Who We Are Looking For

QuestBridge students have succeeded academically while experiencing long-term financial hardship.

We are looking for academically stellar students who have demonstrated a level of academic achievement that meets the admissions standards of our college partners. These are students whom you can envision thriving on the campus of a leading college. In addition, students must demonstrate ongoing financial hardship.

The characteristics below are based on successful QuestBridge applicants from previous years, and are not strict requirements or cut-offs:

Academic Achievement:

• In the top 5% or 10% of their class.
• Have received mostly A’s in the most rigorous classes available.
• Strong standardized test scores (if taken).

Financial Qualification:

• Household income is less than $65,000 a year, and often less for a family of four, with minimal assets.
• Often eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

Personal Circumstances:

• Often in the first generation in their family to attend a four-year U.S. college.
• Strong personal character and unusually high level of family responsibility (caring for siblings, part-time work to support family financially, etc.)
• Extracurricular achievements, such as leadership or community activities.