College is one of the most expensive investments that people will encounter in their lifetimes.  Expensive to the point where many just don’t go because they are not in the financial position to do so. But what if there were programs out there that could potentially help pay for college, especially if applicants come from a low income background and have a phenomenal display of academic excellence. Such programs do exist, one of which is Questbridge.

Questbridge offers enormous amounts of financial aid based on both need and merit. Its most prestigious award is the College Match Scholarship. This opportunity begins with students being given the chance to select up to ten universities such as: Stanford, Northwestern, Brown, Yale, Dartmouth, etc. in a process called ranking. After a significant winnowing process, if any of the selected schools match with the applicants, the institutions will offer those prospective students a full ride. Keep in mind that some of these school’s decisions are binding, so if an applicant gets matched to a college they must attend that institution.

The College Match Scholarship is only available to Questbridge finalists. The process to become a finalist is long but worth it. Shania Santana ‘17, who got matched to Stanford University, said “I spent more than two years on this one program and I would not spend them any other way.” This process begins during sophomore year when one can apply to become a Questbridge scholar. With this accomplished, during junior year students can apply to become a finalist. If and when one becomes a finalist the College Match Application will be available. Numerous essays will be have to be written, as well as obtaining many letters of recommendation from students’ favorite teachers. Even if people do not match, they still have the chance to get into those colleges through Questbridge regular decision. All in all, students have two opportunities to get into the schools of their dreams.

According to Greg VonMoser, one of the counselors at Whitney Young, “I know a couple of students who got matched and I would recommend it to students who want to put in the work because it does pay off your senior year.” Questbridge is an opportunity like no other that only comes once in a lifetime. Here at Whitney, students got admitted to Stanford, Notre Dame, and Colombia. Kianna Hobbs ’17 is one such recipient, who a full ride to the University of Chicago. When asked about Questbridge, she said “…it wasn’t not something to was planning on doing, but thank God that I did.”

Take it from Juan Soto ‘17, “I wish that I would have known about this program. I would have definitely applied.” It is important for students to be informed and look out for programs such as Questbridge that can help them get a head start for college while offering the opportunity for full rides. Apply today!