Should I do Questbridge?

<p>I know Questbridge significantly increases your chances of getting into selective universities. However, there are a couple things that I'm concerned about.</p>

<p>Financially, I qualify for Questbridge for sure, since our family income is around ~$35,000. </p>

<p>However, I wasn't necessarily "born into poverty" per se. I was born in Korea, where our family was mid class (I think our family made ~ $150,000) so obviously I grew up in relative comfort. Then about 4 or 5 years ago, due to personal complications, my dad lost his job (technically retired but it's a long story) and our annual income dropped. Our reportable, tax-based income is around 35,000 now but I still live in relative comfort in a pretty nice neighborhood.</p>

<p>My main 2 questions are these:</p>

<p>How important is the "financial" aspect of Questbridge in terms of application? I really don't have much to write for their "struggles" prompt since I really haven't been living in extreme poverty or anything like that. I think academically and otherwise I stand a good chance.</p>

<p>Assuming I was accepted (I know I can't assume anything), do you think it's morally "wrong" to take it? This is obviously a pretty personal question and a choice I have to make but I just want some opinions. Do you think it'd be "wrong" for someone like me, who hasn't grown up in poverty or other difficult circumstances compared to some other applicants, to take "advantage" of my somewhat unique situation? Are people in similar circumstances as me accepted usually?</p>

<p>Below is my stats for reference, if you could comment on if I could realistically make it that'd be awesome too.</p>

<p>Weighted GPA: 4.625 (10-12) 4.425 (Total)
Non-weighted GPA: 3.98</p>

<p>Currently taking:
AP Physics B
AP Psychology
AP English Language
Calculus 3/Linear Algebra
AP Statistics
AP Biology
AP US History</p>

<p>Past Classes:
AP World History
AP Calculus BC
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Sciences
AP Spanish</p>

<p>ACT: 36 (on all sections)</p>

<p>SAT II:
Chemistry 800
Math II 800</p>

<p>Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award (250+ hours) x 2
Small Regional Awards (in Quizbowl, Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad)
AIME Qualifier
National Chem Olympiad Qualifier</p>

<p>Science Olympiad (multiple top 3 placings)
Academic Team (league champions 2 years in a row)
Science Bowl (Captain)
Quiz Bowl
Tutoring Club (President and Founder)</p>

<p>President of a nonprofit that raises and distributes sleeping bags to homeless, have been holding annual sleeping bag drives (2 years)</p>

<p>Volunteer at a School for Mentally Challenged Children where I teach math, English, etc. (for 3 years)</p>

<p>Started a program where we tutor foster children (as an extension of my school tutoring club)</p>

<p>Interned for a local professor all of last summer, worked with nanotechnology stuff</p>

<p>Asian Male</p>

<p>What is the situation with assets?</p>

<p>Questbridge doesn’t mention specific requirements. However they targets students that have high achievements in the face of economic adversity. From the website:</p>

<p>Has this student overcome socio-economic obstacles to achieve academic excellence?" </p>

<p>I don’t think it is morally wrong to accept it if you represent yourself with honesty and candor and they decide you qualify as a finalist. </p>