BRADLEY JEAN BAPTISTE

Miami, FL
2010 College Match Recipient with Stanford University

What was your reaction to receiving a College Match scholarship?

I came home later than usual, and ran to my house phone. I saw I had a missed call from "Quest Scholars," and my heart began to pound quicker than ever before. I called the number back, and all I remember hearing was the word "Stanford." I jumped uncontrollably on my couch and hugged my best friend eagerly waiting next to me. We ran outside and stood in the middle of the street, yelling and screaming. It was a day I will truly never forget.

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

Since my mother was laid off from her job earlier this year, finding income to begin saving for my college tuition was a major challenge I expected to encounter.

What were your college plans before you heard of QuestBridge?

Before QuestBridge, I was planning on attending an in-state public university. I knew it was probably all my family could afford, and saw it as my only opportunity to obtain a secondary education. When I received the postcard from QuestBridge in the mail, however, I saw the organization as an opportunity. I saw it as a gateway to the nation's top schools where I could thrive and obtain my full potential. With QuestBridge, I saw that I could afford to be all that I could be.

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

Applying to college through QuestBridge gave me the wings to soar to the nation's top colleges. It literally afforded me a chance to obtain my full potential and allowed me to consider amazing schools which I would have otherwise looked past. Other students with similar challenges should without a doubt apply to college through QuestBridge because the organization really believes that one's socio-economic background does not determine one's true capability.

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