Ranking colleges is a pivotal aspect of the QuestBridge National College Match, a program renowned for its unique approach to connecting high-achieving, low-income students with leading universities. By strategically ranking Questbridge College Partners, you unlock the opportunity to be “matched” – gaining early admission and a guaranteed full four-year Match Scholarship to your highest-ranked institution that also chooses to match with you.
QuestBridge encourages applicants to thoroughly explore its diverse array of college partners when making ranking decisions. While you have the option to rank up to 15 colleges in order of preference, it’s generally observed that students who rank a greater number of QuestBridge college partners often enhance their chances of securing a match. However, a critical principle to remember is that you must be genuinely enthusiastic about attending every college you include on your ranked list.
Key Considerations for Ranking QuestBridge College Partners
Several important factors distinguish the QuestBridge ranking process:
- Exclusive Matching: You can only be matched with a single institution. This underscores the importance of thoughtful ranking.
- College Blind Ranking: Colleges remain unaware of your ranking preferences, ensuring an unbiased evaluation of your application.
- Binding Commitment: A match is a binding agreement. Upon matching, you are obligated to attend your matched college in the subsequent fall semester.* This commitment highlights the significance of ranking only those QuestBridge college partners you are genuinely eager to attend.
- Full Four-Year Scholarship: The Match Scholarship is a comprehensive award, covering the full cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for four years, without loans or parental contribution. Matching provides financial assurance, making elite higher education accessible.
- Regular Decision Option: If you choose not to rank QuestBridge college partners, you will not be considered for the Match Scholarship. However, you can still explore admission opportunities through QuestBridge Regular Decision, offering an alternative pathway to these prestigious institutions.
*Note: MIT has a non-binding match policy, providing flexibility for students matched with their institution.
Match Success: Insights from Previous Years
Analyzing data from previous Match cycles provides valuable context:
High Match Rate within Top Choices: A significant majority, 67%, of Finalists who successfully matched were placed with one of their top 5 ranked QuestBridge college partners. This emphasizes the effectiveness of prioritizing your most desired institutions in your ranking strategy.
Optimal Number of Ranked Colleges: Matched Finalists, on average, ranked 10 QuestBridge college partners on their list. This suggests that ranking a substantial number of colleges can increase your overall chances of matching.
Ranking 7 or More Colleges Enhances Match Probability: An impressive 69% of matched Finalists had ranked 7 or more QuestBridge college partners. This further reinforces the correlation between ranking more colleges and a higher likelihood of a successful match.
By carefully considering these factors and strategically ranking QuestBridge college partners that genuinely align with your academic and personal aspirations, you can maximize your potential for a successful Match and embark on a transformative college journey.
