HANNA LOVE

Concord, CA
2010 College Match Recipient with Pomona College

What was your reaction to receiving a College Match scholarship?

When I discovered that I would receive a College Match scholarship, I could barely contain my excitement. The whole situation was so surreal-- a flood of emotions overcame me and the first thing I could do was call my family. It was one of the happiest moments of our lives, and we can now finally feel secure knowing that I have a chance to attend college and pursue my goals.

What challenges did you expect to encounter in applying to college?

I honestly did not think I would be able to attend a four year university. I simply could not expect my family's income to cover the hefty tuition. Throughout my high school career, I knew that the only way I could pursue my dreams would be through a scholarship. Thankfully, QuestBridge was exactly what I needed to allow me to fulfill my aspirations.

What were your college plans before you heard of QuestBridge?

Before I heard of QuestBridge, I thought I was going to attend my local community college. I was still going to apply to universities to see what financial aid they may have offered, but I knew this goal was unrealistic. QuestBridge allowed me to look past the price tag of an institution and instead focus on finding the school that is ideal for me. Because of QuestBridge, my eyes were opened to opportunities that would have been impossible otherwise.

What are the benefits of applying to college through QuestBridge? Why should other students facing financial limitations apply to college through QuestBridge?

Applying through QuestBridge allowed me to temporarily forget about financial obstacles. Rather than focusing on the application fees or the tuition of the school, I was able to spend time truly expressing myself through my application. I honestly didn't think I had a chance to obtain a full-ride scholarship to any of QuestBridge's prestigious partner colleges, but because I persevered and did not give up, I am now able to attend college free of charge.

Back to Success Stories Overview