The QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship is a gateway to further opportunities that QuestBridge offers to outstanding low-income students. Please see below for information about the National College Match program for high school seniors and the Quest Scholars Network for QuestBridge finalists attending our partner colleges.

QuestBridge National College Match Program

The College Prep Scholarship awards are designed to prepare students to be competitive applicants to the QuestBridge National College Match program at the start of their senior year. The National College Match connects high-achieving low-income students with admission and full scholarships to QuestBridge’s partner colleges. In 2012, 383 students gained admission and full scholarships to selective colleges through the National College Match, and over 1,600 more applicants were admitted with generous financial aid through the QuestBridge Regular Decision process.

The National College Match program consists of two parts:

1. QuestBridge College Match
   The College Match pairs outstanding low-income students with early admission and full four-year scholarships to leading colleges.
   
   • College Match scholarships cover tuition, room, and board, typically worth about $200,000 or more. All College Match scholarships are loan-free.
   • Most QuestBridge partner colleges automatically renew the scholarship for all four years of college.
2. QuestBridge Regular Decision
   Qualified students can also apply to our partner colleges for free via the regular admissions process, using their QuestBridge application. Our application is tailored to enable low-income students to highlight their successes and the obstacles they have overcome.

Quest Scholars Network

QuestBridge finalists at our partner colleges make up the Quest Scholars Network or QSN. We create an account on the QSN website for each person who meets the criteria above. On the QSN website they can meet their campus Liaison, explore the blog articles written by “Questies” and read the Scholar profiles that provide insight into the activities and interests of Quest Scholars across the country.

Quest Scholars Network chapters often have their own Facebook groups to share their news and events as well as other fun information. The main Quest Scholars Network Facebook page consolidates much of the individual chapter information as well as gives update and news from Quest staff. Three program ideals guide the mission of the QSN: scholarship, leadership, and service. Scholarship is important as Scholars continue to strive for academic excellence and pursue opportunities that ensure future success. There are ample opportunities to develop leadership potential within each chapter’s executive board or the wider campus or world community. Service to others is a foundational aspect of what we do. We bring Quest Scholars into the many facets of our outreach. They mentor and guide high school students and provide a supportive environment, especially to first-year Quest Scholars and peers.

Please read more about opportunities with the Quest Scholars Network on our website. You also can learn about how to build connections and be part of a dynamic group of future leaders. Quest Scholars can volunteer to support QuestBridge programs focused on recruiting at high schools (Quest Ambassadors), the QSN for Quest Scholars, or both.

Quest Scholars Network opportunities include:

Mentors
We connect incoming Quest Scholars with current Scholars on campus, as upperclassmen are experienced in navigating the challenges for first-year students at top-tier schools.

Liaisons
A Quest Scholar from each campus is selected each year to be the main contact person for their Quest chapter. By working closely with Quest staffers, the Liaison brings a sense of group identity and purpose to each QSN chapter.

Summer Fellows
Quest Scholars, starting the summer after freshmen year can apply for one of a handful of summer grants through a selective application process. Students in the past have used their funds to do independent research, pursue work in a non-profit, and pursue projects related to both their personal and professional interests.

QSN Bloggers
Quest Scholars are invited to blog about their experiences in college by sharing interesting stories and anecdotes about daily life, or special things that interest them, or unique facets of life on their campus. There is also an official QSN Blogger selected from each partner college.

Quest Ambassadors
Quest Scholars can be Ambassadors to do QuestBridge outreach. They make phone calls and presentations with the materials and training provided by Quest staff, and draw from their personal experiences applying to college. A National Ambassador Executive Board made up of Quest Scholars is selected each spring to initiate these campaigns.

QSN Chapters
Quest Scholars can participate in QSN chapter activities. The Quest office and often the school itself provides funding for their many events and encourages anyone who is interested to get involved. 

Group Leaders
Every summer Quest Scholars are selected to assist the Quest staff at three annual College Prep Admissions Conferences. They each lead a group of rising high school seniors (CPS recipients) and offer them helpful insights about the college application process and college life.

Quest College Counselors
Quest staff train this select group of volunteers to provide one-on-one advising to a high school student applying to college through QuestBridge.

Summer Interns
Students can apply to work at the Quest Scholars Program in California for eight weeks over the summer. They work in all areas, including: recruitment, college relations, QSN development, data and research, and technology.