Do i even have a chance of getting into Questbridge?

Paying for College
1

I did not hear nor know anything about Questbridge until June of my junior year when one of my senior friend talked to me about it. After listening to her experience, I decided that this program is something that I really want to strive for. What are my chances for Questbridge?

I am an Asian American student. My family’s income is around 30-35k yearly. I am graduating 2016.

My GPA is a 4.21 and my class rank is number 2. I have always been in the top 5% of my class consistently every year.

I take as many rigorous classes as I possibly could. The town I live in is very poor and the school does not get much finances. My school only provide 5 AP courses and a few college base classes. I took all my required advance classes since freshman year, and I have taken one AP course. In my senior year, after taking all of my required classes, I am eligible to take 2 more AP class and 2 college based courses.

I am very active in and outside of school.
-I play sports year round; cross country in the fall, track in the winter, and varsity tennis in the spring.
-I am in various clubs in the school
-I got inducted into the NHS in the spring of my junior year

  • I am a student tutor in my school
    -I am also a peer leader

Volunteering in the community is something I spend a lot of time on. Some of my clubs such as LMTI (Linsey Meyer’s Teen Insitute) and EPIC (Empower Peers and Inspire Change) volunteer consistently in the community. I also help coach the girl’s tennis team in my school which also gave me numerous hours. In total, I have about 250+ hours.

My main concern for this program is my low SAT scores. I only took the test once, and I got a measly 1550. My next SAT is in October. I never took the ACT yet, but I also plan to take it in October. I am not a big test taker, but I consider myself a hard worker that gets things done. The reason why I am so late with my scores is that i did not know about this program until recently. I am not sure if I can summit my later scores because the deadline is in September.

Some personal info: My parents came to America as immigrants, and they work hard everyday never taking a day off. My family owns a small family restaurant, and the responsibility that comes with it is huge. They don’t make much money and they work like slaves. The biggest reason why I am trying out for this program is that i don’t want to place my family in huge debt for colleges and other necessities. I want to relieve my family of some stress, and I also want to get into a good college suitable for me.

What are my chances? Will my low SAT scores come and haunt me? Any response will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

2

Spend any summer free time on SAT and or ACT prep.

Assuming that is 1550/2400?

3

^I think you should apply See QuestBridge | National College Match: Who Should Apply

4

Yeah, i got 1550/2400. This summer I am going to study very hard and hoping to reach the 2k + on SATs and 30+ for ACTs.

5

Thank you very much

6

Please visit the Questbridge section of the site to talk with other students applying and you can compare to current and past applicants. The QB people don’t release detailed explanation of the selection process in which students get named finalists you don’t get ‘in’.) but all of the schools that are partner school are reach schools for someone with those average scores. You can check the Questbridge site but I’m pretty sure later scores cannot be considered as finalists are named before you will take another test.

So you have to figure out if it is worth it for you to fill out the long and detailed application which has many essays and short answers. In your case I believe it is better for you to focus on improving scores and getting ready for your regular applications, preparing your essays etc. You can still apply to Questbridge partner schools. QB is just a way to bring the schools to your attention and you to their attention. Students who have 1550 test score are not going to get accepted to Stanford even if you are a Finalist (and I know a finalist rejected with 2350/800/800/800 last year.)

Finalist gives you an award to list, it doesn’t make you magically different. You still have your own story and how you have been able to succeed even though you do not have all the advantages. But you have to look at schools that accept 1550 SAT. Even questbridge finalists still apply to partner and other schools as usual even if you are a Finalist, if you don’t get ‘matched’ and only about 5 pct of finalists do.

You could spend energy on getting a good list of schools for you. I think there are some very good schools that give a lot of aid that are test optional where your class rank and other accomplishments will be good enough for them. I’m thinking of Bowdoin, Bard, Mt. Holyoke, Pitzer, any here you would be qualified for
http://www.fairtest.org/sites/default/files/Optional-Schools-in-U.S.News-Top-Tiers.pdf

And if you improve SAT then you can add schools.

7

I would say apply. Try to do at least one practice test every week this summer to get ready. Get into the 2000s and QB can help you!

8

I’d say you definitely have a chance if you raise your test score above a 2000. :slight_smile: Good luck!

9

I know plenty of questies with sub-2000 scores. A score of over 1800 would help, though.

10

It looks like you can use October tests scores for the match if you are selected as a finalist. Please apply if you like, just don’t think it is the only chance you have. Please give serious consideration to the test optional school who may meet need. I forgot to give the link to the QB forum here:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/questbridge-programs/

Please Read: Important Information Regarding the Timing of Test Scores

QuestBridge will accept any test scores that you receive prior to the College Match deadline.

If you expect to receive scores after the deadline, list your testing date(s) in the "Testing" section of the application, leaving the score fields blank.

If you are a Finalist and want to have your new test scores considered for the College Match by the colleges you have ranked, request that the College Board and/or ACT send your scores directly to those colleges. 

If you plan to rank a college for the College Match and cannot meet their testing requirements by November 1, we recommend that you contact the individual colleges in question and ask whether they will review your application for the College Match without all of the required tests.

For the majority of colleges, scores from October test administrations are the latest ones they will consider for the College Match.