Applying to the National College Match: Advice for QuestBridge Applicants

The QuestBridge National College Match is an incredible opportunity for high-achieving students who have excelled despite financial hardship to receive full scholarships to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States.

If you're applying or considering applying, it's important to understand that this is a competitive process. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can set yourself up for success.

How does it work?

Current seniors interested in the QuestBridge National College Match can start their free application now through the QuestBridge website. If you’re interested, make sure to gather your materials early to meet the National College Match Deadline of October 1. After submitting your application, you can rank up to 15 of QuestBridge’s 55 college partners for early admission and a full four-year financial aid offer. Rankings are due on October 15.

Finalists will be notified on October 21 and must submit Match Requirements for each college partner they ranked by November 1. Match Day is December 1, and Match results are released through the Manage page of a student’s QuestBridge portal.

QuestBridge National College Match Application Timeline

It is important to note that the Match is a binding commitment, meaning that if you match with Notre Dame or another ranked school, you agree to enroll. Be sure to consider this as you build your ranking list.

I know this can feel like a lot to take in, and that’s completely normal! As someone who was once in your shoes applying to the QuestBridge National College Match (and someone who later matched to Notre Dame), I remember feeling nervous and overwhelmed by the process. However, having completed the application (and graduating from Notre Dame!), I can tell you that it is 100% worth it.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the application and show partner schools your authentic self:

1. Review the Eligibility Requirements

First and foremost, you should consider the eligibility criteria for the National College Match. QuestBridge reviews applications holistically, meaning they look at your whole story, not just grades and achievements. Further, there are no absolute criteria cut-offs for any factors. Here are the general eligibility criteria:

• High school seniors currently attending high school in the U.S. and planning to attend college the fall after graduation, and U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad

• Earning primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered

• Demonstrating strong writing skills and intellectual curiosity, plus resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed

• Typically from a household earning less than $65,000 annually with minimal assets (for a household of four members)

2. Start Early and Stay Organized

The National College Match application involves several components, including multiple essays, a detailed application form, teacher recommendations, transcripts, etc. Starting early will give you the time to gather all of the necessary materials and ensure that your application is thoughtful and complete. Keeping a checklist of all of the required materials and deadlines is a great way to stay on track and organized.

3. Craft Authentic Essays

Because QuestBridge and most of the college partners review your application holistically, it is important to focus on telling your story in your essays. Be authentic. Not all of QuestBridge’s partners offer interviews as part of their supplemental requirements, so think of the essays as your interview! Use them as an opportunity to articulate your personal journey, values, and aspirations. We want to get to know the real you!

4. Secure Strong Recommendations

Your teacher recommendations help provide insight into your academic performance as well as your work ethic and character. Therefore, it is important to choose teachers who know you well and can speak to both your academic capabilities and your personal qualities. Additionally, make sure to communicate with your teachers and other recommenders early to give them enough time to write thoughtful recommendations.

5. Take Advantage of QuestBridge and Partner Resources

QuestBridge offers many resources to help you throughout the application and Match processes. These include s a robust website with an extensive resource library, short video tutorials on the different sections of the application, and an online portal to help get your questions answered. Additionally, once you know which partner schools you want to rank, I would encourage you to visit each of their sections on the QuestBridge website as well as the colleges' individual websites for advice on their supplemental requirements. Learn more on Notre Dame’s section of the QuestBridge website.

The QuestBridge National College Match is an incredible opportunity, and it requires careful preparation and thoughtfulness in your application. Most importantly, take a breath. Trust in yourself and your abilities. By approaching the process with determination and authenticity, you’ll put your best foot forward.

If you have any questions about the QuestBridge National College Match in general or you have questions about ranking the University of Notre Dame in the Match process, please don’t hesitate to ask!

For more information or to ask questions, please email QuestBridge Coordinator Taylor Erickson.

Taylor Erickson is an assistant director in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Read Taylor's profile.