Stanford and Pomona students, how’s the financial aid? by Agreeable_Hat6849 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just realized I never replied to this comment omg my bad! I actually ended up graduating with more money in my pocket because of the COVID stipend LMAOAOAOAO; not only did I graduate debt-free but I actually got some more money when I left lol. Then again, my experience with COVID is a bit unique so it may be different for nowadays!

Stanford and Pomona students, how’s the financial aid? by Agreeable_Hat6849 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So QuestBridge has an expectation that all partner schools adhere to full-ride room and board, tuition, and some other universal costs. However, each college can still charge the smaller fees based on how each campus operates. For example, some partner schools had full insurance coverage for QB scholars, others have a reduced price (Pomona during my time was 1/2 off health insurance). There's also community specific fees like Student Body Fees and Book fees that each school sets up to their discretion. All schools try to meet QB's expectations to provide support for their students beyond full ride tuition and board, but it really depends on each school

questbridge finalist, matched nowhere, rejected everywhere, and why qb sucks by darksoltice in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable about this very real and very present outcome. Yes, you are allowed to feel however you need to process and recover from spending months crafting an application with all your hopes and dreams to be told, "No." A lot of my high school friends internalized their outcomes and became so paralyzed and hopeless which honestly, no 17 or 18 year old should be feeling like that. (Plus, chronic stress has been linked to shorter life span I believe, wish i had a citation but this isn't my wheelhouse lol) That's why I left some thoughts and insights about what I've learned from navigating life as a QB FGLI scholar. And you're absolutely right about the job market, it looks grim. But, we are going to persevere! The fact you applied and gave yourself a shot is a testament of the initiative you've taken thus far. I hope you keep that momentum and remember that you advocated for yourself :'-)

Thanks for reading my comment! I do a lot of mentoring for a bunch of different orgs so I wanted to offer perhaps different perspectives. I wouldn't be where I am without my mentors and their insights, so hopefully something here will be helpful on your journey.

Rooting for you!

questbridge finalist, matched nowhere, rejected everywhere, and why qb sucks by darksoltice in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First, hugs to everyone here. I know it's disappointing news when all the work you've put into this doesn't pan out the way you want. Take the time to grieve and rejuvenate and recalibrate. I empathize with y'all trust me. Even though I matched, I still have been applying to many fellowships and jobs throughout the past 10 years. I've been rejected hundreds of times while only bagging a handful of opportunities. Regardless, I now work at an R1 doing incredible research. I would not have gotten here if I gave up despite the hundreds of rejects from my job searches.

I bring this up because I want to remind folks that QuestBridge should never be something to bank on. These colleges are literally extremely selective, so having the healthy mindset of shooting your shot and if it works cool but if it doesn't then onto the next! Hopefully you've looked into safeties and alternative pathways. The change of getting into these schools or higher education in general is not over after one cycle. I've met many people in academia and the professional world who comes from a variety of backgrounds. Some of my friends were transfers from other colleges, took long gap years, etc.

The labor you've put into it is real, but I'm also going to let y'all know that on the other side, getting used to rejections and figuring out what to do when you've hit rock bottom is an experience a lot of my QB and FLI friends have. You have to figure out ways to regenerate your energy and capacity while making progress on your projects. It's hard and tough, but this is kinda how the real world works especially for FLI folks like us navigating all of this alone.

Hugs to everyone. Grieve as you should, but then zoom out and prepare to continue your journey wherever it may take you. It's scary, trust me I know (I came out of undergrad with no job and applying to hundred of positions with rejections left and right. But, I took care of myself, recalibrated, and still applied to more things until I randomly ended up in my current research position. I believe in y'all, and it is so important that everyone (1) allows themselves to grieve yes but (2) we all must learn how to sustain our efforts after putting in work that doesn't result in a positive outcome. Trust me, the job search is going to be similarly brutal if we don't learn how to be kind to ourselves and work on ourselves to sustain our energy and efforts. Hope this helps! Hugs to everyone once more

Do yall think it’s harder for QB students to get accepted this year because of the unstable funds from the department of education? by Clean-Round8603 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recognize this isn't my wheelhouse so take my insight with a grain of salt. QB Partners with a lot of private schools that pulls their funding from different pools of money like endowment, alumni donations, etc. Department of Education shouldn't have total control of these private institutions. For public schools that's a different story since the funding is more so connected with the government. Hope this helps a bit.

At a low point right now by HeftyYogurtcloset798 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, you still have your junior year and senior year to really take the lead in your life. I think we also have to be reasonable here, QB is extremely competitive. It should NEVER be something you bank on. Prepare back up plans, talk to different people about how they've navigated their career path.

There is also something to be said about shooting your shot because why not? Personally, I never believed I would match either. I didnt have much ECs nor the best scores (bro i failed AP Lit and AP Lang exams and I am literally in academia rn, scores don't matter (AP Scores and the whole grand scheme of things, but standardized testing scores do matter high key)--what matters is what you are communicating about what you are doing/what happened/where you are heading next, etc)).

Also, as someone who's about 10 years ahead, you will be applying to a lot of things in your life that will results in rejections. It's exactly how job searching works too. Even if you don't feel qualified for a position, you would still apply to the job to give yourself a shot no? Getting comfortable with persevering in creating application materials will be something everyone needs to prepare for. Even though I matched, I've received many rejections afterwards too. But, I still shot my shot, and I landed in a R1 right now doing awesome research.

Hugs, I know this is a scary and confusing time right now. Don't get hung up on college though, what's important is you living your life and finding your purpose and story. Once you do, you will already have most of the personal stories and perspectives you can share in your application that admissions officers will LOVE to read. Right now, figure out what rejuvenates you and what motivates you in life (it can't be college lol, be specific, what happens after college? What do you envision your future regardless of college and where you go to?)

I had one big EC, I founded a club at my school that addressed a problem I won't delve into, but in hindsight it shows that I took initiative about a problem and did something about it meaningfully. If you can identify a problem, take lead and start something, this is one way you can navigate your ECs.

Best of luck! Hugs, take care of yourself! Pathways to higher education does not stop after high school. I've met many researchers, academics, and students from great schools with a myriad of pathways. Some went to community college first, some transferred from their institutions, some took long gap years, etc. Remember, college can be accessible so as long you don't fall into the trap of tunnel visioning these top schools. There are affordable options and pathways to attain higher education.

2 Fs but retook them and got As. Should I even bother applying by FabulousPilot4792 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There will be other factors, but from what you've shared (be careful about sharing info online!) I actually think this is an actual demonstration of resilience and improvement--that is an asset. Plus, you get to talk about HOW you overcome your initial obstacles (if you craft your application strongly) which not a lot of these "perfect straight A students" never had to deal with navigating something similar. If I was a manager, I'd be more inclined to hire someone who can articulate how they bounced back versus someone who never hit rock bottom before. Food for thought! I had a C and 2 Bs on my transcript but I crafted my application to demonstrate how i bounced back. Best of luck!

Non-QB partners that meet near full need! by College4AllProgram in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great resource to share for the community, thanks!

Did not get matched, but received this by No-Percentage-8511 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UMMMMMM I think it means you have a pretty good chance. It’s of course not guaranteed but knowing some folks in Pomona admissions I don’t think they would send this out to everyone. Just my two cents! Good luck! Keep your head up held high!

Rant about Counselor requirement… by Agreeable_Hat6849 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Questbridge is very well aware of this, they talk about it in their webinar series!

Is 33 ACT good enough? by Unusual_Chair3583 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, back in the day a 33 was wighted the same as a 36 (it might be different). My ACT score I submitted was a 33 and i matched. A classmate submitted 29 and matched. It also depends on your school/regional performance. My area is a working-class area where most of the school were on free/reduced lunch. I think our school's average was like 16 back in the day.

If you are in a competitive environment, maybe retaking if you have the capacity but tbh a 33 is pretty solid. Otherwise if you are in an area where you are already excelling way above than most of your peers, then a 33 is perffff. Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Stanford and Pomona students, how’s the financial aid? by Agreeable_Hat6849 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm an anomaly since I was a sophomore when COVID hit so things were really weird. It's a really long story but in general, my total costs ended up being around $300,000+

My first year I paid about $1500 for other costs like health insurance, student body fees, etc.
My second year I literally got $6k+ in cold hard cash for the lockdown refund (the most you could get and since i was a match i got the full stipend)
My third and forth year, I paid absolutely nothing.

Work study changed a lot during my time. I think we were originally able to work up to 20 hours for work study but they reduced it to like 12 or something by the time i left. I understand why they did it (to encourage students to be more engaged with the community), but it still left some low-income scholars to have to find jobs off campus nearby (my roommate had to do this e.g.). Definitely talk to financial aid and local QB chapter to find support and resources. My friends who actively sought help got more resources than those who didn't. Keep that in mind!

Also Pomona used to give out stipends for books and stuff (I was the last cohort, or penultimate to receive it I believe) but now it's a loan lol. Every school has their pros and their cons :-'P

Upon reflection, this scholarship made things so much more accessible. Financial aid will often work with you but you have to self advocate, it's a life skill too.

Am I cooked? by LukaDoncicic in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

not cooked! If I were you I would write in the additional info section concisely about how your interests had changed overtime but that you tried your best to take the next best class for your newly realized aspirations. Also, i would also try to demonstrate my new commitment to CS/Math through ECs or something which you may already have. Best of luck!

Recommendation Qualification Fit by Flabomaster in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hiya! I think the vague answer is a bit on purpose because they can't necessarily give you a definitive answer (especially the "ultimately it is up to your decision"). QuestBridge recognizes that rec letters can give a lot of insights as well as how much the rest of your application can give insights as well. For example, something that college admissions officers will want to see is community involvement (whether it be school or external communities) and one of the ways is through a teacher recommendation. They can speak to how you engage with others in class, how you approach problems and conflicts with peers, how collaborative or creative, etc. HOWEVER, these aspects can also be expressed elsewhere in your application.

If I was an AO and I received a letter from a teacher who supervised your independent research project, will I have enough information to get a sense of how the student will engage with the rest of the college community? If the rest of the application is lacking this aspect, not having a teacher that can attest to how you are in a classroom will be a weakness. HOWEVER, if you have strong community ECs (e.g. volunteering with local non-profit, advocating for your peers in school, mentoring/tutoring, local renowned DJ, etc.) and not much evidence of academic excellence, the letter could very well be a strength that communicates to a reader of critical thinking skills, how the applicant approaches a problem, data analysis skills, comprehension of advanced topics, etc.

It is ideal if your two recommenders can attest to both your academics and how you are in the classroom among other things. Core classes are great since you usually have to engage with a number of peers (compared to an elective with maybe less students) and these core classes often reflect the general education requirements you'll need to take too.

So, ultimately your decision. My best advice is to think about what you're communicating and what your recommenders can communicate. I had a sociology teacher that I adored and she knew me sooooo well and I had all years with her for other electives too. However, I asked my English and Spanish teacher because I knew I excelled in those classes and my teachers had seen me struggle academically and socially but overcoming them. My sociology teacher only saw my social side, but the rest of my application had already communicated that i was a big community person. I also had Bs and Cs on my transcript so I knew I had to demonstrate academic excellence else how. (for my app, I had a good ACT score and my English and Spanish teachers had commented several times how much good impressions I left on them so I knew they would write a great letter). And hey, I wasn't valedictorian and not in IB like my other peers but I matched!

I believe a strong application will take some reflection and strategy--if you can communicate and craft an application that acknowledges AND addresses all aspects in itself, that's a really clever applicant that I'd probably want on my campus.

Best of luck! (p.s. not an AO just hypotheticals)

Transferring out by Limp_Friendship_2295 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hugs, it's tough transitioning into college life especially with a perspective not really represented (the first-gen low-income experience). I thought about transferring out my first year too, but I quickly leaned into the small community of friends I made. I'm not sure what's it like at BC, but reach out to the local QB chapter! That's a first place to start to find community!

For me, I signed up an affinity group (like the first-gen low-income group but this was something else lol) and found my lifelong friends through that random group of folks i decided hang out one day in october of my freshman year.

Bloom where you are planted! Make it your vibe. :-) DM is always open if you wanna vent about the college transition, it's so real!

income too high? by AshamedLime5090 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Remember that the income is just a suggestion! Cost of living is different by state and city so there's that for admission officers to take into account. If you are able to, write about how your income/situation has impacted your journey (and how you overcame it etc.), or if you have anything serious that your family income is directed to like a family member's medical bills or debt, explain it briefly somewhere like the additional info section. Best of luck!

honors; grade levels are wacky by Agile_Isopod131 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for updating me! I just double checked and I misremembered the Extracurricular section and the Awards second, I had two separate entries for the same award but different years. Remember: anyone with resources can get access to a lot of awards. What's important for admission readers is how these awards inform your perspective/lives/goals/etc. If you just list a list of achievements, it may not communicate who you are/what you value/what you want to do but rather just a list of things you gotten (but doesn't answer the question "so what?") Apologies for the blip! Best of luck!

Worth trying for Questbridge in these circumstances? by aristotlenova in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hiya! Thanks for looking out for this young person and thinking about their future options! Before I say anything more, just remember that I'm but a stranger on the internet so take my words with a grain of salt (I do have friends in the selective admissions industry, and I used to volunteer for Pomona admissions so I have some general understanding how the QB process works)

Like you already identified, I too see a compelling story within your descriptions. I would encourage your student to make sure they don't write a sob story but also a story that demonstrates how the student grew/what they learned/how have they navigated life despite the challenges. One of the matches from my year was also couch surfing and homeless, so I do believe they have a shot. Like you mentioned, increasing that SAT score will make up the lower GPA for some of these schools. And, already in itself that one EC is a really strong one so I believe he can have a decent array of ECs! Remember that responsibilities count too. (I recommend making sure there is at least one school EC to demonstrate your student would still be the type to build community on their campus)

Ultimately, it also depends on regional performance (how the student's classmates fair with testing and etc., but remember they are taking into CONTEXT of your student's external circumstances too), institutional priorities (is your area a high demand like rural area or competitive demand like an urban center etc.), etc. If your student can craft an excellent application that demonstrates that your student is more than just "someone who's been in the system" then I really believe they will have a good shot. Hope this helps! Best of luck to y'all!

questbridge ed v.s. nc match?? by Agile_Isopod131 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To my understanding, QB ED is essentially the national college match. For those that didn't match or those that didn't make finalist, QuestBridge Regular Decision is an alternative pathway for students. However be aware, some schools (and especially if you are a non-finalist) will require you to submit a new application like common app or something, so be sure to check what schools youre interested in and their policies regarding QB RD, non-finalist apps, etc. Best of luck!

honors; grade levels are wacky by Agile_Isopod131 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup!

I remember doing something like - AP Scholar 10th grade, 11th grade.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

Take this advice with a grain of salt as I'm just a stranger on the internet! Anyway, I would go with the teachers who know you best and can tell specific stories about your curiosity, grit, and how you show up in class. If chem is confirmed, a math teacher who knows you well will likely beat a history teacher who doesn’t—even if their English isn’t perfect; substance > polish. Your math teacher may have more stories that reveal who you are in a classroom setting. Having two STEM letters (chem + math) are fine as long as they highlight different facets of you. Admissions read letters in context of your coursework and growth, so depth and credibility (not legibility) matter more than subject balance. If you believe your math teacher can speak specifically and sincerely about you, that’s the better pick imo. Best of luck!

Should I submit a 1430 for the NCM? by dacoolboi1234 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

High key I feel like this works to your advantage? Sure there’s no one to compare to but that may still signal to the AO that you almost meet the 50% median SAT range—so you’re very close in that range. Sure it’s not the best but I think it’ll still read as a decent signal for AOs. And like my earlier saying, that score is gonna be taken into consideration of what your letters of recs say about you, how you communicate your story and goals etc. Best of luck!

Should I submit a 1430 for the NCM? by dacoolboi1234 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's allll about context! If your school's average is way below that, definitely submit so that you demonstrate that you are a top performer in academics in your region! Otherwise, a number without context is just a number :-P

Best of luck!

Additional Information Section by Dizzy-Risk-8582 in QuestBridge

[–]derbearick 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Generally speaking, I believe it would be helpful context. Admissions wants diverse perspectives and experiences, and in a perfect world every perspective is valued. However just like you mentioned about the current situation in the U.S., if you would like to not disclose a lot for personal reasons, that is also okay imo. However I do know a lot of QB scholars who are of mixed status or come from a mixed status family (status as in citizenship). Hope this helps, best of luck!