this amount is significantly less than the cost of attendance.
Share Your Unique Story
The QuestBridge National College Match application gives you extra space to tell your unique story and showcase your achievements, talents, potential, and personal qualities.
QuestBridge reviews applications holistically, considering factors beyond just grades and test scores.
This is your chance to highlight how you’ve excelled academically despite financial hardship, how you’ve contributed to your school and community, and how you’ve developed resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed.
Your personal story can make your application stand out.
Access to Top Colleges
By applying to the National College Match, you’ll gain access to QuestBridge’s 52 college partners, including top liberal arts colleges, research universities, and Ivy League schools.
These colleges are committed to making college affordable for all admitted QuestBridge Scholars.Some of the notable college partners include:
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Dartmouth College
- Duke University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Northwestern University
- Princeton University
- Stanford University
- University of Chicago
- Yale University
See the full list of college partners here.
Support Along the Way
Applying to college can be a daunting process, especially for low-income and first-generation students.
QuestBridge provides expert support and guidance to help you navigate the college application process and make the most of your college experience.This support includes:
- Detailed information on the QuestBridge website about the application process, financial aid, and college partners
- Webinars and Q&A sessions to answer your questions and provide tips for success
- Access to a network of QuestBridge Scholars and Alumni for mentorship and advice
- Opportunities to connect with college partners through online events and campus visits
National College Match by the Numbers
QuestBridge has an impressive track record of helping low-income students gain admission and scholarships to top colleges. Here are some key statistics:
- In 2023, 2,242 Finalists were matched to a college partner with a full four-year scholarship
- Over 14,000 Finalists have been matched to a college partner since QuestBridge’s founding
- QuestBridge Scholars have a 96% graduation rate from our college partners
- Over 20,000 QuestBridge Alumni are now leaders in their fields and communities
These numbers show that the National College Match is a proven pathway to success for high-achieving, low-income students.
How to Apply
Applying to the National College Match is free and done entirely online through the QuestBridge website. Here’s an overview of the application process:
- Create an account on the QuestBridge website and start your National College Match application.
- Complete the online application, including:Biographical information
- Academic information, including high school transcripts and test scores
- Financial information, including tax returns and other documents
- Essays and short answer questions
- Extracurricular activities and achievements
- Letters of recommendation from teachers and a counselor
- Rank up to 12 college partners in order of preference. You can also choose to apply to colleges through QuestBridge Regular Decision if you don’t match.
- Submit your application by the deadline, typically in late September.
- If selected as a Finalist, submit additional materials, such as a College Match Agreement, College Match Ranking Form, and any other required documents by the Finalist deadline in October.
- In early December, find out if you’ve been matched to a college partner with a full four-year scholarship. If not, you can still be considered for admission and financial aid through QuestBridge Regular Decision.
For more detailed information on the application process and requirements, visit the QuestBridge website.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applying to the National College Match is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants being selected as Finalists and matched to a college partner.
Here are some tips to make your application stand out:
- Start early and give yourself plenty of time to complete the application thoroughly. Don’t wait until the last minute!
- Be honest and authentic in your essays and short answer questions. Share your unique story and perspective.
- Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience. Show how you’ve made the most of the opportunities available to you.
- Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and potential. Give them plenty of time to write a strong letter on your behalf.
- Research the college partners and rank them based on your interests, academic goals, and fit. Don’t just rank them based on prestige.
- Proofread your application carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Ask a trusted adult to review it as well.
- If selected as a Finalist, submit all required materials by the deadline and communicate with QuestBridge if you have any questions or concerns.
Remember, the National College Match is just one pathway to college. If you don’t match, you can still be considered for admission and financial aid through QuestBridge Regular Decision or apply to other colleges independently. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and keep pursuing your dreams.
Conclusion
The QuestBridge National College Match is a life-changing opportunity for high-achieving, low-income students to access top colleges and full four-year scholarships.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are willing to put in the hard work, we encourage you to apply for the 2024/25 National College Match.
Don’t let financial barriers hold you back from reaching your full potential. With QuestBridge, a top college education is within your reach.
Take the first step today and start your application. Your future self will thank you.
For more information and to apply, visit the QuestBridge website. Good luck!
