Discover the transformative power of QuestBridge’s National College Match with insights from Dr. Christian Martell, the Director of Student Recruitment at QuestBridge. This unique college admissions and scholarship application process is tailored for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds, offering waived application fees, guaranteed scholarships, and personalized support to connect them with top institutions like Duke, Rice, and Princeton. Learn how to refer a deserving student today and help them take a bold step toward achieving their academic dreams!

“I jumped, screamed, and sobbed into my friends’ arms, just thinking about how my life was about to change forever. … QuestBridge has opened doors I never thought possible to enter. It has given me the opportunity to study what I love at an amazing institution and the confidence that I will succeed in my future endeavors.” – Andrea M., Mckinney, TX, Case Western Reserve University ‘28

At QuestBridge, we firmly believe that every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their financial background. For over 30 years, we have empowered over 100,000 students through our comprehensive programs. Our partnerships with some of the nation’s top colleges, including Duke, Rice, and Princeton, reinforce our commitment. Texas routinely is in our top five states for the number of students admitted to our college partners through the National College Match.

The National College Match: Opening Doors to Top Colleges
The National College Match, our flagship program, serves as a unique college admissions and scholarship application process. This program is designed to support high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds, offering a pathway to some of the country’s most selective institutions. Here’s how it works:

• Waived Application Fees: Finalists selected by QuestBridge for the National College Match enjoy waived application fees at our more than 50 college partners.
• Guaranteed Scholarships: Finalists who choose to rank schools can be “Matched” to a college, resulting in early admission with a full, four-year, guaranteed scholarship.
• Generous Financial Aid: Many students receive generous financial aid packages through QuestBridge Regular Decision or other admission rounds, even if they are not matched in early December or choose not to rank colleges.

Benefits of the National College Match
The National College Match offers a host of benefits designed to support and elevate students:

• Early Admission Consideration: Students can apply for early admission at up to 15 college partners simultaneously.
• Full Four-Year Scholarship: Matched students receive a full scholarship with no loans or parent contribution.
• Tailored Application Process: The application is crafted to highlight each student’s unique story and achievements.
• Personalized Support: Students receive guidance throughout the college application process.
• Distinction: Being selected as a Finalist distinguishes students as competitive candidates for selective college admissions.
• Multiple Admission Opportunities: Students have various paths to admission and financial support.
• Long-Term Benefits and Networking: Finalists who attend a college partner gain access to programs for our Scholars and Alumni.

Refer a Student
The free, online application for the National College Match opens in late July/early August and closes in late September. While referrals are not required, students are more likely to apply if they are encouraged by trusted educators who recognize their potential. We invite you to refer students who meet our academic and financial criteria. All students attending a U.S. high school, regardless of citizenship status, are eligible to apply.

Encouraging students to apply through QuestBridge can create a ripple effect within your school and community. Seeing their peers gain admission to selective colleges with full scholarships can inspire other students to aim high and pursue their dreams.

Tips for High School Seniors
For high school seniors considering the National College Match, starting early and allowing ample time for completing the application is crucial. The process can be intricate, involving multiple steps such as gathering transcripts, writing essays, and securing letters of recommendation. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Stay Organized: Dedicate specific weekly time slots to work on your application and essays to stay accountable. Remind your recommenders of their part and don’t forget your QuestBridge ID in case you need to reach out to us for additional support.
• Present Your Best Self: Aim to submit not just an application, but the best version of yourself to admissions committees so they see what you will contribute to their campus.
• Reflect Deeply: Your essays and short answers should provide a genuine sense of who you are. Reflect on your experiences, motivations, and achievements to create compelling narratives.
• Utilize Our Resources: Find answers to our most frequent questions on our help portal, review our Resource Library, or email us for direct support.
• Research Thoroughly: When considering college partners for your rankings, go beyond the schools you already know. All of our partners offer generous financial aid and support to students like you, so explore other aspects like academic opportunities, size, location, and community.
• Be the Driver of Your Journey: This is your college experience. Consider what experiences you want, the community you wish to be part of, and the subjects you are passionate about. Make informed decisions that align with your aspirations.

At QuestBridge, we are dedicated to helping you navigate your path to higher education and beyond. Dream big and start your application today! Deadline to apply is September 26th, 2024.

Author

Christian A. Martell is the Director of Student Recruitment at QuestBridge, where she leads the High School Outreach team in providing education, outreach, and support to high-achieving, high school students from low-income backgrounds. In her role, she oversees applicant recruitment and retention for QuestBridge’s flagship program, the National College Match, as well as the College Prep Scholars Program. Dr. Martell is a Brown University alumna and holds an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Miami. She received her Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education, where her research focused on the organizational processes that help or hinder college access and success for historically marginalized students. She and her husband Wayne live in Houston, Texas along with their basenji pup, Cairo.