questbridge essay 1 prompt

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We are a dedicated College Partner

Stanford is committed to providing access and opportunity for high achieving, low-income students. Since 2006, we have been a dedicated QuestBridge partner. We are proud of the many outstanding QuestBridge Finalists and College Prep Scholars who are current Stanford students and those who are now Stanford alumni.

How to Apply

Learn about application requirements and the National College Match on Stanford’s QuestBridge College Partner page .

Stanford QuestBridge Supplement

In the supplement, we ask several short questions (limit 50 words each), and because the QuestBridge Application is so comprehensive, we ask just one essay question: Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better. (250-word maximum)

Frequently Asked Questions

If i participate in questbridge, do i need to apply for financial aid from stanford.

Yes; all applicants to Stanford, including those participating in the National College Match, must submit financial aid application documents to Stanford in order to receive a financial aid notification.

If you ranked Stanford in the Match, please submit the CSS Profile and federal tax forms by November 1. Please complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available and submit it no later than February 15. Visit Stanford’s  National College Match Scholarship Package page   and Stanford’s  QuestBridge College Partner page   for more information.

I submitted a QuestBridge Application to Stanford. Do I also need to submit a Common Application?

No; If you submitted a QuestBridge Application to Stanford through the National College Match or QuestBridge Regular Decision, there is no need to submit a Common Application. Your QuestBridge application is your Stanford application.

We will not review an additional application. If you need to provide us with significant updates, you will have an opportunity to do so on your student portal.

I am a QuestBridge Finalist, but I am not participating in the Match. Can I apply to Stanford under Restrictive Early Action?

Yes; however, you must submit a Common Application. Your application fee will be waived when you select the “QuestBridge Finalist” option in the Stanford fee waiver section.

Since the ACT or SAT is not required for Stanford this year, how can I let Stanford know if I want my scores considered?

In your Stanford QuestBridge Supplement there is a question asking whether you would like Stanford to consider ACT or SAT scores in the review of your application.

If you are not able to take the ACT or SAT, your application will not be at a disadvantage. If you have already taken the ACT or SAT, and you feel that your scores are a positive reflection of your academic preparedness, then you are welcome to self-report them. Your application will not be at a disadvantage if you choose not to report your scores.

National College Match

Is stanford’s match binding.

Yes; Stanford’s Match is binding. If you are matched with Stanford, congratulations and welcome! We look forward to having you join our community. As a reminder, under QuestBridge guidelines, Finalists who match to a binding institution through the National College Match are to withdraw their applications from other colleges and universities.

Does Stanford have a maximum number of students they accept through the Match?

No; the Match is a partnership to provide access and opportunity for high achieving, low-income students. Stanford reviews applications holistically and works to create a strong and diverse cohort of Match Finalists. In previous years we have matched anywhere between 65-90 students, the number of matches can vary each year. Stanford’s partnership with QuestBridge is more than just the Match. Many outstanding QuestBridge Finalists and non-Finalists are admitted in Regular Decision.

Will Stanford consider Finalists for the Match if their Parent Contribution (PC) is above $0?

Stanford's financial aid is need-based; therefore, we are focusing our Match efforts on students whose families are determined to have a Parent Contribution (PC) of $0.

However, Stanford is committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students seeking financial aid, including those who apply through Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision. You can estimate your financial aid using Stanford’s Net Price Calculator .

Can I rank Stanford in the Match and apply to other schools through their early action or early decision rounds?

No; similarly, you cannot apply to Stanford under Restrictive Early Action and at the same time apply to other colleges through the Match. Please see QuestBridge's Early Application Policy .

Can I submit an Arts Portfolio if I am applying to Stanford through the Match?

No; the Match timeline does not align with the Arts Portfolio review process.

If I participate in the National College Match will I have the opportunity to participate in an optional alumni interview?

No; the Match timeline does not align with the Alumni Interview schedule.

Stanford admission interviews are optional, assigned randomly according to local alumni availability and can be declined without negatively affecting the application. Finalists who rank Stanford but do not match to a binding college will automatically be considered in Regular Decision and may be offered an interview at that time.

Can I submit an additional letter of recommendation in addition to the letter(s) included in the QuestBridge application?

It is not a requirement or an expectation that students will submit additional letter(s) of recommendation in addition to the two letters we receive with your QuestBridge application.

If you would like to send an additional letter from a school official please have them email it directly to [email protected]

I am an undocumented/DACA student. Can I apply to Stanford through the Match?

Yes; Stanford welcomes applications from undocumented/DACA students through the National College Match. Visit our How Aid Works page for undocumented applicants.

I am an international citizen studying in the U.S. with a visa. Can I apply to Stanford through the Match?

No; Stanford does not review applications from international citizens through the National College Match. We encourage international citizens to apply to Stanford through QuestBridge Regular Decision.

Withdrawing Your Application

How do i withdraw my application from consideration.

To remove Stanford from your rankings for the Match, contact QuestBridge. After the Match, if you would like to withdraw your application from consideration in Regular Decision, log in to your Stanford portal and submit the "Withdraw Application" form.

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How to Apply to the Questbridge College Prep Scholars Program

We’re huge fans of QuestBridge—the organization offers incredible opportunities to incredibly deserving students. And we’ve already written a guide to writing the QuestBridge Scholarship essays here , so head there if that’s what you’re looking for. In this post, we’ll be talking about QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program : what it is, who’s eligible, and how to apply and write the essay, with sample essays and analysis.

What is the College Prep Scholars Program?

The goal of the program is to equip high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges. Probably the biggest draw of the program is that QB College Prep Scholars are almost six times more likely than other applicants to receive full four-year scholarships through QB’s National College Match. In 2023, the Scholars program received over 15,000 applications and, from those, selected 3,518 students.

The 2024 deadline is Wednesday, March 2oth (we’re bolding that cause it’s important—if you just found this on, say, March 15th, start diving in). It’s free to apply, and you can start doing so here . Applicants are notified of decisions around mid-April.

Who’s eligible for the Questbridge college prep scholars program?

Any high school junior, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the United States is eligible to apply. Or, for students living abroad, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. International students living outside the United States aren’t eligible to apply.

Applicants must be high school juniors who are planning to apply to college during the fall of their senior year.

The program is generally looking for students with a history of strong academic achievement. While these aren’t strict cut-offs (meaning if you fall outside of these, it’s probably still worth applying), past students have tended to be in the top 5-10% of their classes and have taken rigorous course loads.

And College Prep Scholars tend to come from families earning $65k or less for a family of four, and who have minimal assets. Again, not strict cut-offs/requirements, but the program’s overall mission is to help students who need it most.

For greater detail on what they take into account, head here . And if you’d like to review profiles of the ’23 class , check that link.

What the QB College Prep Scholars Program provides

Let’s break this down into the big picture, then details.

Big picture: 

The program offers a way to demonstrate to QB’s college partners that you’re a competitive candidate for admission. And the app automatically carries over to the National College Match program in the fall. And we mentioned this up top, but it’s worth repeating: One of the biggest benefits of the program is that Prep Scholars are nearly five times more likely to receive four-year scholarships through College Match.

Details (from QB’s site):

A full scholarship to a college summer program hosted by amazing colleges like Stanford, UChicago, UPenn …

Quest for Excellence Awards , which can include $1,000 for a new laptop, funding for a visit to a college partner’s campus, and more

Access to a QuestBridge National College Admissions Conference —an invite-only event featuring workshops and a college fair 

Campus visits and other opportunities from QuestBridge college partners

Specialized guidance and resources for the college application process

Peer-to-peer support in an online community

What’s required to apply

You’ll have to provide:

Information on your academics, activities, household, and financial background

One longer essay and some short answer responses

One recommendation from a teacher in a core academic subject (English, History, Math, Science, or Foreign Language), ideally during your sophomore or junior year 

A current high school transcript (unofficial transcripts are okay!)

Any standardized test score reports to date (if taken) . PSAT, PreACT, ACT Aspire, SAT, ACT, or AP test scores (unofficial test score reports are okay!)

School Profile is optional, but recommended

Access to 2023 tax returns, W-2(s), or other financial documents is highly recommended to complete the application accurately.

How to write the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars program essays

Important note: the 2024 writing section has changed pretty significantly. (Also, please note their warning to write/edit your responses in a different program and paste them in, rather than writing directly in the application, to avoid losing your work.)

Here are the new writing exercises:

writing exercise 1 (2024)

In an effort to make sure we are learning about you and providing space for you to decide how to share your story, please tell us: What question would you want us to ask you? Enter only the question itself. (25 words)

[then, after you’ve entered the question]

Why do you think the question you entered above is a good question for our application to ask? (75 words)

How would you answer this question? (200 words)

Writing exercise 2 (2024)

Please select one of the four below prompts and answer the questions that follow. Your answers may generate additional guidance. There are no right or wrong answers—this section is designed to help us better understand you and your story, and to create space for you to reflect upon how you want to share your story within an application.

Select one of the following prompts:

Tell us about a time you learned something new and were excited to uncover more information about that topic.

Our behavior is often shaped by our values. Tell us about a value you hold.

Tell us about a time when your perspective was different from someone else’s.

Imagine you’re planning a celebration. Tell us about it.

Why did you select this prompt? (75 words)

How would you answer this prompt? (200 words)

additional information 2024

A full picture of who you are can strengthen your application. In this section, we encourage you to include any additional information or context that will complete your story and help us get to know you better. This could include details you were not able to include elsewhere, such as your relationship with a non-custodial parent, extra medical expenses, or other special circumstances.

Watch the Additional Information QuestTips video to learn more about what to include. (400 words)

Examples of past QB essays

Because we don’t have examples for the new prompts, but we at least want to give you some concrete examples of writing + analysis that have worked well for QB before, here’s last year’s (2023) prompt + example essays and analysis (notice that this year’s prompts and word counts are considerably different) :

Prompt: We are interested in learning more about the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your successes. Please describe how the most influential factors and challenges in your life have shaped you into the person you are today. (650 words)

An important note here is that QB really wants to understand how a low-income background has possibly shaped a student (what they refer to as the “ low-income lens ”). We’re pointing this out here because many students can be hesitant to write about such things, but here, QB directly encourages you to do so. They want to know how financial difficulties and other obstacles have shaped who you are and what you value. Have you had to take on significant responsibilities for your household? Take on a job to help pay for expenses? Experienced homelessness or other difficulties with housing?

One big thing is to focus mostly on how those challenges have shaped you—probably only about a third of your essay will describe the challenges themselves and their effects on you. The remaining two-thirds can focus on what you’ve done to work through those challenges, and what you’ve learned about yourself and about the world from your experiences. Emphasizing these things can be a nice way to demonstrate your growth and emotional maturity to your readers.

To that end, Narrative Structure can be a great option for any kind of personal statement (not just for QuestBridge) that focuses on a significant challenge you’ve faced and how it’s shaped you. That structure can fit this prompt particularly well. For a more detailed guide on how to brainstorm the content for and write a Narrative Structure essay, check out this expansive guide. QuestBridge also has its own handy brainstorming worksheet with a flowchart and advice you may find useful.

And to clarify, they aren’t saying they require you to write about these kinds of challenges and obstacles. So if you really prefer to write about something else that you feel communicates your story, you totally can. And if that’s the case, you have another great option: Montage Structure, a dynamic approach that allows you to explore multiple sides of yourself. 

We liken montage to a beaded bracelet, with the beads representing key aspects of your personality/experiences/values/talents + a thematic thread that ties it all together. For an in-depth discussion of Montage Structure, head here . (Note: A hybrid of both is also possible—check out the “Much Ado About Nothing” essay at the end of this post for an example that starts with a challenge—in its case a low-stakes one—but then shifts into a montage of moments, experiences, and reflections.)

Sample Essays + Analysis

Note that the sample essays below were written for the QuestBridge Scholarship, but the prompt is virtually identical. The word count was slightly different.

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 grow? (797/800-word limit)

“Mama, ¡por favor! Don’t go!” I cried, gently tugging on her brown leather jacket. Raindrops pummeled my bare face, making me squint to see her silhouette in the darkness of the cold night. One by one, she began reluctantly loading her belongings onto our old grey minivan.  “I’ll see you soon, mijito,” my mother despairingly said as she wiped the tears trickling down her cheeks. She pulled me into her arms, and I tightly held her, knowing this might be the last time I ever could. Seconds later, she got into the driver’s seat, and the engine roared to life. Before I could say goodbye, the old grey minivan began driving out of sight.  My mind raced with questions. Why was my mother leaving? Why couldn’t I go with her? Flashbacks to towers of late rent bills and the rumble of my sisters’ empty stomachs made one thing clear: she had to.  Ever since I was born, LA’s high rent prices pushed our family onto the brink of homelessness. We lived our life on a coin toss—heads or tails deciding whether we’d pay our monthly rent or groceries. This life meant the roof above my head changed faster than the clothes on my body. It meant doing multiplication tables on the cold pavement while waiting for a bed at the shelter. It meant having to watch a childhood slip away as my parents’ struggles slowly materialized into my own. That rainy night, my mother finally reached her limit and moved to Utah in pursuit of a better life.  With my mother gone, my home felt scattered beyond physical confines. However, the emotional sanctuary I yearned for, I discovered in my second home: school. Here, I raced through kinematics problems and sneaked into the computer lab, my hands flying over the keyboards. This home I found in the flickering, fluorescent-lighted hallways and weary, purple-colored walls gave me a sense of belonging. However, the small source of stability I was beginning to gather became intercepted by a looming decision: Do I stay in LA with my father or leave for Utah to be reunited with my mother? I chose LA.     After months of watery eyes and harrowing headaches produced by images of my sisters’ childhoods without me, LA’s charm finally shone through. The allure was in the spontaneous dance parties sparked by the neighborhood abuelitas’ cumbias—in the rewarding taste of Tommy’s world-famous chili burgers and Ocha’s “seven seas” soup. Aside from the cultural respite I gained in Los Angeles, there was a glaringly obvious gift in my stay: LA welcomed my curiosity with open arms, preserving my interest in political science through an ACLU program, and fostering my passion for CS through LACCD courses.   However, life in LA is not always sweet. While walking home one night, an ominous car crept up beside me. My blood ran cold as I noticed the gun’s glisten. My life flashed before my eyes, and I braced myself until . . . CLICK. The gun jammed. I ran with every jot of energy left in my sore body. I ran for my life. In South L.A, it sometimes feels like I’m always running—unable to escape the candles on every street corner, reminding me of those who weren’t as lucky. Amidst this sea of chaos, I resort to my outlet: computers.  Although my only access to technology is a recreational center 30 minutes away, I do everything in my capacity to explore this new home. Writing simple “Hello World!” programs transformed into graduate-level work developing neural networks and AI algorithms. Yet my CS journey still feels like a jigsaw puzzle with a missing piece. Although thankful for the opportunities, the missing piece is a dream. It’s the dream of blending my past with my future as a computer scientist and engineering a better world. That is why I eagerly await the opportunity to attend a university to finally fulfill this dream. And one day, using all the experiences and wisdom I gained from my college professors and peers, I will return to South Los Angeles not only to inspire future generations to pursue the wonders of CS, but to empower them with the tools needed to break through every socio-economic barrier standing in their way. As I embark on my college journey, I will always remember the sight of that old grey minivan driving away. However, instead of viewing it and the many hardships I went through as moments of weakness, I see them now as defining moments of strength and inspiration.  The next time my mother sees me, I won’t be on the ground, begging her, “Mama, don’t go!” Instead, I will be walking across the graduation stage, as the first in my family’s history to do so, calmly telling her, “Mama, we did it.” — — —

Tips + Analysis

Let structure work for you. This essay makes effective use of the Narrative Structure—an essay that focuses on a Challenge + Its Effects on You, What You Did About It, and What You Learned, in roughly equal parts—to directly address the prompt (“ 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 grow?” ).

The hook, opening in a moment of high tension that also raises questions about what’s happening and why, pulls us in. The author then pulls back and puts that moment in context, offering the challenge the student and his family faced, and the various effects (brink of homelessness, rent or groceries, school work while waiting for a bed at the shelter, lack of sanctuary, the gun, etc.) that challenge had. But then fairly quickly, the author shifts into what he did about it: kinematics, home in the computer lab, the ACLU program, algorithms, etc.

The author also intersperses details and reflections that show what he learned from these experiences by directly or indirectly linking to and reflecting on his values (like family, curiosity, culture, and many more). The ending does a nice job of bookending (calling back to the start of the essay), but reframing it to show how he’s grown, and what the experience means to him in the greater context of his life.

Show and tell (rather than “show, don’t tell.”). It’s important to provide details and examples that illustrate your experiences, offering a way for the reader to connect and identify with you, to feel as though they understand a part of what you’ve experienced. But it’s also important and useful to directly name at least some of what these experiences mean to you, rather than assuming that the reader will think it means the same thing you do.

Showing and telling strikes a nice balance between demonstrating your abilities as a writer and helping us connect emotionally, while also helping show you understand the importance of clarity.

Flex your “voice.” “Find your voice” is advice that we’re not sure is all that useful, as what exactly the phrase means is often left unsaid. So here’s a more specific way to think about it, and something this author does well: Revise and rewrite until you’re discussing your experiences and reflections in a way that’s different from how someone with the same or similar experiences would discuss them. Really specific details (like this: “The allure was in the spontaneous dance parties sparked by the neighborhood abuelitas’ cumbias—in the rewarding taste of Tommy’s world-famous chili burgers and Ocha’s ‘seven seas’ soup.”) take things that many students reading this post may have experienced, but that still make them feel specific to this author in a way that helps us see who he is and what he values, and what he brings to a college community.

(Used for both QuestBridge NCM and Common App)

A typical day in the ice cream truck begins with supplying the freezer. My dad and I cut open boxes, and any time we slice through some ice cream wrapper I get to have it. My dad probably knows this, but sometimes I slice through some of the most expensive and chocolatey ice cream cones just to have one for myself, even though everything in the truck is already free for me. Once we leave Mr. Charlies, the late namesake supplier, we make our rounds around construction sites where new apartment complexes are being built. Most of the customers are Hispanic migrant workers, and my dad understands Spanish enough to not only sell them ice   cream, but also gain their loyalty because of his over-the-top friendly personality when making a pitch for selling Gatorade, popsicles, or energy drinks. He yells “Como esta! Coma esta! Coma esta!” at the top of his lungs to attract customers, speaking a mix of both broken Spanish and broken English when they get there. His favorite part of bringing me to work is that it allows him to brag about me and my school accomplishments. His ability to say “Look! Look! This is my daughter. Say hi,” and probably something along the lines of “She makes straight A’s every year!…she wins so many competitions that she’s allowed me to meet the mayor! You know she’s learning Latin? …she’s the best part of my life, an African queen” really makes me feel on top of the world while sitting on a cooler ready to hand out a drink to a tired worker. Yes, my dad loves to brag about the things that I’ve done. However, I know the struggle of having to defend our livelihood to people that probably think that we’re either homeless or extremely poor to be working in an ice cream truck day in and day out. Most days I don’t even have a seat to sit on, but a makeshift cardboard throne that I’m attached to with a rope seat belt and cushioned on by leftover plastic from the packs of water bottles. He tries to make me feel like a queen when I sit in the back of a truck, and nothing in my life ever makes me prouder. The feverish complimenting and appraisal from strangers are a sharp contrast to how I portray my life, or more realistically, hide it when I speak to my friends at school. It may not seem it, but my grades, awards, and even wardrobe are things that I’ve had to work so much harder to earn than my peers. What maybe seems like me easily getting an A on a test, or a great science project in a science fair is actually the product of me studying for hours in the ice cream truck, with my head buried in a borrowed textbook as the repetitive ice cream jingle surrounds me and kids scream to ask for treats. I never feel sorry for myself, because this life is more than I ever could have wished for, with my dad by my side, some change in the register, and friends waiting for me at school. This seemingly double life that I live could not be any farther apart, with long homework hours and happy group projects on one hand, and difficult and long hours in the truck on the other, yet so similar as I put my everything into both tasks. The day ends with us selling to the low-income housing area. Here, toddlers and teenagers alike beg for free ice cream. Footballs and frisbees fly at the windows as the kids here attempt to scare me in the window. Here, I duck my head in fear of seeing anyone from school who may reveal this side of me to my friends. It has taken me so long to come to terms with our lifestyle, how selling ice cream is our only way to get by, yet my praise and regalness from the apartment complexes have now turned to shame and me bowing my head. I know that these kids can’t see my father the way I do and that he also feels the embarrassment of subjecting me to this life, to this work. At home, even though I’m tired, I find time to finish all of my assignments and talk on the phone with my friends. The A/C is broken again, almost ironic compared to the ice-cold temperature of the freezer in which I stuck my head all day. Even though the work was hard and the pay-off was small, I still find myself ready to start up the next day of working with my dad, listening to his many stories while sitting on my cardboard throne. — — —

Be vulnerable. One great thing about this essay: The student doesn’t tie it all up with a bow. Notice how she still ducks her head “in fear of seeing anyone from school.” Many students feel compelled to give their essays an “after-school special” ending, but … what if you’re still figuring it out? Or to use a musical metaphor, what if the chord is still unresolved? That’s okay! As long as your essay demonstrates well-earned insights, values, and your powers of reflection, the ending can be a little untidy. After all, you’re human, and life is messy. 

Play with structure. This is a sort of “day-in-the-life” essay that charts the course of a typical workday from beginning to end, with the writer’s reflections woven seamlessly throughout. The writing is both expository and confessional, and the author manages to pack a lot into the container she’s created for herself: It’s about class and hard work, pride and shame, and at its center is the beautiful relationship she shares with her father—a relationship the student protects by concealing her shame and insecurities. This is mature, thoughtful, and deeply personal writing. 

Use vivid details. This essay is packed with descriptive details: sights, sounds, flavors, sensations. Notice how this student creates a powerful sense of place. You get a vivid sense of what it’s like to work on that truck, and a clear picture of the communities the author and her father visit while selling ice cream. There’s a kinetic, propulsive quality to this kind of writing that—in the deft hands of this writer—manages not to overshadow or crowd out the reflections and insights at the core of the essay.

For more help, check out these resources:

Tips for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Application

Applying to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

Essential Advice for Low-Income & First-Generation College Students

Special thanks to Andy for contributing to this post.

Andrew has worked as an educator, consultant, and curriculum writer for the past 15 years, and earned degrees from Stanford in Political Science and Drama. He feels most at home on mountain tops and in oceans.

Top Values:  Insight/Growth | Truth | Integrity

College Admissions

Quest scholarship college essay example – questbridge program.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

This is a college essay submitted by a student who now attends Northwestern University. This student is a Quest Scholar at Northwestern. The student was awarded with a full-ride scholarship. As you read this Quest Scholarship college essay example, think about your own personal experiences and what you could write about if you are eligible for the scholarship. You can learn more about the Quest Scholarship here .

This is a solid personal essay for several reasons:

• The opening paragraph frames the story and presents to the reader a frustrating situation with his younger brother that leads the reader into the second paragraph with an anticipated even more acutely personal insight into this student’s life. A potentially stronger opening would have been starting with his mother’s condition and remaining focused with the main topic as this opening paragraph is a bit of a tangent in the grand scheme of things.
• The second paragraph demonstrates the reader’s understanding of his mother’s condition. It paints a vivid picture with the reader of the condition, demonstrating to an admissions counselor that not only has this student had to overcome extenuating circumstances, but also that he fully understands the nature of his mother’s condition.
• The third paragraph digs deep as the student reflects on what he has learned from watching his mother suffer the effects of MS through the years. He closes the paragraph strongly with a takeaway of what he has learned to value the most from watching his mother endure her MS condition through the years.
• Finally, the student concludes by wrapping the essay together nicely. The reader finishes reading the essay with a comprehensive understanding of the student’s life experience, how he has learned from this experience, and a bigger picture understanding of the human condition. This is vital. Strong admissions essays often have a message that provide admissions officers with insights of the student’s understanding of the human condition. These essays are often acutely personal and feature an overall theme—in this case, hardship and how the student came to terms with it.

Throughout my life I have encountered many circumstances that have shaped me into the person I am today. I started life in a small house outside of Mackinaw, Illinois. I lived in that house for eleven years, and while I was there I became the oldest of four children. That in itself has been an experience, teaching me a lot about being an example and impacting my views on responsibility. I have a brother who, quite frankly, is the worst behaved kid I know. He lies, steals, and misbehaves compulsively. Academically he is not much better. He was held back in first grade due to a refusal to do homework, and has barely scraped by ever since, consistently getting D’s and F’s. Miraculously, he is now in eighth grade, but he still is not doing much better academically or behaviorally. He is actually very smart; he just refuses to do work which is why he fails. At home he fights with my younger brother and sister and pushes my patience to its limits constantly. Through it all there is a silver lining. He has taught me tolerance and patience. I have learned to deal with other people and annoyances through my experiences with Brock, and find that I am generally harder to anger than others. The lessons in patience that I have learned from Brock have helped me a lot in working with others, and have contributed greatly to my successes in academics, but no single person or experience has impacted my outlook on life as much as my Mom.

Right around my tenth year, when my parents started looking into building a house in the country so my dad could have a shed to work on tractors in, my mom started having problems with her vision. It was often blurry, and she frequently suffered bouts of double vision. She went to several doctors, and numerous specialists, seeking a diagnosis. Eventually one came. Multiple Sclerosis. Abbreviated as MS, multiple sclerosis is ravaging disease affecting the nervous system. MS is caused when the myelin sheaths of nerve axons in the brain and spinal cord are damaged, causing scar tissue to form. The scar tissue hinders neural impulses, thus interfering with commands sent from the brain to motor nerves throughout the body. Eventually, problems with movement and balance develop. The progression of the disease is different for each patient and sometimes leads to an early death, but almost always leads to major disabilities.

Since her diagnosis, my mom’s condition has only worsened. Her double vision went away after a few months and has not returned since, but other complications have risen. Since then, little by little, I have watched my mom lose much of her ability to walk. Today at the age of forty, she walks almost everywhere with a cane. She has been told by her doctor not to drive because of slowed reaction times. Any time we go somewhere where there will be a lot of walking, she uses a wheelchair. Essentially, MS has forced my mom to age at a much greater pace than any human should have to endure. Remarkably though, in these eight years, I have never once heard her complain. Never once has she shown us any sign of self-pity. Instead, she has remained strong, accepting what fate has dealt her. In my parents’ room, she keeps a saying in a picture frame. It reads, “What is, is actual. What might be, simply is not. I must not therefore query God as though he has robbed me of things that are not.” It took me a while to understand exactly what it meant, but once I did I realized that my mom lives her life largely by the quote’s meaning. She realizes that she has MS, and nothing is going to change that, and so she accepts it and keeps going. It takes a special kind of person to do that; I do not think that many people would deal with it as well as my mom has.

Through my mom’s actions, she has taught me that no problem that I could possibly have merits complaint, because, truthfully, nobody cares. Everybody has problems in life, and no amount of complaining will ever change that. If everyone was like my mom I sincerely believe this world would be a better place. Aside from her refusal to complain, I have gained something else from my mom’s attitude. She has taught me the value of our talents and abilities, and that they should be used to their fullest while we possess them. She has inspired me to do my best in everything, and because of that I have been very successful. I love my mom for what she has been through and what she has taught me.

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An Introduction to QuestBridge

• Sasha Chada
• December 30, 2021

Table of Contents

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We’ve discussed financial aid and scholarships before, but in this article, we want to highlight a specific opportunity for high-achieving students. QuestBridge is an organization dedicated to helping high achieving but financially disadvantaged students apply to and pay for college, and awards a number of large scholarships each year to serve this goal.

In this article, we’ll break down what QuestBridge is, whether it’s right for you, and how to apply for it. While QuestBridge isn’t right for every student, it can be an amazing resource for some. Let’s get started!

What is QuestBridge?

Founded in 1987, QuestBridge seeks to match high-achieving students with top colleges. The students they work with come from underprivileged backgrounds, and the organization awards a large number of generous scholarships. These scholarships pay for the full cost of tuition and help with other costs. Students are sometimes expected to participate in work-study programs as part of these programs.

QuestBridge originally only partnered with Stanford, and they are still based in Palo Altos in California. Now, however, they have 45 college partners , which comprise many of the country’s top research universities and liberal arts colleges.

Students apply for the program, and as part of this created a ranked list of up to 12 schools they wish to apply to. Qualified students are selected as finalists, and these students have their QuestBridge application sent directly to the schools they ranked as part of their application. Students who match with a school through this process are awarded scholarships. Matching with a school through QuestBridge is usually binding.

Students who do not match in the initial round are allowed to submit their QuestBridge application to other partner schools in the Regular Decision round of admissions. While getting admitted this way does not award a scholarship through QuestBridge, many of these schools offer large financial aid packages, and all application fees are waived for QuestBridge students.

Who Qualifies for QuestBridge?

QuestBridge applicants are evaluated holistically; they have no hard cutoffs for grades, test scores, or financial circumstances. That said, they do have recommended benchmarks for applicants, both academic and financial. These are:

• Grades. Students are expected to have mostly As, with only a few Bs. They are also expected to have taken the most difficult classes available to them; AP, IB, or Honors.
• Class rank. Students should be in the top 5-10% of their class.
• Test scores. While these are not strictly required, students are expected to have test scores to meet the requirements of the colleges they apply to; this depends on schools’ own test optional policies. Scores should be 1260+ for SAT, and 27+ for ACT.
• Household income. The total income of the student’s household should be under $65,000. Students with unique financial circumstances can appeal to say why they deserve consideration.
• Assets. As with income, student’s households are expected to have minimal assets (such as investments or real estate).
• Extracurriculars. Students should be active and involved in activities outside of school. Students who need to work to support their family, or who need to take on responsibilities within the home have these counted.
• Honors. Students should have examples of their accomplishments.
• Character. Students should display leadership, a love of learning and academics, and a drive to accomplish great things.

This seems like a lot, but what QuestBridge is looking for is the same thing as top colleges . They want to make sure the students that are accepted as finalists will be able to succeed at the country’s top schools, and these metrics are seen as the best indicators for future success. The financial criteria are meant to ensure that QuestBridge’s resources go to the students who need them the most.

If you are a high achieving student from a disadvantaged academic background, we encourage you to apply to QuestBridge. The program is meant to help you achieve, and they are always looking for great students. 

How to Apply to QuestBridge

Applications for QuestBridge are submitted online and are due in September. This is far in advance of any college application deadlines.

QuestBridge applications require the following components:

• Basic information. This includes demographic, financial, and academic; everything you have to fill out on the Common App.
• Writing. You need to answer two essay questions, and some short answers.
• Recommendations. You will need two letters of recommendation from teachers.
• School info. Your counselor needs to submit a school report. They may also submit a school profile; this part is optional but still recommended.
• Transcripts. You need to submit current official transcripts from your high school.
• Test reports. If you report test scores, you also need to submit score reports.
• College specific information. Each college you apply to using QuestBridge has their own requirements, including additional essays.

The timeline for this alters slightly every year but follows the same general pattern. Applications open in late summer and are due in September. You are not able to edit or update your application after it is submitted. You use the same application for all schools; if you are not admitted into one of your initial ranked schools, you reuse the same application to apply to QuestBridge partner schools’ regular decisions.

QuestBridge Essays

QuestBridge asks for two essays . The prompts are: 

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 grow?

You will need to choose one of the following topics to expand upon:

Option 1: Tell us about a concept, theory, or topic you have explored simply because it sparked your intellectual curiosity. Why do you find it intriguing? How do you want to further explore it?

Option 2: Describe an experience that caused you to change your perspective and/or opinion.

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

The first of these is quite similar to the Common App personal statement, and any essay you write for QuestBridge will be easily editable to fit the Common App. We recommend writing the QuestBridge essay first, as it is easier to cut material out than to add material in. The goal of this question is to better understand you as a student and candidate and to see how your background and experiences have shaped you.

The second question gives you more options, and the prompt you answer should be the one that best allows you to show off your potential. These essays are a place for you to demonstrate your strengths and expand on other parts of your application. This prompt especially allows you to delve into one of your extracurricular activities, and explore its impact on you in more detail.

The supplemental essays colleges request through Questbridge are often different from the standard ones they ask for, and in some cases don’t exist at all. Make sure to check the requirements of each school you apply to carefully.

Final Thoughts

While it is difficult to find data on whether QuestBridge increases your chances of admissions, it does greatly increase your odds of receiving a valuable scholarship opportunity. Students who match with a school through QuestBridge are awarded four years of tuition to one of the country’s top institutions. This alone is enough to make the application worth pursuing. 

If you are eager to maximize your own chances of scholarships but do not qualify for QuestBridge, consider applying to our Pro Bono program . There are many ways to improve your chances of receiving college scholarships, and we are always happy to advise students.

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QuestBridge supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds on their path to a top college. This is your chance to dream big. 

We’re here to connect Scholars and Alumni to the people and opportunities you need to reach your full potential.

Our partnerships bridge the gap between the nation’s brightest minds and the opportunities they deserve.

Learn more about who we are and how we help students dream big on their path to, through, and beyond college.

How to Write a College Essay

Let QuestBridge help you with college essay writing tips. We cover what to write about, how to get feedback, and more!

The low-income lens in college essays

Students from low-income backgrounds may not realize that they have a unique perspective to present to admissions officers. If your identity has been shaped by financial difficulties and other obstacles, consider writing about these challenges in your college essays so that admissions officers understand the full context of your successes and academic accomplishments.

Bring us into your world. We want to know you. We want to know your truth.

Student challenges and extenuating circumstances

You may describe specific challenges that you have risen above in your college essays, such as:

• You hold significant responsibilities in your household, such as providing care for an ill family member, babysitting siblings, or preparing family meals.
• You have a part-time job to pay for school activities or household expenses.
• You live with people other than your immediate family or have been in foster care.
• You experienced homelessness or other temporary housing situations.
• A parent has passed away or is not present in your life.
• You commute a long distance to attend school.
• Your family or community is not supportive of your educational goals.
• You faced obstacles because English is not your first language.

Proper tone for college essays

If you choose to write about challenges in your life, be careful to avoid using overly critical or negative language when writing a college essay. This is a good opportunity to emphasize your emotional maturity and how challenges in your life have helped you grow as a person. You may compromise that impression if your tone is resentful or excessively dramatic.

College essay topic choice

Giving admissions officers a window into difficult experiences can present your story in your college application, but there are other topics that can also make for a strong essay (e.g. a favorite book, a community service project). Whichever angle you select to tell your story, highlight the most important things that have shaped and continue to shape your identity.

The writing process: brainstorm, outline, and draft

Writing a college essay can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Watch our webinar,  Write a College Essay that Stands Out , and download our worksheet as a template and foundation to help you craft a strong college essay. This college essay format may help you write your essay in a manner that goes beyond just a chronological explanation of your life or an expansion of your resume.

Essay feedback and revisions

Ask teachers, mentors, family, or friends for feedback on your essay. Reach out well in advance of any deadlines, and give them at least two weeks to provide feedback. Ask them in person if you can, but if you cannot, send them an email. If they agree to take a look, you can send them a message with your essay. Download a sample message below.

After receiving feedback, revise! You should plan on going through a few drafts. Here are some things to keep in mind: 

• You do not have to incorporate all feedback. Accept what you think is most helpful. 
• Edits and revisions should not remove your voice or completely alter your writing style. 
• Pay attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and even formatting. 
• It may help to read your essay out loud to catch mistakes you might otherwise skim over. 
• Read your college essay from an admissions officer’s perspective.
• For more college essay writing tips, continue reading the FAQs below.

Detailed FAQs about college admissions essays

Mechanics, structure, and content are vital parts of a successful essay. Our Detailed College Essays FAQs page covers each category in detail to give your essay a strong start and finish. Learn about how to write a college essay, how long a college essay should be, and more.

QuestBridge Applicants

Let’s get started.

With the goal of enrolling a diverse class of the most talented students from across the country and around the world, our processes and policies are carefully designed to evaluate each applicant based on individual merits and potential to succeed at Rice.

* Dates are for 2020-2021 application cycle

Application Materials

• September Last applicable ACT (optional)
• Sep. 26 QuestBridge Application due to QuestBridge
• October Last applicable SAT (optional)
• OCT. 12 College ranking list due to QuestBridge
• OCT. 18 QuestBridge Finalists notified
• Rice Supplement to the QuestBridge Application
• Architecture portfolio (Architecture applicants only)
• 2023-2024 FAFSA
• 2023-2024 CSS Profile
• 2022 Federal Tax Returns and Forms
• Nov. 3 Request an Alumni interview (optional)
• Nov. 20 Complete a Rice Senior Interview (optional)
• Dec. 1 Match Day decision notification
• Dec. 6 Deadline to choose Early Decision
• Dec. 10 QuestBridge Regular Decision form due (non-matched, non-ED applicants only)
• Decision Plan Verification Form
• QuestBridge Midyear Report
• Test Scores (optional)
• See QuestBridge college partner page
• Jan. 6 Request an Alumni Interview (optional)
• Feb. 1 2024-2025 FAFSA

QuestBridge Profiles

Meet a few of our own Rice Quest Scholars and hear how participation in QuestBridge impacted their college journey.

Noemi Moreno

Bradley ramsey, arielle noah.

QuestBridge FAQS

Application Policies & Procedures

First-year domestic applicants are those who will complete high school by the end of the current academic year and hold one of the following citizenship or residency statuses:

• U.S. citizenship
• Permanent Residency
• Undocumented who do not hold DACA status but have resided in the U.S. for an extended period of time
• Refugee/Asylee

Students enrolled in concurrent high school and college courses are considered first-year candidates.

Students who have elected to take time off from schooling between graduating from high school and enrolling in college are considered first-year candidates.

Completion of a high school diploma (or an equivalent) prior to enrollment is required for all new incoming students.

Rice requires a $75 nonrefundable application fee. Students requesting an application fee waiver from Rice should respond to the fee waiver prompts provided in the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir. Those students participating in the QuestBridge program automatically qualify for application fee waivers from Rice.

The Rice supplement offers you the opportunity to share more about yourself. This is your chance to tell us why you are interested in Rice and what you would like to pursue as a student here. We also want you to elaborate on your experiences and achievements to share what you would bring to our community.

Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

1. Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. 150 word limit.

2. Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? 150 word limit.

3. Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community (optional):

• The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? 500 word limit.
• Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice? 500 word limit.

One of Rice's long-standing traditions is “The Box,” a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants to share an image of something that appeals to them. The Box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you. This image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved. Be sure to choose an image that speaks for itself and does not need an explanation. The Box must be a two-dimensional image that is uploaded in the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir, or uploaded in the Rice Admission Student Portal.

Applicants interested in Shepherd School of Music must submit additional materials depending on their area of study. All application materials must be completed by December 1. Music applicants are not eligible to apply through QuestBridge or Early Decision. Admitted students must pursue the music program for at least one year before changing schools. For more information, please visit the Shepherd School of Music Admission page.

Applicants interested in the School of Architecture must submit a portfolio of creative work. Portfolios should be uploaded via your Rice Admission Student Portal. Note: Submissions exceeding the specifications listed below will not be accepted.

The portfolio should demonstrate creative potential and is not expected to be architectural in focus nor professional in quality. It may include examples of sketches, paintings, photography, models, etc. Examples of mechanical or computer drafting are strongly discouraged. The School of Architecture does not accept CDs or DVDs.

Portfolio specifications:

• PDF file labeled with applicant name (example: JaneDoe.pdf)
• 15 MB maximum file size
• Page size should be horizontally oriented A4 or Letter (8.5” x 11”); images should be between 150dpi and 300 dpi
• The first page should be a cover/title page with the applicant’s name
• Content can be up to 10 pages (not including the title page); more than one image or work can be included per page
• Captions of images with title, year of execution, media, and size are encouraged. A one to two sentence description is also acceptable.

For more information about the program, please visit their website.

Architecture Essay Prompts

1. Why are you determined to study architecture? Could you please elaborate on your past experiences and how they have motivated you to apply to Rice University and the School of Architecture in particular? 250 words.

2. Please expand on relevant experiences and motivations outside of your academic trajectory that have inspired you to study architecture, focusing on aspects that are not accommodated by other prompts in the application. 250 words.

Applicants interested in the Department of Art under the School of Humanities may submit a portfolio of creative work. If you would like to submit a portfolio, it should be uploaded via your Rice Admission Student Portal. Note: Submissions exceeding the specifications listed below will not be accepted.

The portfolio should demonstrate creative potential and is not expected to be professional in quality. It may include examples of sketches, paintings, photography, models, etc. The Department of Art does not accept CDs or DVDs, but can access URLs to Vimeo or YouTube provided within the portfolio.

• 10 MB maximum file size
• Images should be JPEGs at least 2000 pixels on the longest dimension and between 72 dpi
• Please upload all images/videos to your portfolio
• Content can be up to 10 files; one work per file (details can be included)
• Submissions of durational and/or moving-image work(s), no matter how many, cannot be longer than five (5) minutes total
• Captions of images with title, year of execution, media, and size are required. A one to two sentence description is also recommended.
• Applicants should not provide links to websites of multiple works, as these will not be reviewed.
• PDF documents should not be submitted and will not be reviewed

To upload your portfolio, access your Rice Admission Student Portal, scroll down to the Art Portfolio section and click “Edit Portfolio”.

Early Decision Plan

Early Decision is a binding decision plan designed for students who have selected Rice as their first choice. Students may initiate applications to other colleges under nonbinding plans but must withdraw those applications if admitted to Rice. Students who apply Early Decision must submit their materials by November 1. Admission decisions will be released by mid-December.

All admission decisions are final. There are three admission outcomes from Early Decision; the admission committee will:

• Defer - Deferred applicants are considered with the Regular Decision pool.
• Deny - Denied applicants will not be considered with Regular Decision pool, but are welcome to re-apply in the following application cycle.

It is important to note that, if admitted under Early Decision, a candidate must withdraw all other college applications, may not submit any additional applications after accepting the offer, and must accept Rice’s offer of admission by submitting an enrollment deposit by January 1.

Those accepted under Early Decision who demonstrate financial aid eligibility and submit all required materials by the deadline will receive a financial aid package at the time of admission.

Regular Decision Plan

Regular Decision is a non-binding decision plan. Students who apply Regular Decision must submit their materials by January 4. Admission decisions will be released by April 1.

All admission decisions are final. There are three admission outcomes from Regular Decision; the admission committee will:

• Waitlist – Applicants who are offered a place on the waitlist may elect to be considered for admission if space in the class becomes available.
• Deny – Denied applicants are welcome to re-apply in the following application cycle.

Regular Decision applicants who are offered admission must submit an enrollment deposit by May 1.

Those accepted under Regular Decision who demonstrate financial aid eligibility and submit all required materials by the deadline will receive a financial aid package at the time of admission.

Rice is one of the original QuestBridge university and college partners (starting in 2004), and we are now one of only 45 university and college partners with a proven commitment to providing access to low-income students. Programs Rice supports include the College Prep Conferences (typically held in May and June) and the National College Match program which runs October through December. The National College Match is open to all U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents OR students, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the United States. Music applicants are not eligible to apply through QuestBridge.

Essay Prompts for students using the QuestBridge application (2023-2024)

One of Rice's long-standing traditions is “The Box,” a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants, including students using the QuestBridge application, to share an image of something that appeals to them. Read more about The Box under the Rice supplement tab.

For more information about applying to Rice through QuestBridge, please visit QuestBridge’s Rice University page or contact us directly at [email protected].

Official Transcripts

Official high school/secondary school transcripts must include grades from 9th through 11th grade as well as courses being taken in the 12th grade. Early Decision applicants are encouraged to submit first marking period grades, when they become available. Regular Decision applicants will be required to submit mid-year grades from 12th grade, when they become available.

Applicants studying in an international exam-based curriculum, must submit:

• All official high school transcripts
• Final exam results (for example IGCE/GCSE, CBSE X/AISSCE X)
• Predicted exam results, if available

Official high school transcripts must be submitted by your high school via the application platform (Common App or Apply Coalition with Scoir), through an online ordering system or eTranscript service , or sent via postal mail directly to the Office of Admission. Transcripts will not be accepted by fax or email.

National Student Clearinghouse (SPEEDE server)

Scribbles (ScribOrder)

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE Direct)

For USPS Courier: Rice University Office of Admission-MS 17 P.O. Box 1892 Houston, TX 77251-1892

For DHL/Fedex EXPRESS Couriers (common for international): Rice University Office of Admission-MS 555 6100 Main St. Houston, TX 77005

Course Requirements

Rice seeks students who demonstrate intellectual vitality through their course selection and their grade performance. Most applicants will challenge themselves by taking advantage of the rigorous coursework available to them. At a minimum, students must complete the following.

• At a minimum, the natural science and engineering divisions require trigonometry or precalculus and both chemistry and physics. Students may substitute a second year of chemistry or biology for physics.
• Students admitted with curriculum deficiencies will be asked to complete the required work by taking high school or college-level courses during the summer before enrollment at Rice.

Testing Policy

Rice will allow first-year and transfer student applicants to undergraduate degree-seeking programs to submit SAT or ACT test scores, if they choose. Students who are unable to submit test scores or prefer not to submit test scores will be given full consideration in the admission selection process.

While standardized tests have long served to provide an external benchmark of college-readiness that provides meaningful information about a student’s preparedness for the rigors of a Rice education, they are merely one factor of many that are considered in the admission process. As is consistent with our holistic review, students will be given full consideration with the information they have provided regardless of their decision to submit their test scores.

Students wishing to provide additional exams for admission consideration are welcome to submit these to our office. These exams are purely optional and at the discretion of the students to submit. We want students to have every opportunity to showcase their strengths and academic achievements where possible.

• AP Exams, IB Exams, or AICE Exams: Students may opt to self-report AP, IB or AICE exam scores in the testing section of the Common Application, Apply Coalition with Scoir, or QuestBridge National College Match Application. These scores show mastery of content knowledge in specific subjects and may be eligible for undergraduate course credit once a student enrolls.
• Predicted IB Diploma and A-Levels: Students enrolled in IB and A-Level curricula whose schools submit predicted scores for admission consideration are expected to complete their exams and submit final results prior to enrolling. Should conditions related to the pandemic not allow for students to sit for their IB or A-Level examinations, Rice will accept the scores provided by the examination boards.

General Testing Policy

Students applying to Rice University will not be required to submit SAT or ACT for admission consideration. Students wanting to show their college readiness and academic strengths may choose to submit SAT, ACT, AP, or IB test scores.

• ACT or SAT: Rice does not have a preference for students to submit one test over the other. If an applicant submits both an SAT and an ACT score, the committee will consider the test that best enhances their application.
• Superscore: When reviewing SAT and ACT scores, we use the highest score from each section across all administrations. We encourage students to report all scores knowing that we will recombine the sections to get the best possible set of scores for each candidate.
• Writing and essay sections: The ACT Essay and SAT Writing section are not required and not considered for admission. Writing or essay section scores are not visible as part of the admission evaluation process. This policy will not be affected in light of the cancellation of the SAT Writing section instituted by the College Board.
• Self-reported Scores: Students have the option to submit self-reported scores if they are graduating from a high school within the U.S. or submit official scores. Admitted students who choose to enroll at Rice will be required to submit official test scores prior to matriculation.
• Official Test Scores: To be considered official, scores must be sent directly from the testing organization. Rice’s College Board code, including TOEFL, is 6609 and our ACT code is 4152.

Please refer to our Class Profile for more information on the academic profile of admitted students.

Candidates must submit letters of recommendation from their counselor and two teachers.

Counselor Letter of Recommendation

The counselor letter of recommendation serves to highlight the accomplishments of a student within the context of their high school. The letter must come from an applicant’s assigned school counselor, college counselor, principal, or headmaster. Applicants will not be disadvantaged if their high school structure and counselor’s caseload does not allow students the opportunity to build a personal relationship with their counselor.

Teacher Letters of Recommendation

The two teacher recommendations serve to highlight the applicant’s academic strengths and contributions in the classroom. Both of these recommendations should be from teachers of core academic subjects, and ideally one recommendation would relate to the applicant's intended area of study. Though not a requirement, we would prefer letters come from teachers who have taught the student for a full course.

Supplemental Letters of Recommendation

The required counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations provide the Admission Committee with all the information we need to make an informed admission decision. However, if someone has unique and personal knowledge about an applicant's accomplishments or talents, the applicant may have that individual submit a supplemental recommendation. For example, this could include an employer, supervisor, coach, mentor, or another teacher. Supplemental recommendations must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, or applicant ID and should be submitted through the application platform or to [email protected].

We recommend an interview for first-year applicants, though they are optional and not guaranteed. Interviews are a great way to communicate your knowledge about Rice and an excellent opportunity to showcase academic and personal successes while learning more about the campus experience. An inability to schedule an interview will not negatively impact your application.

All interviews for the 2023 - 2024 application cycle will be conducted virtually. A trained alumnus or current Rice University senior will virtually meet with you to learn more about your accomplishments and academic interests and to answer your questions about studying at Rice.

A limited number of interviews with current Rice University seniors will be available beginning in late August through our campus visit website . You do not need to have submitted your admission application to schedule an interview with a current senior, but interview slots are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please follow the deadlines below when scheduling an interview with a current senior.

If you are unable to schedule an interview with a Rice senior, you will still have the opportunity to request an interview with a member of the Rice Alumni Volunteers for Admission (RAVA). Due to limited availability, you will need to submit your application for admission before requesting an interview with RAVA. Then access your online applicant portal and request your virtual interview by the deadlines below.

*Please note that you may only complete one interview. We have no preference between completing an interview with a Rice senior or a RAVA. In years of exceptionally high demand for interviews, all requests may not be fulfilled. We will try to match students who request an interview by the priority deadline first.

Rice University has concluded our participation in the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars program.

We remain committed to supporting our current cohorts as they finish their studies at Rice and matriculate into Baylor College of Medicine. However, we will no longer accept new applications to the Rice/Baylor Program.

With Rice’s location situated next to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, our students benefit from opportunities to work with leading researchers and medical professionals and are exceedingly successful pursuing their aspirations in medicine and healthcare. We will continue to advise students on the many avenues and pathways to becoming healthcare professionals, including the traditional medical school application process.

You will be notified via email how to access your Rice Admission Student Portal which is designed to assist you in tracking our receipt of your application materials and to communicate your final admission decision. The only valid notification of an admission decision is a formal communication from the Rice University Office for Enrollment. We reserve the right to close your application if you are admitted under a binding Early Decision plan at another institution.

Need-Based Financial Aid

We know that one of the biggest factors in determining the right school is affordability. Because we believe talent deserves opportunity, Rice offers need-blind admission to domestic students. This means we do not consider finances when we review the application. Additionally, Rice meets 100 percent of demonstrated need – without loans – through the Rice Investment, one of the most notable financial aid programs in the country. For more information about need-based financial aid and the Rice Investment, please visit our Office of Financial Aid website.

Merit-Based Scholarships

The Office of Admission offers merit-based scholarships to incoming first year students who distinguish themselves academically and personally within our highly competitive group of admitted students. These scholarships are based solely on merit and financial need is not taken into consideration. There is no separate application or interview required; the Admission Committee automatically considers all admitted students, both domestic and international, on the basis of the student’s application for admission. About 20% of admitted students are offered a merit scholarship each year. Students awarded a merit-based scholarship will be notified at the time of admission.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Rice University awards transfer credit for the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, which enables high school students to earn transfer credit for college-level courses taken in high school upon completion of AP examinations with a score of 4 or 5. For more information about the AP transfer credit process, please visit the Advanced Placement (AP) Credit page.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams

Rice University awards transfer credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations for students who hold the International Baccalaureate Diploma and have obtained a score of 6 or 7 on higher level exams. For more information about the IB transfer credit process, please visit the International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit page.

International Exams

Students who complete various international exams with a grade of A or B may receive transfer credit. These exams include A-Levels, the Abitur, CAPE, CEGEP (Science Option), French Baccalauréat (Science Option), Italian Maturita, and Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate. For more information about the international exams transfer credit process, please visit the International Exam Credit page.

Transfer/Dual Credit

The Office of the Registrar evaluates courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges or universities (or their foreign equivalent) that are appropriate to the Rice curriculum for potential transfer credit.

Transfer credit will not be awarded for courses included on a student’s high school transcript and used to satisfy high school graduation requirements, i.e. dual credit courses. Only those students who have more than 20 college preparatory courses may have the Office of the Registrar consider for Rice credit their college courses taken in high school. For more information about the transfer credit process, please visit the Transfer Credit page.

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• Questbridge Applicants

QuestBridge Applicants

Boston College is excited to be a part of QuestBridge, a highly respected nonprofit program that helps high-achieving, low-income students gain admission and scholarships to the country’s top-ranked colleges and universities. This partnership aligns with Boston College's values as a Jesuit, Catholic university.

Interested students can fill out the QuestBridge application, at questbridge.org, which opens in late summer prior to a student’s senior year of high school.

Katie Phung

Associate Director, Office of Undergraduate Admission 617-552-3100 questbridge@bc.edu

Visit Our Questbridge Site

top 20 in the Nation

Graduation rate among national universities for Pell Grant recipients (low-income students)

Match Requirements

Deadline: November 1

The following items are required in addition to the QuestBridge Application.

Boston College QuestBridge Questionnaire

Upon receiving your National College Match Application, you will receive instructions to complete the Boston College QuestBridge Questionnaire. This questionnaire is required in order for us to complete your application.

Please note that as part of the QuestBridge Questionnaire, only those applying to the Human Centered Engineering major will be required to submit the Boston College Writing Supplement . Y ou can find the essay prompt  here  (option #5).

High School Transcript

Please have your high school counselor submit your official transcript to   bcapplicant@bc.edu . If your counselor uploaded your transcript as part of your National College Match application, you do not need to resubmit it.

Standardized Testing

Boston college will maintain a test-optional policy for first year applicants during the 2023-2024 admission cycle.   learn more here ..

Students who are unable to submit standardized test results, or who choose not to, will not be disadvantaged in our selection process. In reviewing applications that do not include standardized test results, the Admission Committee will place greater emphasis on other required application credentials including academic performance, rigor of coursework, placement in class, personal statements, recommendations, and co-curricular involvement.

For those students who would like to submit standardized testing results, we accept the ACT or SAT and don't require any Optional Writing portion. If you submit multiple scores, we will superscore the tests for our evaluation and we will use the scores as one component in our holistic review of applications. If sending official scores from a testing agency, do NOT use the rush reporting service. Boston College will accept self-reported ACT or SAT test scores for QuestBridge students participating in the National College Match process only. For those who choose to submit test scores, official ACT or SAT score reports will be required prior to enrolling at Boston College. If the cost of sending test scores from the ACT or College Board would present a financial burden, please have your guidance or college counselor email a copy of your score report to admission@bc.edu. We also accept test scores that are reported on official high school transcripts.

Students who wish to further quantify their academic successes are welcome to note non-required credentials such as Advanced Placement scores or predicted IB scores. 

SAT code: 3083

Act code: 1788, optional credentials for the arts.

Artistic portfolios can be submitted through SlideRoom . As a QuestBridge applicant, please select the QuestBridge category followed by the application round and corresponding artistic submission for studio art, music, and/or theater. If you are applying as part of the National College Match, please select the QuestBridge Early Decision I round for your artistic submission. 

Please note that only students who intend to major in Studio Art can submit artistic samples/portfolios through SlideRoom. If not majoring in Studio Art, please highlight any art involvement (such as photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, digital media, and video) within the Activities or Additional Information sections of the QuestBridge Application or the Common Application. 

Students with a background in theatre and/or music who plan to be involved in music and theater productions at Boston College are invited to showcase their talents by submitting artistic samples via SlideRoom, regardless of their intended major.  If you do not intend to formally pursue these artistic talents at Boston College, but you would like to tell us about past experiences you've had in the arts, we encourage you to do so within the Activities or Additional Information sections of the QuestBridge Application or the Common Application.

All materials must be received via SlideRoom by November 1 for QuestBridge National College Match candidates and Early Decision I candidates. For Early Decision II and Regular Decision candidates, the deadline is January 2.  Submissions received after these dates will not be reviewed. Please note that there is a $5 fee to submit your artistic samples. Students applying as QuestBridge National College Match applicants with Boston College will automatically be reimbursed the $5 submission fee. Students applying outside of the Match process via Early Decision II and Regular Decision may request a fee waiver by emailing Linda Galvin ( linda.galvin@bc.edu ) if the fee poses a financial hardship.

2024–2025 FAFSA

FAFSA code: 002128

The FAFSA will not be available until December 2023. Please complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available and submit it directly to Boston College.

U.S. Citizens and Eligible Non-Citizens. Canadian and other international students do not complete the FAFSA.

Visit the FAFSA website

Learn more about eligible non-citizen status

Please note that undocumented student applicants, with or without Temporary Protected Status (TPS), will not need to submit the FAFSA.

CSS Profile

2024-2025 CSS Profile

CSS code: 3083

Available: October 1

Select Early Decision as your admission application type.

If your parents own a business or farm:

• Submit the CSS Profile Business/Farm Supplement.

If your parents are divorced or separated :

• Both of your biological/adoptive parents must complete their own CSS Profile with different log-in credentials. It is highly recommended that the student and custodial parent start the CSS Profile first, as the non-custodial cannot submit information until the student selects a school that requires the submission of non-custodial parent information.
• Your non-custodial parent must submit the online Non-Custodial Profile after creating a separate College Board account. 
• If you don't have any contact with your non-custodial parent, then you may submit a request to waive the requirement of their financial information.
• You can download the Non-Custodial Parent Waiver Petition directly from the College Board site

Non-Custodial Parent Waiver Petition 

2022 Federal Tax Returns

Both the custodial and non-custodial parent, if applicable, must submit copies of their 2022 federal tax returns with all schedules, attachments, W-2 forms, and other earning statements. 

The Match Process

• Non-Finalists, Non-Match Finalists & Non-Participating Finalists

Financial Aid

Finalists who choose to rank Boston College in QuestBridge’s National College Match apply to Boston College as Early Decision I, submitting their application and all supporting documents by November 1st. Applicants who choose this option are considered for a match with Boston College, which would include an official binding offer of admission. Finalists who match with Boston College will be notified of their admission decision and scholarship award by early December. 

Finalists who don’t match with Boston College, or a binding QuestBridge partner school, will have their application automatically moved to the Regular Decision application pool. Students must also fill out the Boston College Applicant Verification form, by January 2, to indicate if they are interested in remaining a candidate for admission to BC through Regular Decision or if they would like to move their application to the Early Decision II application pool. Please note that Early Decision II is a binding admission process and also requires applicants to submit the Early Decision Agreement form, which will be provided to you within your Applicant Status Portal, once you confirm your interest. Students who are no longer interested in being considered for admission to Boston College may request to have their application withdrawn via the Applicant Verification Form or by  email . Any finalist that matches with a QuestBridge partner school through a binding match commitment, will be automatically withdrawn.

Non-Finalists

Students who are not selected as a QuestBridge Finalist may still apply to BC through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision through the Common Application. Please visit the QuestBridge Non-Finalists page for more information. 

Non-Match Finalists

Finalists who did not match with Boston College through the National College Match, nor with any other binding partner school, are eligible to be considered via Early Decision II or Regular Decision. These students must fill out the Boston College Applicant Verification form by January 2. Please note that Early Decision II is a binding admission process and also requires applicants to submit the Early Decision Agreement form. 

Non-Participating Finalists

QuestBridge Finalists who choose not to participate in the National College Match process may apply to BC through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. You are encouraged to submit the Common Application with the Boston College Supplemental Essay. However, you may reuse one of your QuestBridge essays for the Common Application essay. 

Boston College is dedicated to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students that are United States citizens and  eligible non-citizens . All QuestBridge National College Match applicants to Boston College will be considered for the Match Scholarship provided they submit the FAFSA (Code: 002128), CSS/Financial Aid Profile (Code: 3083), and federal income tax returns. 

QuestBridge students not participating in the match process at Boston College will be considered for need-based aid, provided they submit the FAFSA (Code: 002128), CSS/Financial Aid Profile (Code: 3083), and federal income tax returns.  If you would like to be considered for the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, Boston College’s academic merit-based scholarship program, you must submit your Early Decision or Regular Decision application by November 1. All applicants who submit their application by this date are automatically considered.

Options Following The Match Process

Early decision ii.

Finalists who don't match with Boston College, or a binding college partner, can be considered for Early Decision II. If you're interested in this option, you must submit the Boston College Applicant Verification form through your Applicant Status Portal by January 2. Note that this is a binding admission process and also requires applicants to complete the Early Decision Agreement form, which will be provided to you within your Applicant Status Portal, once you confirm that you would like to be moved to our Early Decision II review process.

More About Early Decision

Regular Decision

Any finalist who doesn't match with Boston College will automatically be moved to the Regular Decision applicant pool. Finalists interested in remaining a candidate for admission must submit the Boston College Applicant Verification form by January 2.

If you no longer wish to be considered for admission to Boston College and want your application withdrawn, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an application fee.

There is no application fee for those students applying through the National College Match and therefore no application fee for students who send their QuestBridge Application to Boston College. For Finalists applying with the Common Application, we will also waive the application fee. For all other students, if submitting the $80 application fee represents a financial hardship for you or your family, and you are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, you may apply for a fee waiver. Please do so directly through the Common Application or have your high school counselor submit a request on your behalf to:   admission@bc.edu .

Should I select Early Decision or Regular Decision when applying to Boston College to be considered for the National College Match?

Please select Early Decision under Entry Term by November 1 to be considered for the College Match process.

What happens after you receive my application from QuestBridge?

Once we receive your application, you’ll receive an email with your login credentials for your Applicant Status Portal, which will allow you to see documents that have been received and those that are pending. 

Are there any other documents that I need to submit in addition to my completed QuestBridge application?

For students participating in the National College Match, you will be required to complete the Boston College QuestBridge Questionnaire. Please note that those who are applying to the Human Centered Engineering major will also be required to submit a supplemental essay. You can find the essay prompt here  (option #5).   If you participate in the Match process and don't match with Boston College, you will be asked to complete the Boston College Applicant Verification Form. We'll provide you access to these forms upon receiving your application and these forms are required to complete your application.

Are fee waivers provided for the CSS Profile?

Yes. You can learn more about accessing a CSS Profile fee waiver directly from the College Board website here .

Are interviews required or available as part of the College Match Process for QuestBridge applicants?

Interviews are not part of our evaluation process and thus neither available nor required for QuestBridge applicants.

Do I qualify to apply for the QuestBridge National College Match at BC if I am an international citizen?

Boston College is unable to consider international citizens studying in the U.S. for the National College Match.

Can undocumented/students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) apply to the QuestBridge National College Match at BC?

Yes, we will consider undocumented students (with or without TPS status) for the Match process, independent of their citizenship status.

Will you accept self-reported test scores as part of my application?

Boston College will be test-optional for the 2023-2024 admission cycle. Therefore, students will have the option to determine if they would like to submit their test scores or not. Students who are unable to submit standardized test results, or who choose not to, will not be disadvantaged in our selection process.

For those that would still like to submit their test scores, we will only accept self-reported ACT or SAT test scores for QuestBridge students participating in the National College Match process. Note that, for those who choose to self-report their scores, official ACT or SAT score reports will be required prior to enrolling at Boston College.

Do you offer fly-in programs for prospective applicants?

Unfortunately, we don't offer fly-in programs for prospective students, but you can connect with us in these ways:

• Sign up for our mailing list to receive more information about BC and upcoming webinars.
• Register for one of our Eagle Eye Campus Visits, Campus Tours, or Conversations with a Current Student.
• Connect with one of our QuestBridge Scholars with your questions about BC.

Sign Up for Our Mailing List

Schedule a Visit

Contact the BC QuestBridge Scholars Network

Will BC accept the QuestBridge application in lieu of the Common Application?

For the National College Match, we accept only the QuestBridge Application. For students applying outside of the Match process, we require that you submit the Common Application.

Is the QuestBridge Match Process binding?

Yes, this process is binding—meaning that if selected through the Match process, you will be expected to enroll at Boston College. You will also be required to withdraw your applications from all other colleges and universities to which you have applied.

How many students will BC select through the Match Process?

For the 2022-2023 application cycle, Boston College selected 90 students through the National College Match Process.

Is off-campus housing covered by the scholarship?

As part of the Match Scholarship, Boston College will provide four years of on-campus housing. Therefore, off-campus housing is not covered.

Which financial aid documents are necessary if I ranked BC through the National College Match process?

We require both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile (including the Noncustodial Parent Statement, if necessary). BC's FAFSA code is 002128 and CSS Profile code is 3083. In addition, we also require 2022 W2 and Federal Tax Returns. The priority filing date is November 1. Please note that undocumented student applicants, with or without Temporary Protected Status (TPS), will not need to submit the FAFSA.

Applicants must submit all financial aid documents using the College Board's IDOC service .

Please go to Applying for Aid to learn more about the required financial aid application materials and the process for submitting your documents.

Non-Match Finalists and Non-Participating Finalists

I’m a questbridge finalist who ranked boston college for the national college match, but i didn't match with bc. what happens to my application .

All finalists who match with a QuestBridge partner school will automatically be withdrawn. For those remaining students, who aren't selected as part of the Match process with Boston College, they will have their status changed to Non-Match Finalist and their application will be considered as part of the Regular Decision applicant pool. All Non-Match Finalists interested in remaining a candidate for admission must submit the Boston College Applicant Verification form by January 2. Students may also request to be considered for Early Decision II. 

If I want to be considered for Early Decision II, what are my next steps?

Finalists who don’t match with Boston College can request to be considered for Early Decision II. Finalists interested in this option must submit the Boston College Applicant Verification form by January 2. Please note that since this is a binding admission process, students will also be required to submit the Early Decision Agreement form, which will be provided to you within your Applicant Status Portal once you confirm that you would like to be moved to our Early Decision II review process. Prior to making this decision, we encourage you to review our Early Decision policy  to learn more. 

Do I need to complete the Common Application to be considered for admission to Boston College if I was not selected through the College Match process?

No, you don’t have to complete the Common Application to be considered. We will simply move your QuestBridge application to our Regular Decision pool or you may request to be moved to our Early Decision II pool.

I didn’t match through the College Match process and I no longer want to be considered for admission to Boston College. What are my next steps?

Please email admission@bc.edu to have your application withdrawn.

If I don’t participate in the Match process or if I'm not named a finalist, may I still apply to be considered for admission at Boston College?

Yes! QuestBridge finalists who don’t participate in the match process with Boston College (non-participating finalists) or those QuestBridge applicants who are not named a finalist (non-finalists) will be required to submit the Common Application and Boston College Supplemental Essay.  For non-finalists, please visit the  QuestBridge Non-Finalists  page for more information. Students can apply to Boston College through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. Please review our  Early Decision policy .

What financial aid documents are required?

Applicants must submit all financial aid documents using the College Board's IDOC service.

Who should I contact with any financial aid related questions?

Please email your Financial Aid Advisor , assigned by the first letter of your last name, with any specific questions.

How can I track my financial aid status?

Once we receive your application, you'll receive an email with your login credentials for your applicant portal. Upon logging in, you'll see documents that have been received and those that are pending.

What will my financial aid package look like if I’m selected through the Match process?

No parental contribution or student loans will be expected toward the cost of attendance for Boston College Match Scholarship recipients. However, all students are expected to hold a work study job on campus and a summer job each year, beginning with the summer prior to their first year, and use those earnings toward their college expenses (i.e. books, travel, personal expenses). You can view more details  here .

How are my travel costs to/from Boston College accounted for?

Boston College adds a travel alowance to the estimate of the total cost of attendance. Students are expected to cover their own travel expenses using a combination of summer work expectation, savings, and/or work-study funds. Boston College will not reimburse or provide direct funds for travel to and from campus. Students are also able to take loan funds to assist with travel expenses. 

What is Federal Work-Study and how do I obtain a job?

Federal Work-Study is a type of self-help financial aid that is awarded based on financial need. Students may earn up to the amount awarded through their work-study position. It is important to note that funds earned from a work-study position are paid directly to the student and do not reduce the student account bill. Work-study positions are typically posted just before the start of the fall semester. Students can search the job database through the Student Services Student Employment web page at www.bc.edu/studentemployment .

Are there any merit awards that I can qualify for as a non-finalist or non-participating finalist?

The Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program is an academic merit-based scholarship program, covering full tuition for 18 qualified applicants each year. There’s no separate application to be considered —both Early Decision and Regular Decision candidates are eligible for scholarship consideration as long as their completed application is submitted by the November 1 priority scholarship deadline. For non-finalists/non-participating finalists interested in being considered for the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship, you will be required to submit the Common Application.

How would outside scholarships impact my Match scholarship or aid award at Boston College?

All students are encouraged to seek out outside scholarships to help with the cost of their education. To ensure the outside scholarship will benefit the student as much as possible, it is our policy to first replace the loan, if applicable, and work-study portion of the student’s BC financial aid package; however, total grant funding (including outside scholarships) cannot exceed the student’s total demonstrated institutional need. If the amount of outside scholarship received exceeds the amount of loan and work-study, then the student’s BC grant funds are reduced to meet their demonstrated institutional need. Unearned funding such as state grants will reduce BC grant funds dollar-for-dollar within the financial aid package.

What are the requirements needed to maintain my scholarship?

All students receiving financial aid from Boston College - including Match Scholarship recipients - must resubmit financial aid documents every year. Students are also expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

If I’m not admitted through the Match process, what kind of financial aid is available?

Boston College is dedicated to meeting the full demonstrated need of all United States citizens and eligible non-citizens that apply for financial aid.

More About Financial Aid

Support/Resources

Does boston college have a questbridge scholars network (qsn) chapter.

Founded in 2021, the Boston College QuestBridge Scholars Network Chapter, EagleBridge, provides a welcoming and supportive community for its members. QuestBridge Scholars can engage in chapter activities, apply for leadership positions, and participate in opportunities offered nationwide through QuestBridge, including access to QuestBridge Alumni Association resources.

EagleBridge’s mission is to compassionately serve the QuestBridge community at Boston College by partnering with several offices and student organizations on campus that work directly with first-year, low-income students to form an understanding and robust community for historically underrepresented students. 

A budding chapter, EagleBridge’s cornerstone is mentorship, social activities, and service opportunities. In addition to group activities, there are always opportunities for underclassmen to get involved in chapter leadership and initiatives. Each year, newly appointed chapter leaders and Executive Board members work together to plan new programming to ensure chapter members feel welcomed and engaged.

Contact: EagleBridge

Instagram:   eaglebridge_qsn

Are only students admitted through the National College Match eligible to be a part of EagleBridge?

Absolutely not! Any student, whether associated with QuestBridge or not, who shares a similar interest, background, or vision is welcome to be a part of EagleBridge.

What other kind of support services are there for students that are the first in their family to attend college, who hail from limited financial means, and/or who are coming from an underrepresented ethnic/cultural group?

Fostering diversity and accessibility on campus is accomplished through partnerships with multiple campus organizations, such as the Gateway Scholars Program, Learning to Learn Office, McNair Scholars Program, Montserrat Office, and Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center.

Additionally, Boston College offers various mentoring and retreat programs through our Center for Student Formation  and the  Office of First Year Experience , as well as  residential communities , designed to welcome and support first year students.

More About Diversity on Campus

Princeton-specific Questions

In addition to the Coalition Application ,  Common Application  or the QuestBridge Application , Princeton University requires you to answer Princeton-specific questions. Below you will find the questions for the 2023-24 application cycle. Depending on which degree you wish to pursue at Princeton (A.B., B.S.E. or undecided), you will answer one of the two academic prompts, then there are three additional sections meant to help us get to know you even better.

First-Year Essay Questions

Please note: Princeton also requires you to submit a graded written paper as part of your application.

For A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who Are Undecided  

As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

For B.S.E Degree Applicants  

Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

Your Voice  

• Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you?  (Please respond in 500 words or fewer.)
• Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

More About You  

Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!

• What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
• What brings you joy? 
• What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

From Our Blog and Podcast

Building, birding and b.s.e.: experiences in engineering, the art of trying new things, poets should come ready to move/yell/play/discover.

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• Supplemental Application Prompts

We want to really get to know you.

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Your college application consists of many parts. You also consist of many parts. We'll get to learn about your classroom performance through your transcript, we'll read about your character strengths in your teacher and counselor recommendations, and we'll come to know how you spend your time through your activities list. It is just as important that we get to see your mind at work by engaging with how you think and communicate.

You'll submit one longer essay as part of your Common App, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application. We encourage you to show us another side of yourself by answering ONE of the below optional short-answer prompts. Your chosen prompt may be answered in your Applicant Portal, which you will gain access to after submitting your application.

• To help jumpstart your brainstorming and to demonstrate that we empathize with the challenges you face in applying to college, our staff has published their own responses to our prompts. Fair is fair, after all. We hope you'll enjoy learning a bit about us and will feel more comfortable showcasing something new about yourself. Meet our Admissions Officers and view their responses .

Short-Answer Prompts

250 words or less or max 2-minute video : Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you?

250 words or less or max 2-minute video : W&L's mission statement focuses on preparing graduates for lifelong learning in a global and diverse society. Engaging with faculty, staff, and classmates with diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives is an essential component of our education. Recognizing that diversity takes many forms, what diverse aspect would you bring to W&L?

250 words or less or max 2-minute video : Reveal to us how your curious mind works by sharing something you spend considerable time thinking or learning about.

250 words or less or max 2-minute video : On a residential college campus with a Speaking Tradition that encourages connections between individuals, using each other's names matters. Please share the story of any name you go by and what significance it holds for you.

250 words or less or max 2-minute video : You’re assembling a team (for a business, sports league, ensemble, etc.). Your job is to build a healthy and cohesive team that achieves and sustains success in its field. Quickly explain your team’s purpose and then focus on the types of people who comprise your team and which of their skills and/or character strengths are most important to you.

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Office of Admissions

• P: 540-458-8710
• F: 540-458-8062
• E: [email protected]
• Gilliam House 19 Letcher Avenue Lexington, Virginia 24450

Scholarship Essays

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Essay Sample

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 caused you to grow.

A sea of smiling and eager faces awaited before me as I stood on the stage, waiting for the final word - eruption. I grinned as I imagined myself sitting on my dad's lap in the living room of our one bedroom apartment as a video of volcanoes played from a rented library cassette. Occasionally I would question him on unfamiliar terms or why things worked how they did and as he braided my hair, he explained the functions of a volcano and its effects on the earth. At the end of the final letter, I saw the judge smile at me and announce the new 5th grade Spelling Bee Champion. I looked out at the crowd and noticed two missing smiles, my mother's and my father's.

Growing up, there were numerous absences by my parent's, but there was never an absence of love. With one car and my dad working days and nights and my mom working days to support the family, I understood that I wouldn't have the same experiences as other children. When I left Nepal at two, we had to sacrifice some cultural ties. My mother left the family she was expected to care for and my father left his duties as the eldest son so that we could come to America and have the chance for better opportunities. After my father got his Master's degree in Belgium while we stayed in a crowded apartment with my uncle and his family, we obtained travel Visas and moved to America so he could continue his education and where we once again had to share a one bedroom apartment with four adults, two kids, and a baby. We knew our hardships now would be worth the trouble, but that was not the case. As time went on, it became harder for my dad to handle school and keep a job. With my mom working in a humid Laundromat with minimum English, my dad quit school so that our family had enough money to sustain ourselves.

As I continued to go to school, we eventually moved into a two bedroom apartment for ourselves; however, the location was not what most consider ideal. Living near the Detroit area influenced me on a cultural and mental level. I can still remember all the news about violence and a particular one of a man committing suicide just a floor above us. At the time, I didn't know what his reason was but I knew that it was because of unhappiness. Being a child, I couldn't imagine living a truly unhappy life even through all the hardships I endured and it opened my eyes to the realities of the world and what people face on a daily basis. As the violence and poverty around us continued, my parents refused to let us go out other than for school. There was an instance in which my older brother and I were in the elevator along with two men coming home from elementary school and I can still vividly hear them call us derogatory names as we just had to stand and listen. While that moment certainly seems negative, it has impacted me in a positive way. It made me realize that I am indeed different from other people but it shouldn't be something to be ashamed of. I learned that there are people who will hurt me but there are many more who will make up for it.

What may seem as misfortunes for my family, I view as inspirations to strive in my education. Even religiously, I have viewed books as important since stepping on one is considered a horrible sin. I know that my education has put my parents in a bind of wanting to stay here for me and wanting to go back to Nepal. Unable to attend their own parents' funerals, I witnessed them argue more about money every day, which is what pushes me for success. I know there are many families in Nepal who believe our efforts were to no avail, but I know that I can prove them wrong and serve as a role model for children, especially girls who are not expected to attend college, that no matter what the circumstances, a higher education is not out of reach and that sometimes, sacrifices are needed for a greater good. While I certainly did not experience the best childhood, it has been a journey that's enabled me to grow into the positive and understanding person I am today and I hope to continue that journey myself and help other children on their own. I hope to invest in the future of other children's educations as my family, teachers, friends, and hopefully you will in mine!

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