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 through QuestBridge, 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?
Students who are interested in applying to the QuestBridge National College Match can start their free application in late summer before their senior year. Once they start their application, students should gather all of the required materials and make sure they submit their application by the National College Match Deadline—typically in late September.
Following that submission, students are then asked to rank up to 15 of QuestBridge’s college partners to be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship.
Finalists are typically notified in late October, and should complete the supplemental requirements for each college/university that they ranked by November 1.
Match Day typically falls in early December, and this is the day that Finalists find out if they matched. Students who do Match are admitted early with a full four-year scholarship. Finalists who do not match are invited to apply through QuestBridge Regular Decision, which offers them a chance for admission at colleges they ranked, and they can apply to additional college partners that interest them.
I know this is a lot of information, and it can feel like a lot to take on. As a QuestBridge Match to Notre Dame myself, I remember feeling nervous and overwhelmed by the process. However, after going through the process and graduating from Notre Dame, I learned a lot!
Tips to Get You Started
Here are some tips to help you navigate the application and stand out as a candidate:
1. Review the Eligibility Requirements
First and foremost, you should consider the eligibility criteria for the National College Match. QuestBridge reviews applications holistically, and 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 gives you ample 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
QuestBridge reviews applications in a holistic manner, so there is not a component of the application that is most important. That said, it is important to use the essays as an opportunity to showcase your unique story. Be authentic.
Not all of QuestBridge’s partners offer interviews as part of their supplemental requirements. Therefore, it can be helpful to 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, what inspires you, what you’ve learned throughout your journey so far, and what your long-term goals are.
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. This includes 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 of their partner schools you want to rank, I would encourage you to visit each of their sections on the QuestBridge website as well as their individual websites for their advice on their supplemental requirements. You can find Notre Dame’s section of the QuestBridge website here.
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 that determination and authenticity, you’ll put your best foot forward.
If you have any questions about the QuestBridge National College Match in general or questions about ranking the University of Notre Dame in the Match process, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Email an admissions counselor:
Taylor Erickson is an admissions counselor with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.