What is QuestBridge?

Contents

1. College Prep Scholars Program
2. National College Match Program
3. How the Application Process Works
4. Is QuestBridge Worth It?

If you’re a student who:

• Takes the most challenging classes at your school
• Earns mostly A’s
• Is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (even if living abroad)
• Enjoys writing and learning
• Comes from a household earning around $65,000 or less (for a family of four)

…then QuestBridge could be a game-changing opportunity for you.

Founded in 1994, QuestBridge is a national scholarship program that links high-achieving high school juniors and seniors from low-income backgrounds with top colleges. While only juniors and seniors can apply, learning about it early gives you time to prepare and put your best foot forward.

QuestBridge has two main programs:

1. The College Prep Scholars Program (for juniors)
2. The National College Match (for seniors)

College Prep Scholars Program

This program is for high school juniors who meet QuestBridge’s academic and financial requirements. The deadline usually lands in March of junior year, and selected students get access to amazing perks: full scholarships to summer college programs, Quest for Excellence Awards, and invites to exclusive admissions conferences hosted by top colleges.

Fun fact: QuestBridge actually began as a summer program. A group of high-achieving, low-income students spent five weeks at Stanford University, experiencing college-level learning in a relaxed, no-grades setting. That pilot program was so successful that it grew into the full QuestBridge initiative we know today.

As a counselor, I often nominate juniors for this program. But here’s something key to remember: Your counselor might not know your family’s financial situation. If you think you qualify, talk to them and apply. The application is detailed and requires planning, but the rewards can open major doors.

National College Match Program

This is the program most people think of when they hear “QuestBridge.” If you’re “matched” with one of QuestBridge’s 45 partner schools, you’ll receive a scholarship covering nearly everything—tuition, housing, meals, travel, and other expenses. The total value? Over $325,000 for four years.

But the benefits don’t stop there. QuestBridge provides support throughout college and beyond, including:

• Campus chapters and mentorship
• An annual conference called QB Convene
• Alumni support and reunions
• A grad school match program for advanced degrees

So it’s not just a scholarship—it’s a lifelong community.

If you’re interested in QuestBridge schools, you might also want to research colleges that meet full financial need or have need-blind admissions.

How the Application Process Works

College Prep Scholars Program (Junior Year)

The application takes effort but is totally doable. You’ll need:

• Academic, extracurricular, and household details
• A writing section
• One teacher recommendation (from a core subject)
• Your high school transcript (unofficial is fine)
• Any test scores you’ve taken (PSAT, Pre-ACT, AP, SAT, ACT)
• A school profile (ask your counselor)

The application opens in February and closes in March, with decisions announced in late April.

If you’re applying as a junior, you might also want to start thinking ahead—like how to build a balanced college list or begin your scholarship search.

National College Match Program (Senior Year)

The senior-year application includes everything from the junior-year process, plus:

• Two teacher recommendations (core subjects)
• A school report (submitted by your counselor)
• Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or English proficiency exams if applicable)

Timeline Overview:

• Start your application in late summer before senior year
• Submit everything by the late September deadline
• Complete your College Rank form (rank up to 15 colleges)
• Finalists are announced in October
• Finalists submit final materials by November 1
• Match decisions come out in early December

Not sure what to ask teachers or counselors for? You’ll need strong recommendation letters.

If you don’t match, you can still apply to partner schools through QuestBridge Regular Decision. Colleges recognize the strength of QuestBridge applicants, and the process includes fee waivers.

Is QuestBridge Worth It?

Absolutely.

If you match and get a full scholarship to a QuestBridge partner school, your effort was 100% worth it.

But even if you don’t match, the process is still valuable. The QuestBridge Regular Decision Application gives you an edge in the admissions cycle, including fee waivers. Plus, going through the application prepares you for other senior-year tasks—like scholarship applications and non-QuestBridge college applications.

Next Step: Whether you’re applying through QuestBridge or exploring other options, Appily has tools to help you stay organized, track deadlines, and build a college list that fits your goals and budget. With a free account, you can:

• Compare colleges & build a list
• Use our college acceptance calculator
• Find scholarships
• Stay on top of deadlines

Click the button below to make college planning easier!