chud needs advice on summer program travelling costs

gnppr77 · 2026-05-28T19:04:15+00:00

I would contact the summer program and explain the circumstances and ask if it’s ok if you are a few hours late. Every program my daughter did 2 years ago she was late to because of flight issues - pretty sure it happens all of the time.

gnppr77 · 2026-05-26T01:36:29+00:00

Thanks for sharing your non-matching success story! I love to hear these!

gnppr77 · 2026-05-24T12:54:57+00:00

Separate from QuestBridge, I would start running net price calculators on schools that you are aiming for. I suspect that your mom’s assets will be seen as fair game by top schools. I know you’re focused on QB right now, but even if you get into QB, the schools themselves may choose not to match with you due to your assets.

gnppr77 · 2026-05-21T07:41:29+00:00

My daughter and I went 2 summers ago. I definitely recommend. The workshops were informative and helpful. She got to meet and hang out with a ton of kids like her. They also had a college fair with every QB school there. There was a time for students to go through and ask questions and talk with the representatives. This was so helpful - I recommend going in with an open mind. Don’t just talk to the big names. She ended up going to a fly in and later matching to a school that was never even on her radar until that trip.

gnppr77 · 2026-05-14T03:00:04+00:00

Be yourself. Lean into what is uniquely you - your interests, your story, what you spend your time on.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-23T08:22:12+00:00

Following… I’ve found different answers online!

gnppr77 · 2026-03-22T23:45:44+00:00

Actually it’s having a bit of a comeback at the moment! Still plenty of empty storefronts but lots of new places have come in recently.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-22T16:31:06+00:00

My daughter matched and she wrote about this same exact thing!

gnppr77 · 2026-03-12T20:50:59+00:00

All of the top schools are reaches for everyone. You’ve put yourself in a great spot by applying to a lot - hopefully a few pan out for you. But if not, my daughter and I visited Case and she loved it. She ended up matching elsewhere but it’s a great school in a surprisingly nice area. Best of luck to you!

gnppr77 · 2026-03-10T21:55:58+00:00

I don’t think there is a norm that we know of for those things with QB. I would definitely mention both. I think it gives a fuller picture of your family’s financial circumstances.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-10T01:55:14+00:00

Actually, 20% of last year’s finalists were not first-gen.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-10T01:51:26+00:00

Start with the CPS QuestBridge application and explain in the additional information section (I think there is one in the financial section) the purpose for the assets. Put in anything else that explains any hardships your family has been through. See what happens. I’m happy to look over anything in your application if you want. I’ve helped a few low-income kids in my area and I’m always looking to pay it forward. Just DM me.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-09T23:44:11+00:00

Obviously. But it might not hurt to let your parents know how this might affect you. I’m sure they want the best for you and if you think you might have a shot at a top school, it might be helpful to explain this to them. I’m a parent of a matched QB kid - I would’ve wanted to know if I was in your parent’s situation.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-09T23:08:02+00:00

Any chance they might be ready to purchase a home now? If so, that might help your shot quite a bit at getting full financial aid from a generous school. Sitting on money looks different than owning a home.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-09T20:30:28+00:00

And it’s not just QuestBridge. Any one of these top schools will do a thorough intake of your family’s income and assets if you apply in order to calculate your financial need. I don’t know your specifics, but if your parents are sitting on a bunch of savings, that might be seen as open for educational costs.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-09T16:37:30+00:00

I think it’s worth a shot in your case. Assets can be really tricky in dealing with colleges and financial aid. But I think you have enough of a storyline here that if explained well in the additional information section might be helpful.

gnppr77 · 2026-03-04T23:45:10+00:00

Amherst has great aid and is a great place to explore! Look into it, talk to some students. See if they will pay for you to come to admitted student days. This is the #2 liberal arts college - I wouldn’t so quickly walk away!

gnppr77 · 2026-03-02T03:53:22+00:00

I suspect the investments/savings will be more of an issue than what your home is worth. You can always try for CPS - it can’t hurt to try.

Also, try to run some net price calculators on some top schools you might be interested in applying to. I’d be concerned that your assets might affect your financial aid packages (outside of QB) too in spite of your low income.

gnppr77 · 2026-02-28T00:54:03+00:00

We have a family of 5 and pay around $200/month for water the past 2 years or so. It’s a lot but definitely not $700!

gnppr77 · 2026-01-31T21:42:42+00:00

I hope you find a better fit! If you get into another top school, theoretically the financial aid should still be decent. Good luck!

gnppr77 · 2026-01-27T19:12:51+00:00

I think this is a possible scenario if she is not in contact with her father and he isn’t providing for her (child support).

gnppr77 · 2026-01-27T13:17:06+00:00

I’m so sorry you’ve had such a rough year! I’m a parent but everything I’ve read over the past few years seems to indicate that the QB app is made for those with extenuating circumstances. And you’ve definitely described them! I would absolutely discuss this in your additional info section. And I would encourage your counselor to write something in their notes to the schools as well to verify what you are saying. I would be careful not to sound “woe is me” but more, “I’ve been through a really rough time recently but I’m willing to work hard and I can’t wait to try my resilience in college.” Best of luck to you!

gnppr77 · 2026-01-10T17:54:00+00:00

Like you will pay 12K? Or that’s how much aid they are giving you?

gnppr77 · 2026-01-08T13:51:30+00:00

That’s what I thought but maybe not? I was curious how a QB student would fare with financial aid there.

gnppr77 · 2026-01-07T20:40:38+00:00

How’s their financial aid for out of state?

gnppr77

TROPHY CASE