Back in 2023, Chloe decided to apply to the College Prep Scholars Program with QuestBridge during her junior year of high school. The program aims to prepare high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds to apply to top colleges by providing them with extensive resources, guidance and scholarships.
Chloe’s College Possible coach introduced her to the opportunity and encouraged her to apply after noticing her strong interest in scholarships. But within a few weeks of applying, she received a rejection letter.
Fast forward a year: Chloe, now a senior, finds herself in the school cafeteria during her lunch period, refreshing her email inbox by the minute. Slowly, she opens an email and reads the words “Congratulations,” accompanied by colorful maroon and gold confetti.
Despite the initial rejection from the college prep program, Chloe’s unwavering determination to attend college fueled her to apply for another QuestBridge opportunity designated for high school seniors—the National College Match. While the former program focuses on preparing juniors for the college application process, the latter offers a direct pathway to admission and full scholarships at top-tier universities.
The second time around, Chloe officially became a QuestBridge Scholar and earned a full-ride scholarship to a school of her choice, Boston College.
QuestBridge received over 25,000 applications this year and selected 7,288 finalists across the U.S. for consideration. Among those finalists, 2,627 were matched with one of QuestBridge’s prestigious college partners, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 10%.
“I immediately ran to my coach’s office and thought, ‘There’s no way this is happening!’ I just couldn’t believe it,“ says Chloe.” I knew the odds of getting into the college prep program were low, and that actually getting selected as a finalist and getting matched were even lower, but I felt as though I had to strive for every opportunity I could get for a chance at a scholarship.”
Last month, Chloe walked the stage at Aloha High School in her hometown of Beaverton, OR. During her time there, she participated in various clubs such as National Honor Society, DECA, Constitutional Law, Warrior Crew and volunteered at her local food pantry, all while working to save up for college.
Her sister, a College Possible alum, advised her to join the program. Since her junior year, Chloe has diligently worked with her coach to study for the ACT, fill out scholarship applications and rank her top schools. With a chuckle, she looks back on her time as a College Possible student.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with my coaches. I used to stop by their office to chit-chat. They would motivate us by giving out little incentives.I remember we did an ACT review program, and my coach told us, ‘If you do it every day, I will get you a Costco hot dog.’ Of course, I agreed and completed the program which resulted in me getting five hot dogs!”
Chloe’s passion for higher education stems from her parents, who always pushed her in the right direction and were transparent about their financial situation. “They told me, ‘We need you to get scholarships so we can afford for you to go to college,’ and that’s why I joined College Possible.”
Now, Chloe is preparing to begin her undergraduate studies at Boston College in Massachusetts. With the QuestBridge scholarship, her tuition and housing are fully covered for the next four years. Taking note of her personal interest and success in the sciences, she has decided to major in biology. The soon-to-be freshman looks forward to exploring her career options within the field and discovering what suits her best.
During this transition, she is processing her goodbye to Oregon. Although it’s a bittersweet feeling, she says this is what she’s always wanted for herself.
“I hear a lot of people say that when they went to college, they came out of it a different person. I want to experience that transformation as well as learn more about what I’m passionate about,” says Chloe. “I’ve always liked something about just leaving and going somewhere where no one knows me, and now I’m actually doing it. I’m excited to move to a city with so many new opportunities.”
