QuestBridge is a prestigious college access program that connects high-achieving, low-income students with some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. The program offers a full scholarship to its participants, which covers the full cost of tuition, room, and board for four years.
To be eligible for the QuestBridge scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a high school senior
- Be a legal resident of the United States
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (unweighted)
- Have a household income at or below the national poverty level
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be enrolled in a college preparatory program
- Be active in extracurricular activities
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Have a strong academic record
- Be motivated and determined to succeed
In addition to the above requirements, QuestBridge also looks for students who are passionate about giving back to their communities and who have the potential to make a difference in the world.
How to Apply for the QuestBridge Scholarship
The QuestBridge scholarship application is a two-part process. The first part is the National College Match application, which is due on October 15th. The second part is the College Match Scholarship application, which is due on December 1st.
The National College Match application is a common application that is used by all students who are applying to QuestBridge. The application includes questions about your academic record, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience. You will also need to submit a personal statement and two letters of recommendation.
The College Match Scholarship application is a more detailed application that is used by students who have been matched with a QuestBridge college. The application includes questions about your financial need, your goals for college, and your plans for the future. You will also need to submit transcripts from all of your high schools and colleges.
What Are the Benefits of the QuestBridge Scholarship?
The QuestBridge scholarship provides a full scholarship to its participants, which covers the full cost of tuition, room, and board for four years. In addition to the financial benefits, the QuestBridge scholarship also provides its participants with a number of other benefits, including:
- Access to a network of mentors and advisors
- Opportunities to participate in leadership development programs
- A sense of community with other QuestBridge scholars
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting the QuestBridge Scholarship
There are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of getting the QuestBridge scholarship, including:
- Start the application process early. The QuestBridge scholarship is a competitive program, so it is important to start the application process as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to gather the necessary materials and to write a strong application.
- Get good grades. Your academic record is one of the most important factors in the QuestBridge scholarship selection process. Make sure to get good grades in all of your classes, and especially in your core academic subjects.
- Take challenging courses. Taking challenging courses shows that you are willing to work hard and that you are capable of handling college-level work.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities show that you are well-rounded and that you are passionate about giving back to your community.
- Demonstrate leadership potential. Leadership potential is another important factor in the QuestBridge scholarship selection process. Show that you are a leader by taking on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities and in your community.
- Write a strong personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to tell the QuestBridge scholarship committee about your goals, your dreams, and your aspirations. Make sure to write a strong personal statement that will make you stand out from the other applicants.
- Get good letters of recommendation. Your letters of recommendation should come from people who know you well and who can attest to your academic ability, your character, and your leadership potential.
- Be yourself. The QuestBridge scholarship committee is looking for students who are genuine and who are passionate about making a difference in the world. Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the QuestBridge Scholarship
There are a number of common mistakes that students make when applying for the QuestBridge scholarship. Avoid these mistakes to increase your chances of getting the scholarship:
- Starting the application process late. The QuestBridge scholarship is a competitive program, so it is important to start the application process as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to gather the necessary materials and to write a strong application.
- Not getting good grades. Your academic record is one of the most important factors in the QuestBridge scholarship selection process. Make sure to get good grades in all of your classes, and especially in your core academic subjects.
- Not taking challenging courses. Taking challenging courses shows that you are willing to work hard and that you are capable of handling college-level work.
- Not getting involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities show that you are well-rounded and that you are passionate about giving back to your community.
- Not demonstrating leadership potential. Leadership potential is another important factor in the QuestBridge scholarship selection process. Show that you are a leader by taking on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities and in your community.
- Writing a weak personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to tell the QuestBridge scholarship committee about your goals, your dreams, and your aspirations. Make sure to write a strong personal statement that will make you stand out from the other applicants.
- Getting bad letters of recommendation. Your letters of recommendation should come from people who know you well and who can attest to your academic ability, your character, and your leadership potential.
- Not being yourself. The QuestBridge scholarship committee is looking for students who are genuine and who are passionate about making a difference in the world. Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your application.
Application Timeline
The QuestBridge scholarship application has two deadlines:
- October 15th: National College Match application deadline
- December 1st: College Match Scholarship application deadline
It is important to submit your application by both of these deadlines to be considered for the scholarship.
Additional Resources
The following resources can provide you with additional information about the QuestBridge scholarship:
