National College Match

College Prep Scholarship

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About Us

"One of the things I appreciated the most about the QuestBridge Conference was how the partner colleges' admissions officers sat in on the workshops, gave us advice, and answered any questions that we had throughout the day. After realizing that attending a selective college was possible and affordable, I used what I learned at the Conference and applied to college through the QuestBridge National College Match. Now, less than a year after the conference, I am on my way to a top college with a full-ride scholarship. "


Carly Valenzuela

Bermuda Dunes, CA

2008 College Prep Scholarship Recipient

2008 National College Match Scholar
Williams College, Class of 2013

College Admissions Conferences

QuestBridge College Admissions Conferences at Stanford and Yale


QuestBridge will host two invitation-only College Admissions Conferences during the summer of 2009 for high-achieving low-income students, at Stanford University and Yale University. 1,000 students will be invited to one of the two sessions.

Participants will attend workshops on how low-income students can successfully apply to the nation’s most selective colleges, learn more about the opportunities that QuestBridge offers, and get to know other students from similar backgrounds. In addition, they will have the exclusive opportunity to meet admissions officers from QuestBridge partner colleges. Admissions officers will fly in from around the country to attend both conferences because of their strong interest in attracting outstanding low-income students to their colleges. To get a sense of what the day will be like, please click here to view the schedule for this year's conferences.

Conference Benefits


The conferences feature workshops that detail how low-income students can make the most of the advantages they possess in the college admissions process. QuestBridge staff will lead workshops covering:

  • strategies to use in preparing college applications, including how to present your academic achievements in light of the obstacles you have overcome.

  • writing application essays that effectively portray your life experiences.

  • how to get the full benefit of top-ranked colleges’ generous financial aid policies that cover 100% of students’ financial need.

  • the additional opportunities that QuestBridge offers through the National College Match and the Quest Scholars Alumni Network.


In addition, students who attend the conference will have the opportunity to:

  • participate in small group conversations with QuestBridge partner college representatives and learn how to be a stronger applicant.

  • attend a college fair and talk with college admissions officers from partner colleges.

  • get to know other students from around the country with similar backgrounds, abilities, and aspirations.

  • take a guided tour of the Stanford or Yale campus.



Stanford University, Stanford, California

Travel Grants


QuestBridge is committed to helping as many students as possible attend the College Admissions Conferences. To this end, we offer a limited number of travel grants to students who travel long distances to attend the conferences. In 2008, QuestBridge allocated approximately $30,000 to help cover transportation and accommodations for over 75 students. This year, we will continue this support to ensure that more students can enjoy the benefits of the College Admissions Conferences.

As a non-profit organization, QuestBridge does not have the resources to sponsor travel for all students who receive invitations to the conferences.

We also encourage you to fundraise on your own from sources such as local businesses, churches, and community organizations in order to cover travel expenses. Many students who have attended our organization's events in past years have been successful in doing so. You may wish to review the fundraising guide on the Junior Statesmen Foundation’s website for more ideas: http://www.jsa.org/download/fundraising.pdf.



Conference Details


1,000 students will be selected to attend one of the two full-day conferences at Stanford and Yale. You will be asked to choose your preferred conference location on the College Prep Scholarship application.

The conference dates are as follows:

  • The conference at Stanford will take place on May 30, 2009.

  • The conference at Yale will take place on June 27, 2009.



QuestBridge College Admissions Conference, Stanford University