QuestBridge questions

College Search & Selection
1

So I’m considering apply for QuestBridge but I have a few questions.

I’m a low income student. And originally I was going to apply early action to the following colleges:
MIT
Boston College
Georgetown University
UMass Amherst
UChicago
Babson College

Now I’m looking into QuestBridge and I’m considering only applying to the non-binding schools (Yale, Princeton, MIT, Stanford + is Columbia non-binding as well?) since I’m not good at committing :((

I’m just wondering if I should stick with my early action colleges or if I should go for the QuestBridge ones since the early actions ones, I have a higher chance of getting into since they’re not AS selective as the QuestBridge ones I’m applying too. I just don’t want to regret on the fact that I wasn’t able to apply to those not as selective colleges through early action…

Also, the regular decision for UC schools is Nov 30 I think. The QuestBridge policy is that you can’t apply early to other schools, but can you still apply to uc schools if you’re a finalist?

And can you ever back out from being a finalist?

My last question is that: if you’re matched to one of those non binding schools, I know you’re not obligated to attend, but does that mean you can also do regular decisions for other colleges and wait for the results for the regulars? And if you don’t like the results of the regular, can you still go back to your QuestBridge match before spring? I’m just confused.

Thanks and sorry for all the questions

2

I had a talk with my parents. They said how they can pay for my college tuition, but I still want to make everything easier for them because tuition is high. But at the same time, I want to go to a college I like but the thing is that I don’t have a College I can commit too. I like to look at all my options :(((
I feel bad for being all complicated honestly lol

3

There’s a whole Questbridge forum here on cc.

All your questions have been already answered or can be answered for you.

If you are the high quality applicant you appear to be only UMass in state and babson are safety like but still selective.

And many of the schools you list meet full need.

But my strong suggestion is to use the npc for each school on your original list. Put in the honest numbers and financial facts that represents your family’s situation. It will give you a very realistic view of things for you.

Then take that info to your parents. If you are truly Questbridge eligible these will be manageable figures.

Questbridge in my reading about it is that it is a comprehensive program. With resources for its scholars in the process and it opens doors for you that would be closed in a direct admit process.

I think you have determine if you are eligible. See if you are competitive. And then learn about the process of applying in and out of the program.