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Finalist Profile
Meet our 2025 National College Match Finalists
We are thrilled to introduce 7,026 Finalists for the 2025 National College Match. Below is a snapshot of our Finalists, which highlights their incredible accomplishments — both in and out of the classroom — and the qualities that make their achievements stand out.
These Finalists have demonstrated that they are prepared to excel at the nation's top colleges and have positioned themselves to make a positive impact in their lives, families, and communities.
Please note: These numbers offer just one lens into our Finalists' journeys. Although all of our Finalists are high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds, this commonality is experienced and expressed uniquely by each student. We have a holistic application review, and there are no absolute criteria or cut-offs for GPA, standardized test scores, income, or other factors.
For me, becoming a QuestBridge Finalist was always a long-shot dream. When I was selected as a Finalist, it showed me that I was capable of reaching these dreams. I knew my younger self would be so proud and thankful of the sacrifices it took to get in this position.
-Esperance, 2023 National College Match Finalist, Yale '28
Academic excellence
Our Finalists demonstrated that they are well-prepared to succeed at a top college in a variety of ways. Through their own intellectual curiosity and motivation, they took challenging courses and excelled in them, pursued a depth of knowledge above and beyond a standard curriculum, and more. Please note: Reporting standardized test scores is optional.
3.9
Average Unweighted GPA
1290-1460 or 27-33
Middle 50% SAT or ACT (if reported)
Approximately 100%
Took advantage of advanced coursework (e.g., AP and IB) when available
23%
Engaged in deeper learning in their senior year at an institution beyond their high school
Financial background
The achievements of our Finalists are even more impressive in the context of their financial circumstances, which often present unique challenges and require them to have significant responsibilities outside of school.
89%
Come from households earning less than $65,000 annually
86%
Qualify for free or reduced-price school meals
60%
Contribute financially to their household, such as helping to pay for groceries, school supplies, family bills, etc.
Where they come from
Our Finalists come from a variety of backgrounds that help shape their unique stories.
50
States represented, plus Washington, D.C., and four U.S. territories
80%
Will be among the first generation in their family to graduate from a four-year college in the U.S.
Over 3,900
High schools represented
Approximately 90%
Attend a public or charter school
Engagement at home, school, and in their communities
Beyond the classroom, our Finalists balanced extracurricular activities, paid jobs, and significant home or family responsibilities. QuestBridge looks at their involvement in each area to understand how they spend their time and make an impact.
75%
Maintained home responsibilities, such as caring for family members and managing household finances
91%
Held a leadership role in an extracurricular activity
66%
Worked a paid, part-time job
Over 60%
Gave back to their communities through volunteering
Areas of academic or career interests
Looking ahead, these impressive students aspire to become doctors, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and more, and they are poised to become leaders in their fields. They expressed a wide range of academic and career interests, often intersecting multiple disciplines.
This is the beginning of their QuestBridge journey
For over 30 years, QuestBridge has bridged the gap between exceptional students from low-income backgrounds and transformative educational, career, and life opportunities. Through our partnerships with top colleges, graduate schools, and leading companies, QuestBridge helps Scholars realize their full potential at every stage of life.
Learn more about our impact
Read more
Over
30,000
Students have matriculated at QuestBridge college partners in our history
Students have matriculated at QuestBridge college partners in our history
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If you know a high school student who is a good fit for our programs, refer them to us so we can reach out with more information.
Learn more about the National College Match to find out how it's unique from other college application processes.