<p>I'm not talking about being matched, but being a finalist in October. I am confident about everything in my background except my ACT score. I got a 26 on it in March. I am planning to take the ACT in September and aim to do a lot better since I got the Kaplan Test Prep Course through College Prep Scholarship. However, I can't send that score to be a finalist because it would be too late. I would send it if I was made into a finalist and considered for matching. Supposing that everything else is "finalist material" (like essays, background, extracurriculars, GPA, and AP/IB test scores) do you think that they will look too much at the low ACT score?</p>
<p>I just got back an IB score…I got a 5 
</p>
<p>And a 4 in AP Psych</p>
<p>A finalist is someone who Questbridge believes colleges will be interested in. A 26 is going to be rejected by most colleges in a regular decision round, so Questbridge might reject you as a finalist because they believe you have low match potential. </p>
<p>Even if I have the potential of doing a lot better the second time?</p>
<p>You should absolutely apply. Last year a student was matched with Stanford (yes matched) with an ACT score lower than 26 - not much lower but…the whole point of Questbridge is to maximize the holistic assessment of applicants. If everything else in your profile is on target, go for it.</p>
<p>Don’t listen to Iforalaska. Students with relatively low test scores can get matched to a variety of schools. My tour guide at the College Prep Conference at Stanford last year did poorly on her ACT and she was matched to Pomona.</p>
<p>How low was it? Around 26? Also, the schools I’ll be ranking are nonbinding, like Princeton and Yale. Since those are ivy-league, will it be less likely to get matched or will I have the same chance as if I would rank a non ivy-league like Pomona?</p>
<p>Also, I received an email that said I was preselected by Questbridge as part of a group of students that have high qualifications to get matched. Should I get my hopes up because of this email or no?</p>
<p>She didn’t tell me her score, but it was probably around yours. I doubt it was anything above 30. </p>
<p>As far as your rank choices, I’m not sure. They don’t release individual statistics for Questbridge schools, but all of QB’s partners usually have student bodies with high test scores. That being said, they’re really empathetic about your situation. If you have to work long hours or live in difficult circumstances, they can understand if your test scores are low. I would still apply to the schools you like, even if they are Ivy Leagues. I would also look into some of the liberal arts colleges and rank some of them to round out your match list. </p>
<p>Also, for the Ivies and large Universities, keep in mind that they usually accept the most Questbridge participants. This does mean that more people rank these schools, but you still have a shot at getting matched/accepted. </p>
<p>I had a few questions about the “pre-selected” email as well. I got it as well, but I’m not exactly sure what it means. Still, it’s a good excuse to stay positive! Keep a good attitude, and good things are bound to happen. </p>
<p>Good luck with your applications! I’m sure you’ll end up somewhere great. </p>
<p>P.S. I’m applying to Yale too! What part of the country are you from? </p>
<p>bilbo, don’t waste time second guessing the process and trying to predict odds - just work hard on your application (and keep your grades up) and take it one step at a time. Questbridge rewards students like you so take it at face value and keep your focus on what it in front of you. </p>
<p>Rathination, thanks for the help. I’m from North Carolina</p>
<p>And honeybee63, thank you too. I just have the fear of not getting into a good college that will cover all my costs. </p>