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Apply to the College Prep Scholars Program
Dream big
The College Prep Scholars Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges.
We are looking for high school juniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, and we do not have absolute criteria or cut-offs for GPA, standardized test scores, income, or other factors.
Did you know?
College Prep Scholars have a head start on applying for full four-year scholarships to QuestBridge’s 55 college partners through the National College Match.
QuestBridge is looking for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. The College Prep Scholars Program is open to any high school junior currently attending high school in the U.S. and U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents living abroad. International students living outside the U.S. are not eligible. Learn more about eligibility and selection criteria →
Typically, College Prep Scholars…
- Earn primarily A’s in the most challenging courses available and display intellectual curiosity and strong writing ability.
- Rank in the top 5-10% of their class.
- Challenge themselves by taking Honors, AP, and/or IB courses, if available.
- If submitting standardized test scores, likely score within middle 50% SAT score: 1310-1460 and/or middle 50% ACT score: 27-32.
Note: Test scores are not required to apply. All applications are reviewed holistically, so a student who has not taken standardized tests can still be selected as a College Prep Scholar if the rest of their application is strong.
Typically, College Prep Scholars…
- Come from households earning less than $65,000 annually (for a household of four) and have minimal assets.
- Qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Face financial hardship.
Typically, College Prep Scholars…
- Demonstrate resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed.
- Make meaningful contributions to activities at home, school, or in the community.
- Are among the first generation in their family to attend a four-year college.
- Display intellectual curiosity and strong writing ability.
What you need to apply
- Information on your academics, activities, household, and financial background
- Writing section
- A teacher reference from a core academic subject
- Current high school transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
- Any standardized test score reports to-date (if taken). We accept PSAT, PreACT, SAT, ACT, or AP test scores (unofficial test score reports are accepted)
- School Profile (strongly recommended if available)
Important note:
Access to the previous year’s tax returns, W-2(s), or other financial documents is highly recommended to complete the application accurately.
How does it work?
1
Start your free application
Create a QuestBridge account and gather application materials like financial documents, transcript, test scores (if taken), and a School Profile (if available). Ask a core subject teacher to be your reference.
2
Complete your application
Submit your application by the deadline. You have successfully submitted your application when you see a green check mark for your application on your Manage page.
3
Submit additional forms
Complete the Awards form to be eligible for summer programs, Quest for Excellence Awards, and more, plus other optional forms, if applicable.
4
Notification day
All applicants will be notified of their College Prep Scholars Program status by late April. Selected as a College Prep Scholar? Congrats! Check your Manage page for details about your awards and opportunities.
Application resources
Explore short video tutorials on the QuestBridge YouTube channel for key sections of the application.
Explore QuestBridge resources to prepare you for the College Prep Scholars Program.