Common App vs QuestBridge

Purpose and number of schools

This application is accepted by over 900 schools in the US. See this post here for the full list of schools, broken down by US state. Students can apply to a maximum of 20 schools using the Common App.

This is a scholarship and college admissions program for low-income students who are high achievers in high school. QuestBridge is currently partnered with 55 colleges.

Main functions

Main functions include submitting applications, providing essay prompts to which students write their main college essay, application status tracking and submitting recommendation letters and transcripts.

Main functions include researching colleges, planning applications, and providing full scholarships and college application support for low-income students to apply to any of the partner schools.

Target users

High school students who are ready to apply to colleges and universities.

Low-income, high-achieving students.

Application components

Students need to complete and submit their personal information, answers to essay prompts, recommendation letters, transcripts, and standardized test scores (optional for some colleges).

Students need to complete and submit the QuestBridge application form, personal statement, essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and (optional) standardized test scores.

Essay requirements

Students are required to write an essay of 250-650 words. There are about 7 prompts available per application cycle.

The essay requirements depend on what stream the student is applying through. Applicants to the College Prep Scholars program need to write an essay of 300-500 words, while applicants to the National College Match program need to write an essya of 800 words. Only 1 prompt is usually available for each of these streams per application cycle.

Recommendation letters

Students are typically required to submit recommendation letters from teachers or guidance counsellors before submitting an application through Common App.

Students are typically required to submit recommendation letters - one from a teacher and one from a guidance counsellor before submitting an application through QuestBridge. Additional recommendation letters may be required depending on the partner school's requirements.

Scholarship opportunities

Some scholarships may be offered, although this depends on each college. Students may also complete the FAFSA or CSS profiles for financial aid consideration.

Since this is geared towards low-income students, full scholarships including tuition, room, residence fees and other expenses are included for successful QuestBridge candidates attending partner schools.

Application process

Students create one application and submit it to multiple colleges.

Students apply through QuestBridge and if they are further shortlisted, students are matched with partner schools for full scholarships.

Support services

The Common App does not offer specific mentorship or financial aid services after applicants have submitted their applications.

QuestBridge gives students guidance throughout the application process. Students who are finalists receive in-depth financial aid and college transition support.

Cost

It is free to use the platform, however individual schools may charge an application fee. Some students may be eligible for a fee waiver. Check out this post here for more information on how to apply for a fee waiver.

There is no cost associated with using QuestBridge as it is designed to make college applications more accessible for low-income students.