QuestBridge...should've done thru QuestBridge?

Applying to College
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Hello, everybody!

Maybe a little too late to ask this, but any insights are appreciated. I just learned about the QuestBridge, and oh boy…should’ve gone thru that program.
So, I am a single professional mother of 2 HS exceptional students. My boys are the first generation of Americans (I am a citizen now myself, but immigrated and got political Asylum–it’s probably not relevant). One of my son’s stats are 4.59 W GPA, mostly AP hard classes (Government and Politics), SAT of 1420, community work hours, Math and Chemistry Olimpiad winner in our state and region, rank 17/465, very strong essay statement!

My salary is up to 60K/year. So, we applied to one of the top schools (Princeton), and local private Universities. Of course, I filled up all the possible FA, State, Merit, CSS applications…

And…ta-da! Got rejected from Princeton, put on WL on 3 other schools (Lehigh, Lafayette and Villanova). Yes, my S decided to stay close by, because we have no one in this country, just three of us and a dog :-))) Hahaha. Honestly, those schools are not that exceptionally selective, and I am sure my S meets all the requirements.

We got accepted to one of the safest school with Full Presidential scholarship and Honor’s Grants (they so want him!!!) And I am so PROUD of Him!!! We haven’t committed there yet…Since LU is our top choice.

But, here is the thing now…If only we knew about the QuestBridge program, would’ve we had a better or more chance? Is it too late now? I mean, should he attend the school he got accepted for one year and then do it thru QB program? Or, just forget about it? :-)))))

Again, thank you all! Good luck and Congratulations to those who got admitted!!!

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As far as I know, Questbridge is one and done- they don’t have a transfer program. I’m sorry you didn’t learn about it until too late! My daughter went through Questbridge and I do believe it made a difference for her.

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QuestBridge National College Match is only for high school seniors. If he’s already been through the college process, then he’s not eligible. IF the son you’re talking about is the older sibling, then his brother may consider QuestBridge in the future. But do be warned - he still MUST consider applying to other schools. QB is not a guarantee. He must also apply to scholarships. Despite what QB says, you should still be prepared to apply for other smaller scholarships, especially if he doesn’t match to a school during the ED round.

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Thank you for your reply. Did your daughter got matched/accepted thru QB then?

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Ugh…thank you for your reply. But, let’s say if my S decides to take a Gap year, will he be able to go thru QB next year?

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i think so ??? i’m not really sure. i’m also a hs student, trying to apply to QB next year. but i don’t think it would be wise for your son to abandon the substantial aid that the safety school has given him OR the chance that lehigh might take him off the waitlist. QB is always a long shot, and while your son seems extremely qualified on paper, it’s never a guarantee that he will be matched to a top school. also, i don’t think he can rank Princeton since he’s already been rejected.

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Good luck to you, Harrypottereatspie :-))))) and thank you!

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No, actually, she wasn’t matched. She was accepted a few days after the match to her number one ranked school. It’s been hinted that this school only matches with students with a zero EFC, which she didn’t have. I do think it made the difference between accepted and not though. I wouldn’t take the chance of giving up a definite acceptance and aid for the possibility that he could be a finalist next year and maybe match.

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Even if is possible to apply via the QB process, I would never take that risk.

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Yes, your S could take a gap year and apply thru QB in the fall.

What is the net cost of the school where he has a Presidential scholarship? It is a definite risk to potentially lose that, as most QB applicants do not match, nor do most QB applicants end up at a QB partner school.

I don’t know all the details, nor costs, but don’t let a perceived need for prestige impact losing what sounds like a good situation at a school that wants your S.

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I agree with this. It’s an honor that OPs son did as well as he did. He will be a rock star at his school. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth!

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If the university he got into is Loyola in Chicago and he’s in Honors, then its a great opportunity.
If you mean another LU or another university, can you say what it is? Because depending on the gap between your son and his classmates it can make a big difference to his experience.
He could always email QB and ask if he can apply through QB as a graduated senior on a gap year.

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