<p>I posted this in a different section and got no responses. Then I found this part of CC, so excuse the repost. Original post as follows:</p>
<p>I'm very curious about this. I mean, they looked at my application once already and didn't particularly want me. So, does that mean my chances are lower than that of a typical RD applicant or are they equal? Is it even possible for it to be an advantage?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any responses.</p>
<p>I have the same question. I recently received an email from Amherst saying “We accept a limited number of applicants as part of the College Match process; however, it is important to note that up to 16% of all QuestBridge finalists who applied to Amherst last year were ultimately accepted via Early or Regular Decision” Last year the acceptance rate for Amherst was 13%, so at least a 3 percent boost. </p>
Statistically, I don’t think that 3% difference really mean anything, still within the range of error causes by the size of the applicant pool.
And to the original question, the standard of the College Match program is supposed to be steeper than the the normal admission plan, because each school only accept a very limited number of student through the College Match. Therefore, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t want you at all if you don’t get match, they might just don’t an extra seat for you in the College Match thing. But whether applying through QB RD will give you any advantage would be another question, and actually a subtle one. I myself would like to know the answer of that.
The advantage you have over a regular RD is you have an extra line in the award section: Questbridge Finalist. You also have the advantage of having the QB application to expand on your CA. This can be beneficial but it could also potentially hurt if you didn’t write as well as you should have or said something seen as a negative, but that isn’t really likely as it got you selected to QB.
I posted this on a different thread about a specific school, but I think this outlook would apply to the other QB schools - why else would they partner with QuestBridge?
Yale has made a commitment to increase the number of low income students it admits in response to the challenge from Obama, and QB gives it a good way to do that.
My son also heard from an Admissions Office intern that the first thing your admissions officer says to the panel of three who decide whether to admit is “I have a QuestBridge applicant here.” ( He also learned that ALL 3 have to vote to admit, so there’s that).
Given how selective Yale is, you obviously need the stats, etc., to be admitted - but being a QB finalist would be a plus to admission.