Is QuestBridge binding schools same as the EA?

<p>I applied and ranked some colleges through QuestBridge. I understand that I have to go to one of these schools if I get accepted. But what happens if I can't get in? For example, I really want to go to Columbia, so ranked Columbia as one of my choice school. However, I took my SAT and ACT last year and the scores aren't as ideal as I wanted to be. So, I have no plan of doing EA whatsoever.
Then, QuestBridge gave me the offer to apply to these colleges for free during August. So, I was thinking why not? Then, I filled out all the paperwork and submitted everything I need. But I didn't realize that QB binding is equivalent of EA through Common App.
Now, here comes the problem. What happens if I get rejected by Columbia through QB binding (It's very likely to happen with the SAT/ACT scores I have from last year)? Will I be able to apply through Common App again for the Columbia regular decision? I know that you can't apply to the same school if you get rejected for EA through Common App. But I'm not sure about the QB. So, let's assume that I get rejected by Columbia through QB, will I be able to apply it again using Common App for the regular decision?
Also, I haven't submit my match agreement form yet even though the deadline has past. I'm pretty sure that I can still submit it now (my counselor sent in the school profile after the deadline last time and it works perfectly fine). If I can't apply to Columbia for regular admission, I think there is really no point of submitting the form and QB will automatically reject me from being a finalist.
I'll really appreciate it if anyone would like to answer my question!</p>

<p>Anyone have any idea?</p>

<p>1) you should post QB questions on the QB section of CC which is under financial aid
2) your question is answered in at least a dozen places on the QB website which you should have read when you were applying through QB National College Match. Even a google search would have found you an answer probably.
3) there is no such thing as getting “rejected” through QB NCM. If you are not matched with a school, it is not a rejection, your application is simply deferred to the next round of decisions. In some cases, the LAC or Uni will automatically consider you in their regular decision round (and, in fact, you need to email them to have your app taken out if you are no longer interested in that school) and you can also email them if you want to enter their ED2 pool. This is one of the great benefits of applying through QB - you can apply early to 8 schools with no chance of rejection and all acceptances come with an automatic 4 year full ride.
4) I am virtually certain that if you did not sign the Match agreement by the deadline, you cannot submit it now. First of all, why would you think that there is a deadline if it doesn’t matter? Secondly, the deadline was October 14, and you haven’t even contacted QB yet? You will not be penalized or held accountable for teachers or counselors late submissions but when it’s your deadline, you do need to meet it. Finalist decisions come out on Tuesday 10/22 so it doesn’t seem likely that QB will accept your rankings now, but you can contact them and see…maybe they will work with you.
If you find out on Tuesday that you are a finalist you can still use that status for fee waivers to all QB colleges and you can list it on your CA as national award. </p>

<p>Pay attention to deadlines from now on so you don’t miss any more opportunities! (If you think I’m being a little harsh with you, I am. Consider this as coming from a mom with love and sternness!)</p>