Harmony Public Schools Seniors Earn Record QuestBridge Matches: Steps and Timeline for Future Applicants

Harmony Public Schools celebrated a major milestone last year. Twenty Class of 2025 seniors were matched with top colleges through the QuestBridge National College Match program—a record achievement from a talented group of 67 finalists.

Since it began participating in the QuestBridge program, the number of students matched has steadily increased each year, a reflection of our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, early college readiness, and support for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds.

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What Is QuestBridge?

QuestBridge is a national nonprofit program that connects exceptional, low-income high school seniors with full, four-year scholarships to the nation’s leading colleges and universities.

Harmony’s college and career counseling team emphasizes the importance of early preparation to successfully navigate the competitive QuestBridge process.

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What Makes a Strong QuestBridge Finalist?

As Harmony’s Director of College and Career Counseling David Duran explains:

"Finalists are expected to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement by earning primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered, ranking within the top 5–10% of their class, showing strong writing skills, and achieving high SAT scores. They also demonstrate clear financial need, strong character, and notable accomplishments in leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service.”

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QuestBridge Timeline and Steps: How Harmony Seniors Become Matches

Here’s a step-by-step look at the QuestBridge journey Harmony students follow:

Step 1: Early Preparation (Junior Year and Earlier)

When: Throughout junior year and before
What to do:

• Maintain a rigorous academic record (aim for a GPA of 3.90+).
• Take the SAT or ACT.
• Get involved in leadership, extracurriculars, and volunteer work.
• Attend QuestBridge informational sessions and workshops.
• Begin researching colleges and understanding the QuestBridge mission.

Step 2: Application Opens (Summer Before Senior Year)

When: June to August
What to do:

• Gather materials: transcript, test scores, financial documents, essays, and recommendations
• Complete the QuestBridge National College Match application
• Submit compelling essays that showcase leadership, impact, and character
• Meet the application deadline (typically Sept. 30)

Step 3: Finalist Selection (Fall of Senior Year)

When: October to November
What happens:

• QuestBridge selects finalists based on academic excellence, financial need, and personal achievements.
• Harmony students who are named finalists begin preparing for Match Day.

Step 4: Match Day

When: Dec. 1
What happens:

• Finalists learn whether they’ve matched with a QuestBridge partner college.
• A match comes with a full scholarship that covers tuition, housing, meals, and more.
• Matched students follow their college’s enrollment process.

Step 5: Post-Match Process (Spring of Senior Year)

When: January to May
What to do:

• Attend orientations or interviews as required.
• Complete financial aid and enrollment paperwork.
• Prepare for college with support from school counselors and QuestBridge resources.

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A Growing Legacy of Success

Harmony Public Schools’ growing number of QuestBridge matches reflects the school’s dedication to creating life-changing opportunities through rigorous academics and college readiness.

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Start Your QuestBridge Journey

If you’re a Harmony student considering QuestBridge, start early, aim high, and take full advantage of your school’s support systems. The journey is challenging, but the outcome is transformational.

🔗 Learn more about QuestBridge: www.questbridge.org
🎓 Interested in how Harmony supports college readiness? Explore our college and career programs.