<p>You should definitely apply to Questbridge–there are advantages and there is nothing to lose, at the least it is a quality award to put on your resume. For Jr year, the College Prep Scholarship application is opening this month. You can get a paid for summer college experience, mentoring, conferences and other support. For the Questbridge Scholars Program applications open August of your Sr year. If you are a finalist it is an award for your application. If you choose, you can do college match which will give you a paid 4 year scholarship with no family contribution and no loans. Otherwise most, but not all, colleges will include loans in your package. Your student loans could total 27,000 so I’d say that there is a possible financial advantage. It is also like getting to applying ED up to 8 colleges instead of just one, if you are willing to match. There is more to delve into, but you might check out the Questbridge sub-forum under the Financial Aid forum.</p>
<p>To learn about premed track schools and other considerations, browse the forums for that, there is already extensive discussion. </p>
<p>You have qualifications for top schools, but they are always very difficult in terms of admissions. So you need your affordable safeties and match schools so you will have choices. But UC’s can be that for you if you apply widely.</p>