Would I qualify for the College Prep Scholarship?

Paying for College Access Programs (Questbridge, Posse)
1

<p>I am currently a sophomore in a public high school in Ohio. I was wondering if I would be able to qualify for the College Prep Scholarship as a Junior next year?</p>

<p>GPA (weighted): 4.5
GPA (unweighted 4): 4.00
Rank: 4 out of 422
PSAT: 162 (ugh I know it's not the best)
PLAN: 24
Income: around $75,000 (Only my father works)
SAT & ACT: haven't taken yet</p>

<p>AP: currently taking AP USH (only one available to sophomores, none to freshman; I will either do PSEO or take all APs in Junior year)</p>

<p>Extracurriculars (will continue all of them all 4 years):
Orchestra: all of middle school and junior high; Secretary; in competitive Chamber orchestra
Science Olympiad
Junior States of America/ Debate Team: Historian; just started by a senior this year, so I will hopefully inherit this club next year!
ProMusica Student Advisory Board
Student Council
French Language Club
Laotian Culture Pageants (ever since elementary school)
Planning on doing a sport next year, either cross country or cheerleading </p>

<p>Volunteer:
Hospital volunteering (just started, so no clear hours yet)
Buddhist Temple (at least once a month for one whole day; cleaning up the grounds and helping the community)</p>

<p>I am full South East Asian, and my parents are immigrants of the country Laos (I hope this will benefit me in some way; I'm definitely a minority in my area). I'm also Buddhist and am fluent in Lao, nearly fluent in Thai. My father is the only one in family who works, but he is getting very old and has tumors, with severe health problems. My sister attends the Ohio State University with little scholarship money, so that takes a big chunk out of our income. </p>

<p>I know my profile isn't outstanding for Questbridge, but do I at least qualify or have chance? Thank you for your time!!</p>

2

<p>Hey there! Your income may put you on the high end for those applying to QuestBridge, which unfortunately will make your chances harder. According to their website, 94% of applicants accepted as College Prep Scholars had a family income of less than $60,000. Being Laotian and a minority definitely helps, but your test scores don’t stand out. On the other hand, your grade seems pretty good; is your weighted GPA out of 5? Your multiple ECs may boost your chances also; in addition, your activities and interests outside of school seem unique. You should definitely present your perspective and experience growing up a Laotian American minority in the essays. Along with good recommendations, it’s very possible that you have a chance despite that income & test score obstacle. Either way, go for it; there’s no harm in trying! I also highly suggest you look up the prerequisites and information pertaining to the College Prep Scholarship on the website itself before the application period opens this month.</p>

3

<p>Unless you have a large family or extenuating circumstances I don’t think CPS is that likely just because of your income. The rest of the information makes you seem like you would be a good applicant, but the income will hurt you.</p>

4

<p>The income isn’t so high as to automatically disqualify you. As well, it looks like you don’t know exactly what the income is, so it may be lower or it maybe higher. Applying to QB is free and is a good way to get started toward being able to do college application essays :-).</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>