1. Applying to college can seem daunting, and the prospect of paying for it can seem even more overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. 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.

2. Why apply as a junior? Being a College Prep Scholar is a notable distinction that shows our 40 college partners that you are a competitive candidate for admission. As a College Prep Scholar, you will receive exclusive awards and opportunities to develop a strong college application that shares your unique story. 

3. Awards for College Prep Scholars may include:

   1. A full scholarship to a college summer program at Stanford, Yale, Emory, UChicago, and more. Scholarships cover travel, tuition, and room & board.

   2. Quest for Excellence Awards, including up to $1,000 for a new laptop and other resources to enhance your college application (online courses, test preparation, test registration fees, and more).

   3. An invitation to a QuestBridge National College Admissions Conference at Penn, Vanderbilt, or Pomona.

   4. Personalised feedback on your college essay.

   5. Campus visits to QuestBridge college partners.

   6. One-on-one admissions telementoring from Amherst College students.

   7. Specialised guidance and resources for the college application process.

   8. Access to an online community of peers who are also applying to top colleges.

Did you know? When you apply as a junior, your application will automatically carry over for the National College Match when you’re a senior, giving you a head start on applying for a full four-year scholarship to our college partners. The majority of College Prep Scholars are selected as Finalists for the National College Match. 

• Essay 1: 500 words [apologies for only having one of the three options for this essay]

  • Option 1

  • Option 2

  • Option 3: What do you admire most about your community? What would you improve?

• Biographical Essay: 800 words

  • We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors helped you to grows

  • Short answer prompt #1: 200 words

    • Tell us about one of your proudest achievements or moments and what it says about you.

  • Short answer prompt #2: 300 words

    • If you could meet a character from a book or a historical figure (famous person from history) , who would it be and what would you ask them?

• • • • 50A free, online College Prep Scholars Program application, including an essay, short answer questions, and information on your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and financial background.*

      • A letter of recommendation from a teacher in a core academic subject.

      • A high school transcript.

      • Any standardised test score reports to-date. We accept PSAT, SAT, ACT Aspire, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, or AP test scores. 

• *Access to 2018 tax returns, W-2(s), or other financial documents is highly recommended to complete the application accurately