THE QUESTBRIDGE PROCESS for low income teens

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Hey y'all, welcome or welcome back to my channel!! Please excuse the fluctuating volume smh.
This video is about QuestBridge, a platform that connects high achieving, low income students to many resources and opportunities in the college application process. I applied to 12 schools through QuestBridge and gained admission to my dream school through this program! Be sure to check out QuestBridge at questbridge.org to learn more about it and see if it could work for you!
Time Stamps:
What is QuestBridge?- 00:14
QB Website Walkthrough- 00:38
College Prep Scholar Program (Juniors)- 2:18
Quest for Excellence Awards- 3:38
QuestBridge Finalist- 4:56
National College Match- 5:20
My NCM Rankings & Experience- 8:19
QuestBridge Regular Decision & My Experience- 9:44
Financial Aid- 11:10
The Application, Supplements, and Financial Aid Documents- 11:46
The Benefits!- 13:50
The Stats of a QB Finalist- 16:13
Thank you all for watching! Let me know if you have any questions or any suggestions for future videos!
About me:
School: Stanford University
Age: 18
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Instagram: @nazjaa
Snapchat: nazjaaa
** If you dm'd, snapped, commented, or emailed me asking for application help or sharing my essays, I will get back to you shortly!! I didn't forget lol. Thanks for understanding :)**

[@mikaylaward6226]

I did QB and was a finalist!! I didn’t match but I got into USC!

[@asyamiles61]

As a fellow Questbridge match, I COMPLETELY agree with the points in this video ! I recommend everyone at least look into this opportunity because you never know what the possibilities are until you aim high :)

[@anairanyzapata3323]

Asya miles my highest sat score is in the low 1200s, do you think I still have a chance?

[@milleye9792]

@@anairanyzapata3323 You definitely have a chance. I just got matched through Questbridge in December and my score was lower. Everything is not about test scores but about you as a person.

[@anairanyzapata3323]

Milley E I didn’t have a chance I didn’t match nor did I become a finalist but thank u for being kind

[@milleye9792]

@@anairanyzapata3323 You're welcome.

[@rizzoli7]

@@milleye9792 what school did you match with?

[@korkornut]

I am a rising senior and my biggest concern are my standardized testing scores, everything else I’ve demonstrated the median average for quest bridge finalist. But I’m so nervous the scores aren’t gonna be too hot.

[@MicCheckMemoirs]

If you don’t mind me asking, what was your gpa? Mine is pretty okay-ish, and when I was looking at the QB college prep, it said the average was like 3.9, which has me very concerned.

[@kingdak]

nice presentation. very informative and easy to understand. Also i love the Basquiat picture in your room ;)

[@kenyacandelario-hernandez442]

What happens if you don’t get accepted to any colleges during both early and regular decision? Btw my absolute dream school is Stanford!!

[@nelsatiemtore6356]

I just found out about Questbridge about a couple weeks ago! I am so excited that is available and I will definitely be applying my junior year (I'm class of 2022) I appreciate that this was really informative!

[@alessandroingles8763]

SAME!

[@lyssa7155]

Same here!

[@leicamarcelin9634]

When is the application due??

[@JV-eu9dt]

applications just opened

[@petrichxr6406]

@@leicamarcelin9634 March 24!

[@nadiacarlos1043]

i was soooo confused prior to coming across this video!! thank you :)

[@hillarytran1590]

yes queen! thanks for such an informative video!!

[@nazjaa]

Hillary Tran thanks for watching! :)

[@aliclmao8034]

I was selected as a 2019 CPS and I'm stoked yet nervous for senior year, this video was most definitely informative and helpful !!

[@_httpantwon]

Where did you match?

[@aliclmao8034]

@@_httpantwon After completing the NCM application, i ranked 6 schools (Pomona, Northwestern, Swarthmore, Rice, Emory, WashU) but unfortunately didn't match to any so I continued through regular decision. Didn't get accepted for any through regular decision either except for Emory and Swarthmore actually waitlisted me

[@leeb.patersons6463]

@@aliclmao8034 do you know your stats, I’m curious because idk if I have what it takes

[@sophyjoasil1102]

what were your stats

[@zakiatookes1717]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@XtronePlaysG]

Thank you so much, this helped me a lot! Especially right now since I am currently writing my supplements right now lol.

[@light8174]

Hey Nazjaa, I just wanted to say thank you for making this video! I found out about College Prep Scholars and your video really helped me with its application process and I got in :)!!!

[@Leah-bx4dq]

lovelylight Congrats!! I’m applying next year, do you have any tips for completing the essays?

[@Kit-Kat4L]

Awesome

[@zainabo.7940]

@@Leah-bx4dq i learned about qb from this video as well. I was selected as a CPS and NCM Finalist. For the essays, id say speak from the heart and then go back and make sure you show instead of tell. Rather saying you like you're community because it is diverse show us the types of people you encounter when you go through your community. Also sign up for their mailing list and go to their webinars they give really important info there. I'll link below the video from the essay writing webinar they hosted that i Attended when i had writers block. Shoot for the stars, I hope the best for you in this process!

[@zainabo.7940]

@@Leah-bx4dq kzbin.info/www/bejne/naKuZJ5-eqyspNk

[@Moll662]

LOL i know im a yr late, but in February my ap bio teacher handed me this opportunity and I didn't believe I could get it but I just tried. I got the congrats email today and am very excited and motivated to apply to these top school!!!! good vid x

[@cristinasullivan1026]

when did you apply? should I apply as a rising junior?

[@Moll662]

Cristina Sullivan the spring of jr yr

[@alijibran3255]

@@cristinasullivan1026 Ayy class of 2022, I'm gonna apply this year as well.

[@HermonG]

do we need sat scores? mine are canceled due to corona and i didn’t try at all on my psats

[@Moll662]

@@HermonG no I didn’t pass any in, but I still passed inspection scores

[@ngocbaohannguyen9098]

Thank you so much, ur video is so helpful. I just got referred by my school but it is only 10 days til the deadline, I’m trying to complete the application =]] So close but thank u 🥰🥰

[@elizettesantana-caraballo5811]

I watched this video a couple months ago during my application process and now im rewatching it as a 2020 CPS!! (update: i was a National College Match finalist and i matched with Williams College!!)

[@light8174]

Me too!!! What is your insta?!

[@gloriousbombo4720]

Same!!

[@elizettesantana-caraballo5811]

@@light8174 @elizetteee

[@Leah-bx4dq]

Congrats! Do you have any tips for applying or completing the essays? I’m going to apply next year

[@elizettesantana-caraballo5811]

@@Leah-bx4dq Since it's a pretty extensive application, make sure you use your time wisely to complete the essays. I personally revised and edited my essays multiple times before submitting my application. For revising, it was beneficial for me at least to get a teacher to look at my essays and give me feedback. I don't wanna make this comment too long lol but I know Questbridge has some videos on tips for completing the application on their website if you wanna look at those.

[@hnguyen3555]

Thank you so much for sharing! feel so relieved that I watched this video because I was really confused about the early application stipulation, but now I know that I can still have a chance at Questbridge’s benefits and other schools through regular decision.

[@mellaguiar2976]

Thank you this was so helpful !!

[@jilliang2381]

thank you for this video, it was extremely helpful!!

[@lucyytheravennnn98364]

OMGG GIRL this was so helpful! I really hope this fall I can actually do this!

[@yusefabdulhakim9687]

Very informative. 👌

[@ohkaren]

This was so helpful tysm

[@AlcaraMariizz]

Hey! :) I am a soon to be senior and I plan on applying through QuestBridge. If I do not match, is Quest Bridge Regular Decision optional? Also, in regards to binding, am I able to apply to colleges in my home state that are not QuestBridge partners? Very helpful video btw!

[@yuanmingrao9266]

Thank you! this was very helpful

[@ritaabdul7823]

what's the advantage of going immediately to the Regular decision round? Also, do we have a lower chance of getting matched if we were not a CPS?

[@aizaflores9824]

Hello!! I’m a rising senior and I’m already so stressed about the college application process already. When you applied to Notre Dame, did they require the common app alongside the QB application! ND is my dream school and I want to start essays ASAP, please let me know if you have any advice!😊

[@lizbeth867]

Hi ! I’ve been binge watching all your videos and you’ve mentioned about a summer program you did abroad in Japan , and I was interested as to where you applied and what where the requirements ??

[@shortysshorts6807]

Hi! I’m a questbridge finalist applying through regular decision. What financial benefits am I granted even if I do not do the Match??

[@karasiyagami9700]

I was recommended by a teacher and was selected for the national college match. When you found out about Quest Bridge how did you found out about it? I received an email and a letter through the mail.

[@haircarewithlaeticia5058]

Hey Nazjaa, nice video!👏 I recently came across Questbridge and I am wondering: what are the chances that African aspiring students will get in? Is this program only for Americans or is it a worldwide thing?

[@sarahg42]

Did you EA to University of Georgia? I'm not a Georgia resident but UGA and some other out-of-state schools require me to apply by the Early Action deadline to be considered for scholarships, and I'm also applying to colleges through Questbridge, so I wasn't sure if applying EA to out-of-state schools that specifically require me to do so for scholarships would go against Questbridge policy.

[@berenicevzq]

haha decisions came out today and i didn’t match:( i’m hoping i get into stanford thru rd tho!

[@oohnuh3618]

Can you update test scores if you take/retake tests at the beginning of senior year before the match process

[@virgilorlydelapena6942]

If I become finalist, I'm thinking of skipping matching and just going for regular decision.. But I feel like my QuestBridge application needs some work and I know that we can't edit it, so would my chances be lowered if I applied through Common App RD instead of QuestBridge RD?

[@torixxx739]

I just found out I’m a finalist!

[@marion907]

same

[@catherines.9028]

Sameee. I didn’t match tho. Still happy I did QB tho! Did u match?

[@marion907]

@@catherines.9028 yessss, I matched. are you doing RD?

[@pelumitayo-orisadare6907]

@@marion907 me tooo 😭😭😭

[@pelumitayo-orisadare6907]

@@marion907 where are you going?

[@alexpounds9214]

do you have to submit test scores in september for the ncm finalist application? bc i only have psat scores since corona cancelled all tests march through july (i was supposed to take it march and june). the next test is in september...

[@karladominguez5157]

okay so im a junior and i want to apply for a cps. i have the grades and the background to apply, but i dont take the sat or act until around april. the only scores i have are for psat but they arent super great because standardized testing is not my strong suit i really struggle :( is it still worth it to apply, or would i be wasting my time? i got an 1190

[@antritamanduva4876]

Karla Dominguez it doesn’t hurt to try! the application is free

[@milleye9792]

You should definitely apply. I got matched with a 1180 on the sat, test scores aren't the only thing they are looking for.

[@Yoshi-dz2sz]

I’m in the exact same situation as you. I’ve only taken the psats and I’m not too happy with my score :( But I think that it doesn’t hurt to try, so I’ll still submit an application and you should too!

[@psy_ducky1100]

I got like, a 1070 so I'm in the same spot rn lolol. I'm thankful that it's optional, so dont worry!! Good luck :D

[@light8174]

Still apply :) I was worried about that too but it doesn’t hurt to try. I got 1110 on the SAT but I’m still going to try because my GPA makes up for it.

[@amarachiaguwa1781]

Hi!!! I’m a College Prep Scholar and I emailed you regarding the mentoring stuff. I’ll reallly really really love it if you could reply.

[@nazjaa]

Just responded!

[@kenechukwuchukwu4688]

Are you Nigerian??

[@amarachiaguwa1781]

Trending Now hi there! yes i am

[@kenechukwuchukwu4688]

Ok you live in the united state and did you apply last year??

[@amarachiaguwa1781]

Trending Now yes I do and yeah I applied for the match!

[@Qiqi762]

So if you put only the non binding schools, you will not be binded to any school? Also, if you apply through questbridge, are you allowed to apply again through another system or does that count for your application to that school? Can you do the college prep scholar program and not do the national match program? Are you able to edit your application after first doing your application in the college prep scholar program? If anyone can answer PLEASE!!

[@johnsmiths8744]

Also, can you apply using both common app and QB (like I want to apply to Harvard, but it’s not a QB school)?

[@eloahmakassi9314]

Hey i have a certain circumstance in which I graduated high school early (summer class of 2019) but I’m not attending college till fall 2020 and all the scholarships I’m finding are for graduating seniors, but I’m not a senior anymore... I’m a hs graduate... any advice?

[@MentallyBougie]

Eloah Makassi at this point the application is due in 5 days so this may not be helpful, but I would email them

[@jenniferweje3498]

Do you have to do the finalist thing for quest bridge or can you just go straight into regular decision?

[@sachn5536]

Why did you prefer ACT over the SAT?

[@daisylomeli4888]

did you have to do/go to any events for quest bridge or was it all work from home?

[@Kxd21]

Did you apply to any of the college summer camps offered by questbridge and if so did u attend it.

[@elizabeth04153]

I’m doing the College Match one and I’m scared 😭😭 and yes it’s long lol it’s due on the 29th😩 I haven’t ranked them cuz it’s binding 😩😩

[@arsemademeke332]

I'm literally doing the essay right now lol! Last minute tings. Good luck to both of us!

[@elizabeth04153]

Arsema Demeke omggg😭😭😭😭 I have a like 500 words on my 1st one and 60 words on my 2nd essay 😂 #lastminutethings🥺 Also add me on Snapchat;) @elizabeth.bae14

[@ritaabdul7823]

@@elizabeth04153 Me too lol

[@heydiyavlogs9952]

What if you have test scores that you would rather not send to colleges?

[@muhammadmuhsinislam2489]

i didn’t know abt cps and i’m going to be a senior in september 2020, can is too kk do the QuestBridge application?

[@karito1358]

When it comes to programs like this, does your GPA count more than standardized tests. Oddly enough I find it easier to excel in state tests than in classrooms so my AP scores and EOC scored are what really keep me in higher classes. Basically I understand what they’re teaching but shit at turning in assignments lmao

[@jessicajes8876]

I am Want to apply that program on early action but my SAT SUBJECT's ON OCTOBER So Can I ?

[@elliex7504]

can you apply to questbridge and apply to colleges with the common app?

[@koushikscartoonflix6050]

Sis, I am a international student, can I apply for the quest bridge scholarship.. and because of the COVID-19 pendamic, I was not able to give the sat exam.... Can you please give me the info, I am applying in this fall..

[@alyshadorcely1743]

Does the full ride cover transportation ? Love this video btw

[@Klown]

yeah

[@aalarashid]

Can you apply on Questbridge and CommomApp

[@afiaoduro-manu2349]

yes

[@ibnraheem5743]

Are midterm important? because i’m a freshman and i hate my midterm grades but my Quarter grades are fine.

[@victorguerrero8763]

MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Yale aren’t binding

[@zhixin7263]

Can I still be able to chose if I get accepted into 1 binging and 1 nonbinding or do I HAVE to go to the binding school?

[@iamniab1]

you have to go to the binding school

[@sarahloverado9827]

just a question, if you apply with QuestBridge, can you still apply to other schools not on QuestBridge with common app?

[@aliclmao8034]

Sarah Loverado I know for sure only if those other schools are rolling admissions (i applied to 3 state schools while i did the NCM) but there was also some exception if you had to apply to certain schools for scholarship considerations

[@milleye9792]

@@aliclmao8034 Did you get matched?

[@xalpacazeu1332]

I am finishing and revising my essays for the college match for seniors. Kinda scared since I wasnt a CPS. Just wish someone could read my essays and give insight

[@yuanmingrao9266]

xAlpaca Zeu i could read ur essay if u want

[@xalpacazeu1332]

Yuanming Yao Thank you Yuanming for your offer. I was fortunate enough to be partners with a local scholarship program that offers aid to students during this process

[@That._.Jennie]

Hey, how did it go?

[@That._.Jennie]

I'm in the same position right now (not a cps) and I'm really confused

[@peachyeinna]

Hey! I'm a rising senior and I was wondering if I could ask for some advice, as well as clarification on the QB process. I did not know about QB during my junior year, so unfortunately I was unable to apply for the CPS program they offered. Will this mean my chances will be lower? Do you know anyone who was accepted through QB despite not being a College Prep Scholar? As a result, I'm a little hesitant to apply because I'm not sure if the Common Application will yield a better chance at admissions. Also, what did you mean they see every single score? I'm so paranoid because I got a bad score on one of my APs (one 2, one 4, and two 5s) and I also have a very low SAT score (1260) but I retook it, and got a higher score score. I was only planning to report one sitting (the higher score), but now that I know I was wondering if reporting all of our sittings will negatively impact our chances? And what about schools that superscore? Will they see all the scores as well? Girlllll I'm so scared lol T-T I know you made a video on getting into Stanford with a low SAT score, but my ECs aren't that impressive, and it seems like my score would carry more weight because of that. I also took into account that test scores are optional, but I feel like competitive students will definitely send in their scores, and my application will pale in comparison. Thank you so much for making this video! This video really broke everything down for me and explained it in a cohesive manner, as well as giving insight into what the actual process is like. I also love your videos in general :) especially your college dorm tour video; your whole vibe is to die for, ugh 🥺 edit: I deleted some portions that I already got the answer to + added another question :)

[@yanu1559]

I'm in the same position as you? Did you try the QB?

[@rainahallen5981]

how did it go?

[@That._.Jennie]

I'm also in the same position as you, how did you do it eventually?

[@thetominator1931]

Is there a strict cutoff to the household income requirements, or do they make exceptions?

[@junwooshin3421]

To my knowledge there isn't a strict cutoff, they have "requirements", but they take into consideration other aspects of your financial situation whether that be debt, medical bills, and other outside circumstances.

[@kajsworld89]

NAZJAA ,CAN YOU SEND ME THOSE ESSAYS ..🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@ayshaalexander3715]

How many weeks did you give your teachers to write recommendations?

[@longliveplanetawesome3223]

I'm applying right now, and the second applications opened (okay, more like a week after), I asked my teacher to write a recommendation. Give your teacher the most time possible!

[@hannahwhatley552]

Do you have to come from a family of four? Because online it keeps mentioning a family of four

[@Emma-qn1vu]

hannnah whatley no, you do not have to come from a family of four. you can come from a family of any size

[@reonart.fun_art3373]

Is there any binding rule when you're applying to questbridge regular decision?

[@miumoments]

No only the Match is binding

[@user-es5hf6vx2f]

Are these two programs for the US citizens only? Any for international?

[@milleye9792]

There is international students in the programs. Some of the 40 schools offer the match to international students.

[@SidereaNoxiae]

Is the GPA stated here weighted or unweighted?

[@kal386]

unweighted

[@johnsmiths8744]

Is the regular decision round non-binding?

[@muhammadmuhsinislam2489]

yes

[@ariyaanwhittaker]

Even if I apply for the Questbridge scholarship, could I still apply for other scholarships? (Upcoming Senior getting ready for college application c/o 2024!)

[@phoneheaded]

Apply to other scholarships. Even if you don't match or get accrued RD, you will still have money to fall back on. Also apply to safeties RD or ED depending on their financial aid requirements. I met a finalists who didn't match, but got accepted RD to Stanford and got/became a finalist for the Gates Scholarship, Jack Kent Cooke, Coca-cola Scholars, etc.

[@CottonCookie]

So if you do Questbridge, you COULDN'T apply to other colleges through the common app at the same time?

[@MohammedAli-tw6vh]

Okay so questbridge applications are earlier than regular decisions. My tip is to look at the qb website and see what their policy is.

[@el-hr5kh]

you can, just no early action/decision

[@CottonCookie]

@@el-hr5kh oh ok thanks. So that means if I apply for the 4 no binding school through questbridge, I still couldn't be able to apply other schools outside of questbridge during that time (early action) but can after all of this are over (through regular?)

[@el-hr5kh]

@@CottonCookie correct :)

[@kaitlynvallejo1571]

Could u still apply to schools without QuestBridge? Like could u apply to some with QuestBridge and some on your own?

[@enobempah7609]

Kaitlyn Vallejo yes but you can’t apply to any early decision BINDING school unless you’re rejected because QuestBridge is binding

[@CottonCookie]

@@enobempah7609 so If I do MIT for questbridge, which is a nonbinding ED school, then can I apply to Harvard through the common app for ED?

[@CottonCookie]

@@enobempah7609 if I apply to MIT questbridge nonbinding school ED, then can I also apply to Harvard ED through common app at the same time?

[@enobempah7609]

Cotton Cookie no you cannot. www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/national-college-match/early-application-policy That’s the link that tells you you cannot

[@OblakSan]

@@enobempah7609 but can I apply to Harvard using the quest bridge?

[@preciousmillidah3221]

Are international students eligible?

[@susankhanhhuynh5046]

Do we list the rank colleges on fasfa?

[@fatimaserrato6929]

no! once you’re done with the application (deadline for 2020 passed) you will have to rank colleges on it.

[@aha468]

I got 18 more days

[@dremiller8169]

What are the 4 legally binding schools?

[@afiaoduro-manu2349]

out of the 40 partner schools, 4 are NON-binding for ncm. those are yale, pton, mit, and stanford

[@ariannadavis7449]

What classes did you take that you believe help you become a QB scholar

[@anairanyzapata3323]

So you do the ranking after they tell you you’re a finalist?

[@mart_killer0795]

Yup

[@sharon159]

No

[@anairanyzapata3323]

Sharon when do you rank the colleges then?

[@mart_killer0795]

@@anairanyzapata3323 Actually don't listen to me since I am currently going through the process. I finished my application already, but I honestly don't know where or when we are supposed to rank them.

[@anairanyzapata3323]

Mart_Killer07 I just rewatched this video and she said that in October you rank the colleges, so I guess it is after you’re announced a finalist,, good luck!!

[@amycazares3402]

i’m a questbridge finalist and match day is in 2 days so i’m nervous as hell

[@RaNdOmPlAyS]

Omfg spill the teaa where did ya get in?

[@milleye9792]

Did you get matched?

[@luisanao6496]

Amy did you apply junior year ?

[@amycazares3402]

no i didnt get matched but i got in regular decisions to notre dame and claremont mckenna college! but i’m going to georgetown university on almost a full ride!

[@amycazares3402]

Luisana O i didnt do it junior year but some of my other friends did!

[@sachikowakahisa2206]

Hi! Are we bound to the colleges if we apply through regular decision?

[@nazjaa]

Sachiko Wakahisa Hey! and no, you are not bound to any school if you gain admission through regular decision

[@sachikowakahisa2206]

Ohh all right thank you so much! I’m an incoming senior (huhu). Much love from the Philippines 💖

[@bleuajaune3761]

is there any questbridge opportunities for sophomores??

[@aliclmao8034]

Jose Ortiz no, the College Prep Scholars Program is the earliest stage for high school juniors!

[@benita3421]

do you HAVE to be low income?

[@khadymbodj5307]

less than 65,000

[@tishidiv950]

Thats...thats the whole point

[@michellelaw8762]

Bruh Im already in my junior year and just knew abt this 🥹

[@aliclmao8034]

I was selected as a 2019 CPS and I'm stoked yet nervous for senior year, this video was most definitely informative and helpful!!

[@nazjaa]

Congrats!! Glad it could help.

[@Simplycarm]

I’m currently applying and I’m so nervous. Do you have an email I can use to send you some questions? It would be greatly appreciated to get any help.