questbridge personal essay reddit

College Admissions

Quest scholarship college essay example – questbridge program.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

This is a college essay submitted by a student who now attends Northwestern University. This student is a Quest Scholar at Northwestern. The student was awarded with a full-ride scholarship. As you read this Quest Scholarship college essay example, think about your own personal experiences and what you could write about if you are eligible for the scholarship. You can learn more about the Quest Scholarship here .

This is a solid personal essay for several reasons:

• The opening paragraph frames the story and presents to the reader a frustrating situation with his younger brother that leads the reader into the second paragraph with an anticipated even more acutely personal insight into this student’s life. A potentially stronger opening would have been starting with his mother’s condition and remaining focused with the main topic as this opening paragraph is a bit of a tangent in the grand scheme of things.
• The second paragraph demonstrates the reader’s understanding of his mother’s condition. It paints a vivid picture with the reader of the condition, demonstrating to an admissions counselor that not only has this student had to overcome extenuating circumstances, but also that he fully understands the nature of his mother’s condition.
• The third paragraph digs deep as the student reflects on what he has learned from watching his mother suffer the effects of MS through the years. He closes the paragraph strongly with a takeaway of what he has learned to value the most from watching his mother endure her MS condition through the years.
• Finally, the student concludes by wrapping the essay together nicely. The reader finishes reading the essay with a comprehensive understanding of the student’s life experience, how he has learned from this experience, and a bigger picture understanding of the human condition. This is vital. Strong admissions essays often have a message that provide admissions officers with insights of the student’s understanding of the human condition. These essays are often acutely personal and feature an overall theme—in this case, hardship and how the student came to terms with it.

Throughout my life I have encountered many circumstances that have shaped me into the person I am today. I started life in a small house outside of Mackinaw, Illinois. I lived in that house for eleven years, and while I was there I became the oldest of four children. That in itself has been an experience, teaching me a lot about being an example and impacting my views on responsibility. I have a brother who, quite frankly, is the worst behaved kid I know. He lies, steals, and misbehaves compulsively. Academically he is not much better. He was held back in first grade due to a refusal to do homework, and has barely scraped by ever since, consistently getting D’s and F’s. Miraculously, he is now in eighth grade, but he still is not doing much better academically or behaviorally. He is actually very smart; he just refuses to do work which is why he fails. At home he fights with my younger brother and sister and pushes my patience to its limits constantly. Through it all there is a silver lining. He has taught me tolerance and patience. I have learned to deal with other people and annoyances through my experiences with Brock, and find that I am generally harder to anger than others. The lessons in patience that I have learned from Brock have helped me a lot in working with others, and have contributed greatly to my successes in academics, but no single person or experience has impacted my outlook on life as much as my Mom.

Right around my tenth year, when my parents started looking into building a house in the country so my dad could have a shed to work on tractors in, my mom started having problems with her vision. It was often blurry, and she frequently suffered bouts of double vision. She went to several doctors, and numerous specialists, seeking a diagnosis. Eventually one came. Multiple Sclerosis. Abbreviated as MS, multiple sclerosis is ravaging disease affecting the nervous system. MS is caused when the myelin sheaths of nerve axons in the brain and spinal cord are damaged, causing scar tissue to form. The scar tissue hinders neural impulses, thus interfering with commands sent from the brain to motor nerves throughout the body. Eventually, problems with movement and balance develop. The progression of the disease is different for each patient and sometimes leads to an early death, but almost always leads to major disabilities.

Since her diagnosis, my mom’s condition has only worsened. Her double vision went away after a few months and has not returned since, but other complications have risen. Since then, little by little, I have watched my mom lose much of her ability to walk. Today at the age of forty, she walks almost everywhere with a cane. She has been told by her doctor not to drive because of slowed reaction times. Any time we go somewhere where there will be a lot of walking, she uses a wheelchair. Essentially, MS has forced my mom to age at a much greater pace than any human should have to endure. Remarkably though, in these eight years, I have never once heard her complain. Never once has she shown us any sign of self-pity. Instead, she has remained strong, accepting what fate has dealt her. In my parents’ room, she keeps a saying in a picture frame. It reads, “What is, is actual. What might be, simply is not. I must not therefore query God as though he has robbed me of things that are not.” It took me a while to understand exactly what it meant, but once I did I realized that my mom lives her life largely by the quote’s meaning. She realizes that she has MS, and nothing is going to change that, and so she accepts it and keeps going. It takes a special kind of person to do that; I do not think that many people would deal with it as well as my mom has.

Through my mom’s actions, she has taught me that no problem that I could possibly have merits complaint, because, truthfully, nobody cares. Everybody has problems in life, and no amount of complaining will ever change that. If everyone was like my mom I sincerely believe this world would be a better place. Aside from her refusal to complain, I have gained something else from my mom’s attitude. She has taught me the value of our talents and abilities, and that they should be used to their fullest while we possess them. She has inspired me to do my best in everything, and because of that I have been very successful. I love my mom for what she has been through and what she has taught me.

Looking for AP practice?

Kickstart your AP prep with Albert. Start your AP® exam prep today .

Interested in a school license?​

Popular posts.

AP® Score Calculators

Simulate how different MCQ and FRQ scores translate into AP® scores

AP® Review Guides

The ultimate review guides for AP® subjects to help you plan and structure your prep.

Core Subject Review Guides

Review the most important topics in Physics and Algebra 1 .

SAT® Score Calculator

See how scores on each section impacts your overall SAT® score

ACT® Score Calculator

See how scores on each section impacts your overall ACT® score

Grammar Review Hub

Comprehensive review of grammar skills

AP® Posters

Download updated posters summarizing the main topics and structure for each AP® exam.

Writing Supplements

What is new this year about northwestern’s essay requirements, why did you make these changes to your essay requirements.

The changes we’ve made to our essays are designed to help students focus their responses on areas we consider most important to our holistic review: how their personal experiences have shaped various ways they see themselves engaging at Northwestern, and how their vision for college aligns with the resources and community they’ll find here. You may notice we no longer ask our “Why Northwestern” question. This question has always helped us learn these things, but not effectively in every case given how broadly we’ve framed it in the past. So this year we shifted away from the rather generic, “Why our college?” to a set of more specific (and we think more dynamic!) questions—ones we hope can help applicants learn more about Northwestern in the process of helping us better understand who they are, where they come from, and what matters to them. We also made the personal essay optional so students can focus their time on our writing supplements and, where it makes sense to do so, repurpose writing they’ve done for other colleges—including copy/pasting sections of their personal essay—to answer our required questions.

What are the new writing supplement prompts?

You can see our new writing supplements here .

Can I copy/paste sections of my personal essay to answer Northwestern’s new short answer questions?

Yes! We know you are busy—please feel free to repurpose writing you’ve done for other colleges—including copy/pasting sections of your personal essay—to answer our required questions. (We will also understand if there is repeated language between an optional personal essay and your required writing supplements.)

How many of the optional questions should I answer?

You may answer 0–2 optional questions. We do encourage students to answer at least one—again, we designed these questions to help you put your best foot forward in this application in helping us imagine how you see yourself engaging, learning, and/or growing at Northwestern.

Will answering more optional questions give my application an advantage?

No, responding to more optional questions will not carry any extra “weight” in the process. We’ll give equal consideration to students who answer 0, 1, or two optional questions.

Why are your short answers optional for students applying through QuestBridge?

The QuestBridge application contains more required writing samples than the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir application, offering candidates many opportunities to reflect on personal context, experiences, perspectives, background, identity, and their vision for college.

If I choose to submit my personal essay, will you still see it?

Yes! While we no longer require the personal essay with your Common Application or Coalition Application with Scoir, should you choose to submit one we will still be able to review it, just as we can any optional or supplemental application materials. 

• Student Life
• News & Announcements
• Application Requirements
• Tours and Programs
• Cost of Attendance
• Admission Volunteers

Gateways for...

• QuestBridge

We are a dedicated College Partner

Stanford is committed to providing access and opportunity for high achieving, low-income students. Since 2006, we have been a dedicated QuestBridge partner. We are proud of the many outstanding QuestBridge Finalists and College Prep Scholars who are current Stanford students and those who are now Stanford alumni.

How to Apply

Learn about application requirements and the National College Match on Stanford’s QuestBridge College Partner page .

Stanford QuestBridge Supplement

In the supplement, we ask several short questions (limit 50 words each), and because the QuestBridge Application is so comprehensive, we ask just one essay question: Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better. (250-word maximum)

Frequently Asked Questions

If i participate in questbridge, do i need to apply for financial aid from stanford.

Yes; all applicants to Stanford, including those participating in the National College Match, must submit financial aid application documents to Stanford in order to receive a financial aid notification.

If you ranked Stanford in the Match, please submit the CSS Profile and federal tax forms by November 1. Please complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available and submit it no later than February 15. Visit Stanford’s  National College Match Scholarship Package page   and Stanford’s  QuestBridge College Partner page   for more information.

I submitted a QuestBridge Application to Stanford. Do I also need to submit a Common Application?

No; If you submitted a QuestBridge Application to Stanford through the National College Match or QuestBridge Regular Decision, there is no need to submit a Common Application. Your QuestBridge application is your Stanford application.

We will not review an additional application. If you need to provide us with significant updates, you will have an opportunity to do so on your student portal.

I am a QuestBridge Finalist, but I am not participating in the Match. Can I apply to Stanford under Restrictive Early Action?

Yes; however, you must submit a Common Application. Your application fee will be waived when you select the “QuestBridge Finalist” option in the Stanford fee waiver section.

Since the ACT or SAT is not required for Stanford this year, how can I let Stanford know if I want my scores considered?

In your Stanford QuestBridge Supplement there is a question asking whether you would like Stanford to consider ACT or SAT scores in the review of your application.

If you are not able to take the ACT or SAT, your application will not be at a disadvantage. If you have already taken the ACT or SAT, and you feel that your scores are a positive reflection of your academic preparedness, then you are welcome to self-report them. Your application will not be at a disadvantage if you choose not to report your scores.

National College Match

Is stanford’s match binding.

Yes; Stanford’s Match is binding. If you are matched with Stanford, congratulations and welcome! We look forward to having you join our community. As a reminder, under QuestBridge guidelines, Finalists who match to a binding institution through the National College Match are to withdraw their applications from other colleges and universities.

Does Stanford have a maximum number of students they accept through the Match?

No; the Match is a partnership to provide access and opportunity for high achieving, low-income students. Stanford reviews applications holistically and works to create a strong and diverse cohort of Match Finalists. In previous years we have matched anywhere between 65-90 students, the number of matches can vary each year. Stanford’s partnership with QuestBridge is more than just the Match. Many outstanding QuestBridge Finalists and non-Finalists are admitted in Regular Decision.

Will Stanford consider Finalists for the Match if their Parent Contribution (PC) is above $0?

Stanford's financial aid is need-based; therefore, we are focusing our Match efforts on students whose families are determined to have a Parent Contribution (PC) of $0.

However, Stanford is committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students seeking financial aid, including those who apply through Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision. You can estimate your financial aid using Stanford’s Net Price Calculator .

Can I rank Stanford in the Match and apply to other schools through their early action or early decision rounds?

No; similarly, you cannot apply to Stanford under Restrictive Early Action and at the same time apply to other colleges through the Match. Please see QuestBridge's Early Application Policy .

Can I submit an Arts Portfolio if I am applying to Stanford through the Match?

No; the Match timeline does not align with the Arts Portfolio review process.

If I participate in the National College Match will I have the opportunity to participate in an optional alumni interview?

No; the Match timeline does not align with the Alumni Interview schedule.

Stanford admission interviews are optional, assigned randomly according to local alumni availability and can be declined without negatively affecting the application. Finalists who rank Stanford but do not match to a binding college will automatically be considered in Regular Decision and may be offered an interview at that time.

Can I submit an additional letter of recommendation in addition to the letter(s) included in the QuestBridge application?

It is not a requirement or an expectation that students will submit additional letter(s) of recommendation in addition to the two letters we receive with your QuestBridge application.

If you would like to send an additional letter from a school official please have them email it directly to [email protected]

I am an undocumented/DACA student. Can I apply to Stanford through the Match?

Yes; Stanford welcomes applications from undocumented/DACA students through the National College Match. Visit our How Aid Works page for undocumented applicants.

I am an international citizen studying in the U.S. with a visa. Can I apply to Stanford through the Match?

No; Stanford does not review applications from international citizens through the National College Match. We encourage international citizens to apply to Stanford through QuestBridge Regular Decision.

Withdrawing Your Application

How do i withdraw my application from consideration.

To remove Stanford from your rankings for the Match, contact QuestBridge. After the Match, if you would like to withdraw your application from consideration in Regular Decision, log in to your Stanford portal and submit the "Withdraw Application" form.

• Admission Overview
• Holistic Admission
• Admission Statistics

First-Year Applicants

• Requirements and Deadlines
• Regular Decision and Restrictive Early Action
• Academic Preparation
• Application and Essays
• Application Fee/Fee Waiver
• Standardized Testing
• Transcript and Required School Forms
• Arts Portfolio
• Guidelines for Home-Schooled Applicants
• After Submitting Your Application

Transfer Applicants

• Eligibility & Transfer Credit
• Transcripts and College Report
• Letters of Recommendation
• International Applicants

Veterans and ROTC

• Financial Aid and the Yellow Ribbon Program
• Selecting the Appropriate Application Plan
• Key Contacts
• Undocumented Applicants
• Admission Forums, Student Programs, and Special Events
• Virtual Campus Visits
• Discover Stanford
• Stanford Preview and Viewbook
• Join the Mailing List
• University Policies

Engage with Us

Stanford complies with the Jeanne Clery Act and publishes crime statistics for the most recent three-year period. View the full report .

• Stanford Home
• Maps & Directions
• Search Stanford
• Emergency Info
• Terms of Use
• Non-Discrimination
• Accessibility

© Stanford University . Stanford , California 94305 .

• High School Students
• Who Should Apply
• How to Apply
• How it Works
• Regular Decision
• Humanities Award
• Fein Fellows Award
• Preparing for College
• Applying for College
• Paying for College
• College Partners
• Amherst College
• Barnard College
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Bowdoin College
• Brown University
• California Institute of Technology
• Carleton College
• Case Western Reserve University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Colby College
• Colgate University
• College of the Holy Cross
• Colorado College
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Denison University
• Duke University
• Emory University
• Grinnell College
• Hamilton College
• Haverford College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Macalester College
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Middlebury College
• Northwestern University
• Oberlin College
• Pomona College
• Princeton University
• Rice University
• Scripps College
• Skidmore College
• Smith College
• Stanford University
• Swarthmore College
• Tufts University
• University of Chicago
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Southern California
• University of Virginia
• Vanderbilt University
• Vassar College
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Wesleyan University
• Williams College
• Yale University
• Counselor Resources
• Recommender Resources
• Family Resources
• Refer a Student
• Scholars and Alumni
• Campus Chapters
• Opportunities
• Communities
• Graduate School Partners
• Mission & Vision
• Our Partners
• Board of Directors
• Job Opportunities

Recommendations

Applying for College: Timeline | Researching Colleges | Recommendations |  Activities  |  Essays  | Glossary

Strong recommendations can differentiate you among a large pool of applicants. Recommendations from teachers can offer insight into your academic performance and/or personal character. The School Report (counselor recommendation) can provide a sense of how you stand out within your class at school. The earlier you build relationships with your recommenders, the better, as they can be excellent advocates for you on your path to college.

Required Recommendations

For the National College Match application for high school seniors, you will need to obtain two recommendations and one School Report:

Two recommendations from high school teachers in core academic subjects, preferably from your junior year

School Report  from current high school counselor

For the College Prep Scholars Program for high school juniors, you will need to obtain:

One recommendation from a high school teacher in a core academic subject, preferably from your junior or sophomore year

Please note that QuestBridge does not accept additional recommendations. If you are interested in submitting additional letters, please contact colleges directly to determine whether they are willing to accept them. 

Use the criteria below when selecting who to ask for recommendations. If you answer “no” to many of the questions below, consider asking someone else for a recommendation.

Did they teach you recently?

Did they teach you in a core academic subject (English, History/Social Studies, Math, Science, Foreign Language)?

Did you do well in their class, or improve dramatically?

Did they agree to write the letter without hesitation?

Do they know you outside of the classroom?

Can they speak to your personal qualities or strengths?

• Do they have time to finish a letter before the deadline?

When to Ask

Your teachers and counselors will be writing recommendations for other students as well, so provide them with ample time to complete your recommendation. In general, you should ask recommenders at least two to three weeks before the deadline. One month prior or more is preferable.

Asking for a recommendation in-person is always preferable. First, ask if they feel comfortable writing you a strong recommendation. If the answer is no, make sure you have enough time to ask someone else.

It is a good idea to provide your recommenders with a packet of information about yourself, including some combination of the following:

Why you are interested in applying through QuestBridge

A list of colleges to which you are applying

An activities resume

Your transcript

A draft of your college application personal essay

Personal information such as your family situation

“Thank you in advance” note

Following Up

Check back with your recommenders to ensure everything is going well, to see if they have questions, and to give them friendly reminders about deadlines. After the recommendation is submitted, keep your recommenders updated about the results of your college application process. Remember, you may need to ask them for another recommendation at a later time, either for another application or scholarship.

For more tips on identifying recommenders and asking for recommendations, watch our webinar, Three Steps to Secure a Strong Recommendation  and download the  guide to follow along.

Default Modal title

QuestBridge FAQ

Is the national college match binding.

Yes, the National College Match at UChicago is binding.

How and when will I be notified if I match with UChicago?

QuestBridge will notify finalists of their College Match status in early December. We will contact matched students shortly thereafter with additional information.

Will the University of Chicago use my QuestBridge application for consideration for the National College Match?

Yes, we will. In addition, we require students to complete the specific UChicago supplemental questions and essays by November 1. Please refer to our first-year applicant instructions for more information.

Is testing required for QuestBridge students?

UChicago's application is test optional. If you feel that an SAT or ACT score does not fully reflect your academic preparedness or potential, you may apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. If there are other ways you like to demonstrate your  intellectual abilities, you can submit alternative academic work or standardized testing other than the SAT or ACT such as AP, IB, or SAT Subject Test scores or alternative academic submissions.

I would like to take the October ACT or November SAT. Will you consider these scores?

For students applying to UChicago through the National College Match, we will accept ACT and SAT test scores taken during or before the month of October of the year you apply.

How can my counselor submit my transcript?

If you submitted your transcript through QuestBridge, we should have automatically received it already! If you have not submitted your transcript through QuestBridge or have concerns we have not received it, we accept transcripts in two ways: 1) students can self-submit their unofficial transcript, 2) your school can submit your official transcript. Students who are admitted will be required to submit official final transcripts. Alternatively, our fax number is 773.702.0661. For a complete list of submission methods, please visit our Apply page .

Can international students apply to the University of Chicago through the National College Match?

International students who need financial aid may apply through the College Match Program and for Early Action. In our admissions process, we must be need-aware for international candidates. Learn more about financial aid for international students .

I cannot complete the FAFSA application. How can I apply for financial aid at UChicago?

We will ask you to complete the International Student Financial Aid Worksheet. It will be available in your UChicago account once you submit your application. You should complete the form (for us) in your UChicago account but you can preview the form here. To learn more about applying for financial aid as an international student, please visit this page .

My parents are separated or divorced, do you need my non-custodial parent information?

No, we do not require non-custodial parent information.

How can I create a UChicago Account so I can track my admissions materials and submit tax documents quickly and securely?

Please visit https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/getstarted .

If I am not matched with UChicago, can I still apply Early Action?

All QuestBridge finalists who ranked UChicago and did not match with a binding college will automatically receive an Early Action admission decision in mid-December.

If I am admitted to the University of Chicago, but not through the National College Match program, what kind of Financial Aid will I be offered?

The University of Chicago meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students. You may find that your financial aid package is similar to that offered through the College Match, but each case is considered individually. Learn more about financial aid at UChicago .

Undergraduate Admission

Questbridge.

QuestBridge connects the nation's brightest underserved youth with leading institutions of higher education. Brown is delighted to be part of this very successful and worthy program.

Students applying to Brown through QuestBridge can find more information about this process on the QuestBridge website. The following materials are required by November 1 in addition to your QuestBridge application:

• Brown Questionnaire - Once your QuestBridge Application is forwarded to Brown, we will email you with instructions to activate your Brown Applicant Portal. When you activate your portal, you will be asked to complete the Brown Questionnaire and respond to Brown-specific short answer questions.
• CSS/Financial Aid Profile

Please note that you may receive a request from the Office of Financial Aid for additional information. Rest assured that if you do not receive a request, the Office of Financial Aid has enough information to provide an estimated financial aid award at the time of admission. A request for additional information should not be interpreted as an indication of a pending College Match.

Brown is test optional for the 2023-2024 admission cycle:

• Brown is test optional for all applicants in the 2023-2024 admission cycle. Students who choose to share standardized test scores are welcome to do so, and those who do not submit SAT or ACT scores should be assured that they will not be disadvantaged in our admission process.
• If you do have scores you would like to share, you may submit them unofficially by sharing them through your QuestBridge application or uploading them through your Brown Applicant Portal. You may also request official scores from the College Board and/or ACT. Do NOT use the rush reporting service. Students who submit unofficial scores will be asked to submit official scores should they choose to matriculate.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a video introduction:

• Once logged in to your Brown Applicant Portal, you will be given the option to submit a two-minute personal video introduction. The video introduction gives you an opportunity to tell us more about yourself, in your voice, beyond the information you provided in your application. Sharing a video is a helpful way to show us who you are and why you are interested in attending Brown.
• Check out our Video Introduction webpage and  FAQ to learn more about this optional, encouraged component of the admission process.

The QuestBridge Match at Brown is binding:

Students who are admitted to Brown through the QuestBridge Match are committing to attend. If you are admitted to Brown under the Match Program, you must withdraw all applications to other colleges or universities.

First-Year Applicants

International applicants, all application options.

Should I apply through Questbridge or go through the Common App Answered

Hello, so there are multiple colleges I am interested in that are partners with Questbridge. I have a 4.0, 5 APs by the end of senior year, and numerous awards, something that you might see in a typical Questbridge Applicant. However, I recognize that Questbridge is a wonderful opportunity but I am not sure if I am even worthy of being a finalist or should I even apply in the first place and I feel like I would have a better chance of getting into a school through the Common App. Through Questbridge they typically award people who are first-gen and are in a family that makes less than $65,000. I am not first gen and my family makes a little over $65,000 but my parents are divorced so that is where the financial situation gets difficult. However through the Common App, they don't necessarily prioritize first-gen and low income people, they just want to see everything you have to offer. My biggest concern is financial security. Do I go with the route that could possibly give me financial security with a less chance of getting into my dream school or do with the route where I could face financial hardship but have a better chance of getting into the school.

Earn karma by helping others:

Just to be clear for other readers, Questbridge, Common App, and Coalition App are 3 separate ways to apply to college. QB is for high achieving low-income students and you have to apply to the program and get picked as a QB scholar or QB Match finalist in order to participate. The first step is applying to the QB college prep scholars program as a junior, that process is over for 2021. 26% of 15000+ applicants were admitted (down from accepting 30% of 12600 last year.) The next hurdle is the QB Match finalists. Last year 18500 applied and 6775 (37%) made it. This year I'm guessing 21000 will apply and they will admit 32% into the program since the QBSP got 2500 more applicants. If you are a finalist you can rank up to 10 QB partner schools so essentially apply early decision to 10 schools. More than ever in this hyper-competitive environment that gives high-achieving low-income students a huge advantage. And it helps partner colleges get their DEI quotas done with in the early round.

https://www.questbridge.org/college-partners

It's not a perfect system because a.) it's only 45 out of the top 100 schools. 2.) if you match, you are absolutely bound to that school, 3.) the application is just a long and complicated as the common or coalition app. (you still have to fill out your FAFSA, CSS profiles etc) 4. It's not scholarship from QB. QB gets paid X $$$$ per student they place into a partner school and the college awards you the scholarship (either 4 x 1-year scholarships (IVYs) you have to re-apply for each year or a 4-year full ride) So you are planning to apply to Ivys or Elites anyway and feel you have a great shot of getting in, it might not be the best path because Harvard, Cornell, JHU, NYU, Harvey Mudd and others are not part QB. Also, YALE and STANFORD only allow you to apply ED through QB, not SCREA so if you get matched to Yale or Stanford through QB, you absolutely have to go. I imagine MIT will go that route as well this cycle.

To answer the questions.

1.) Both the common and coalition app have financial questions like will you be applying for a fee waiver so there is no way around them knowing you are low income or not. Also, all the schools require a FAFSA and or a CSS profile. So all 3 paths require you to be 100% transparent about your family income and assets.

2.) QB doesn't give you financial security because only 7.9% (2020) were matched with full rides. Full-ride doesn't mean free. You still have to do work-study and if your EFC on your FAFSA says your contribution is $5000 you pay that as well. And there is most likely a student contribution. So no matter what you are on the hook for $5-10K. Pretty much the same deal if you apply directly through the common app or coalition app. Also, many schools have a renewal policy so you have to re-apply for Financial Aid your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year as well.

3.) QB uses a holistic evaluation process so all the requirements are guidelines. If your family income is 80,000 but there are 5 kids and 2 are in college, well that will be taken into consideration. But if your family income is 65K because you live with 1 divorced parent but your dad has his new family and he makes say 110K, well you are not going to qualify because he is still on the hook to pay for your college until you are 21 in most instances whether or not he lives with you. And if you are not the first generation that's okay to 24% of successful QB finalists are not first Gen.

If you are first-gen, the 2 best paths are QB and Coalition App.

Both give you fee waivers to all the partner schools automatically.

So if you match 10 QB schools that save you like $750.00. But coalition does one better, after you fill out the fee waiver on Coalition, you get fee waivers on all 140 schools. On the common app, you have to request a fee waiver one at a time which is time-consuming.

The coalition app also has a locker feature that allows you to upload videos, PDF files, and other media, including links. So if you are applying to Harvard on Coalition you have many more tools at your disposal, not just essays and recommendations. You can give Harvard access to all your locker contents.

If you decided to apply to Questbridge and are chosen as a finalist you will be given the choice of a.) Ranking up to 10 ED colleges from the list of 45, b.) or Forgoing ranking and just applying RD later either using the Questbridge App or Common App but not the Coalition App since QB and Coalition are not integrated. If you do not wish to rank you have the option of applying to any other college like Harvard, JHU or Cornell Early Decision through the Common or Coaltion app. If you are accepted ED into a non-QB school, you must rescind your QB application. In addition, you can choose to apply to Stanford, or Yale, or MIT using their SCREA application which is different than applying through QB, since I believe all 3 will be ED status during the next application cycle.

Exceptions to the QuestBridge Early Application Policy

Students may apply to any college or university that requires an early application for eligibility to special scholarships or programs, as long as the admissions decision is non-binding.

Students may apply to their home-state public college or university with a non-binding early application option, as long as applying to QuestBridge does not violate that college's policies.

Students may apply to any college or university with a non-binding rolling admission process.

JUST TO CLARIFY, the only reason someone who is a QB finalist would use either the Common or Coalition app is for early decisions or SCREA if they are not themselves going to take advantage of the ranking opportunity.

Hope that helps.

Hi, thank you for asking your question. @CameronBameron has provided a detailed and thorough response that was terrific! They provided a link to clarify details as well as statistics for you to asses where you are in relation to other QuestBridge scholarship applicants.

First thing you have to do is to get accepted into the program and I’d encourage filling it out as if you get in great if you don’t it’s just time that’s wasted. You’d regret what you don’t do rather than what you do do. However don’t pin your hopes solely to QB and definitely fill out the CA and use it if you don’t get in and to schools that don’t accept QB.

However I do want to note taht CA or QB is better inherently as one is like Colaution v Common where it’s just different except the QB best demonstrates financial diffucultly. However if you get accepted to let’s say Harvard that meets full need you’d get that regardless of application.

Hope this helps and feel free to comment if you’s like clarification as I’d be more than happy to help!

Wait so you can apply to a school both through Questbridge and through the Common App? and what is Coluation?

Coalition is an alternative application that is ever so slightly different from Common app. There’s no advantage to using Common compared to Colaition or vice versa. But they are different as colaition allows for more documents to be submitted has different essay prompts and has 8 EC slots.

You should only apply to a school once but yes some schools accept both.

Definitely apply to both the common app and questbridge, most QB finalists/applicants apply to both.

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, community guidelines.

To keep this community safe and supportive:

• Be kind and respectful!
• Keep posts relevant to college admissions and high school.
• Don’t ask “chance-me” questions. Use CollegeVine’s chancing instead!

How karma works