<p>Today my counselor told me that applying via the National College Match is actually more difficult to get get into top schools than applying by ED because the participating schools only take a few Finalists every year and the percentage of accepted finalists for the top schools (Yale, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, UPenn, Princeton, Stanford) is less than the ED acceptance rates for these schools and that it is especially hard to get in if a finalist isn't an URM. I am a bit skeptical about this and would like to know if any of you can shed some light on this possibility.</p>
<p>Although the percentages may be less / different, Questbridge attracts a different group of students than ED (I would think). Look at the statistics on the QB page, and you’ll see stats very different from ED applicants. I think this may explain some of the lower percentage. Also, for the non-binding schools, a lot of QB applicants apply there (free application, no obligation), so for those, I can see how it could be a little harder. Though I still think QB is better for letting you show a lot more of yourself…</p>
<p>I’m actually pretty confident that I’m NOT going to get the National College Match (if I become a finalist), but the reason I’m doing QB is to get the free application for regular decision. Another plus to QB is that if a school does accept you through the National College Match they are forced to give you a full ride, which is nice compared to ED because through ED you are forced to go to the school without knowing how much aid you are going to receive - they could screw you over.</p>
<p>I’ve heard this also. My college counselor said:
“It’s harder for an applicant to get into a school through QB than for the same applicant to get into the same school through ED.” I wouldn’t do it.</p>