<p>Just wanted to let future applicants know that being an URM is not going to get you into QB. My son is a URM (African American), 32 ACT (Reading -33, English -33, Math -34, Science -29, Writing - 9), 18 of 576, GPA 3.95, ECs are music oriented for which he has won awards, he volunteers several places (one is playing the piano and singing at a nursing home) and I thought his essays were really good (so did several other people who read them), one of his recs was phenomenal, the other so-so. While I am glad that he filled out the application as it got him started on the college application process, I think that he (and I) had unrealistic expectations about getting into the program. We still are both stymied as to why he didn't get in.</p>
<p>I just thought that I would let people know that it takes more than being an URM to get in.</p>
<p>^Thank you for writing that momofmusician17, hopefully it will clear things up a bit
Sorry about your son not getting matched, his stats look great (income too high maybe?)-He will most likely get in during regular decision :)</p>
<p>I too had misconceptions about QuestBridge as my son is NOT a URM (white, suburban, NJ). He is also not the first generation to college. I felt there was NO WAY he should even try for the program even though we are way under the income level as the economy has hit us hard. I researched QB and decided not to bother because I felt his chances were so low. Then QuestBridge sent him a letter encouraging him to apply and he did. I was shocked when he was accepted in his junior year as a QB college prep scholar and even more shocked when he was named a finalist. </p>
<p>QuestBridge is a fabulous program and everyone who meets their criteria should try for it, you never know. But as the op pointed out, it is not a sure thing for anyone!</p>
<p>I did not want my post to convey the message “don’t apply”. I just wanted to let kids know that being a URM isn’t a magic key. I have read many posts that state, it is hard to get into unless you are a URM. I just want kids to take that statement with a grain of salt. You saw my son’s stats. He’s no slouch and he didn’t get selected. I didn’t list his music awards, but here they are:</p>
<p>3rd place Steinway piano Concerto competition (1st time entering a competition)
Finalist Jefferson County Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition (the only high school student chosen - competing against students from Julliard, Eastman etc…
Compositions selected to be performed in the CoCoCo Concerts
1st place School of the Arts Composition Contest High School Level
All State Jazz Choir (highly selective only 16 kids in state chosen)
All State Mixed Choir (only student to receive perfect score on audition)</p>
<p>Additionally, my son is a self-taught composer and vocalist. He only started to sing in 2010.</p>
<p>So, I guess my points are: 1-You never know. One woman at my son’s school said to me, “no one from Xxxxx has gotten into Yale for years.” You certainly can’t get in if you don’t apply and 2- don’t believe everything that you read! :)</p>
<p>I totally agree with both your points! Good luck to your son. He has amazing stats and you should be very proud of him! I am confident he will attend a wonderful school and have a bright future!</p>
<p>@Adamgeek - This is possible. For years, I worked 3 jobs to support our family. We were definitely on the very high end of the QB income level. I also own my own house (have equity) and have a pretty healthy 401k from when I was single. Who knows why. I am philosophical about these things and I do believe my son will get a good education and a decent aid package.</p>
<p>@ SVMMom - Thanks! We along with many other families are waiting to hear from his SCEA tomorrow :)</p>
<p>momofmusician - maybe qb did not select him since he was so strong , they figured there was a good chance for him to get in on his own w/o their help. they were right.</p>
<p>Frankly, I think QuestBridge sometimes rejects applicants who do not need to take an alternative approach to admissions. When I was in the process of applying, I came across a kid (white, first-gen, severely disadvantaged economically) who, despite setbacks, had phenomenal stats. He seemed really bitter about not being named a finalist, but when the time came, he was accepted to more than one Ivy League.</p>
<p>And, again, I didn’t feel like a very good applicant. I was certain that I had NO chance of being name a finalist because I was white and not-first gen with pretty average stats overall. When I discovered that I had been selected, my first instinct was that the committee made a mistake. It really is just a crap shoot sometimes.</p>
<p>It’s not the fact that URM doesn’t play a part in becoming QB Finalists… it could be other statistics such as your EFC, income, etc</p>
<p>And of course: there are many other applicants just like you except with maybe worst financial situations/better academic achievements in such environments.</p>