Should I drop my Questbridge Application?

Paying for College Access Programs (Questbridge, Posse)
1

<p>So here is the situation:</p>

<p>I'm waiting for the finalist list to come out, just like many of you guys are.
But I'm not sure whether I should go with QuestBridge college match or Common App early action.
As a dependent of an E-2 Visa holder (my dad), I'm considered as an international student when it comes to financial aid (not in admissions, however, because I'll be graduating an American high school). Thus, I am limited to applying to 4 colleges through QuestBridge. I've submitted my college match forms to Yale and Brown for QuestBridge. </p>

<p>Now here's the dilemma. Let's say I make it as a finalist. (Because if not, I'll be just going with Common App.)</p>

<p>The pros of going with QuestBridge is that I might be a little bit more competitive in terms of admission, in both Yale and Brown. And if I am matched with either one of the colleges, I'll be receiving scholarships for my tuition. </p>

<p>However, the cons of going with QB is that I now have very limited number of schools to which I can apply. Besides, I'm not even sure the extra degree of competitiveness that I MIGHT have through QB will be worth not applying to other good colleges through Common App. Not only that, Yale gives need-based aid to anyone anyhow. </p>

<p>If I apply early through Common App, I'll be applying to non-binding colleges that offer generous financial aid. These include Yale, Harvard, and more. Because I'm an "international student," the majority of colleges I'm applying are need-aware. </p>

<p>I'm just rambling information right now, and I apologize for the untidiness. But given the information, I'd like to ask for some advice on whether I should drop my QB application or not. If you need any more information, you can personally message me anytime. I really need help. Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>I would say it depends on your stats-…last year, at our school, many with amazing stats, multiple ‘hooks’ etc, were accepted by ZERO Ivy league schools. For me, it was a pretty big wake up call, the competition is beyond stiff. QB gives you a pretty big boost if you are a finalist. If you have 2380 SAT’s, 35 ACT’s, five varsity letters and you have discovered the cure for cancer, by all means, go it alone. If you are anything less than spectacular, I would think it over. Carefully. Even spectacular people are NOT getting in on their own.</p>

3

<p>I disagree with the person, above me colleges are looking for well rounded individuals emphasis on individuals. They are looking something that separates you from the other kid with a 4.0 and a nearly perfect SAT score I’m not saying that isn’t important but that isn’t all that counts. Personally I feel if you are applying to quest bridge you are probably eligible for a generousness financial aid package from any top school, but being a quest-bridge finalist is a tremendous advantage , and if you matched colleges I don’t think you can drop it’s a binding decision unless you didn’t match colleges then you can basically do whatever you feel like from this point on.</p>

4

<p>^I’m almost certain the first part of what you said was just a reiteration of what Olipond said…</p>