It depends on the individual student's circumstances. The two programs are separate, and we review each application independently, regardless of whether a student applied to or was selected through the College Prep Scholars Program. Students’ academics can change from one application to the next. In fact, sometimes they become stronger applicants by their senior year, when they may have new standardized test scores or stronger grades, and are often enrolled in advanced classes. Similarly, sometimes household finances change. While College Prep Scholars do demonstrate the types of traits we are looking for in Finalists, we will make our decisions based solely on the application that students submit for the National College Match.
If the student did not apply for the College Prep Scholars Program and meets our eligibility criteria, they can and still should apply for the National College Match. If the student applied for the College Prep Scholars Program and was not accepted, but their circumstances have changed significantly since they applied, they can and should apply to the National College Match.
Please keep in mind that QuestBridge awards are intended for students who come from households experiencing financial difficulties. As such, most of the students who are selected to receive these awards come from households earning less than $65,000 per year for a typical household of four with minimal assets. However, there are no absolute cut-offs. If a student comes from a household earning more than this amount but feels that they have faced economic hardship and fits the QuestBridge criteria of low-income and high-achieving students, we would encourage them to apply.
If I was not accepted or did not apply to the College Prep Scholars Program, should I still apply to the National College Match?
