Seven Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts seniors have been selected as QuestBridge National College Match Finalists.
QuestBridge is a nonprofit organization that connects exceptional low-income youth with leading institutions of higher education. QuestBridge works with top universities across the country to offer four-year, full scholarships to deserving students who may otherwise be unable to afford to attend those institutions.
QuestBridge partnered this year with 48 colleges and universities to offer scholarships at institutions such as Duke University, Rice University, Stanford University and others.
Students apply for the scholarships through the Common Application, which is used by many educational institutions for admission. QuestBridge applicants write an essay to accompany the application. They may list up to 12 of the partner schools at which they would like to be considered for admission.
ASMSA students who were selected as finalist include Madison Dengel of Cabot, Drew Johnson of Crossett, Kacie Koen of Benton, Alex Pearson of Lincoln, Alyssa Thomas of El Dorado, Ai’yanna Tombs of North Little Rock, and John Tucker of Bald Knob.
Finalists who receive a match will be notified on Dec. 1. Finalists who do not receive a match for a scholarship will still be eligible to be considered for regular admission to partner schools and may still receive financial aid in the future. In 2021, more than 1,600 Finalists were matched and approximately 2,000 Finalists were admitted through QuestBridge Regular Decision, according to the QuestBridge website.
Match Scholarship Recipients are granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000. The Match Scholarship is offered as part of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and travel expenses. All Match Scholarship packages have no parental contribution or student loans.