College Starts Now: How to Use Resources Early and Get Into a Top School
Here’s a secret most students don’t realize until it’s almost too late:
The college application process doesn’t start senior year — it starts now.
Whether you’re a rising junior, senior, or somewhere in between, the best thing you can do for your future is take advantage of free resources early. And one of the best ones out there? QuestBridge.
💥 Why Starting Early Matters
Top colleges are looking for more than just strong grades. They want to see prepared, informed, and proactive students. The earlier you start using resources, the more confident and competitive you’ll be.
✅ You’ll understand financial aid and scholarships
✅ You’ll write stronger applications and essays
✅ You’ll discover programs and colleges you might never have considered
✅ You’ll reduce stress senior year (trust us!)
🚀 Game-Changing Resource: QuestBridge
QuestBridge is a free national program that helps high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds gain admission and full scholarships to top-tier colleges like Yale, Stanford, Princeton, MIT, and more.
Just ask two of our Fellows:
Angel Mendoza (left) first applied to the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program as a junior. That early start gave him essay feedback, summer program opportunities, and the confidence to apply through the National College Match as a senior. His preparation paid off — Angel matched with Tufts University on a full-ride scholarship.
Daniel Tovar (right) also started early with QuestBridge. By taking advantage of the College Prep Scholars Program, he was ready to put his best foot forward during senior year. Daniel matched with Brown University, securing a life-changing full-ride scholarship.
Their journeys are proof: using QuestBridge early can open doors you may have thought were out of reach.
🔹 Juniors → Apply to the College Prep Scholars Program to get early support, essay feedback, and access to college summer programs.
🔹 Seniors → Apply through the National College Match to be considered for full four-year scholarships to partner colleges.
Website to bookmark now: questbridge.org
🧠 Other Early Action Steps You Can Take
📚 Start building your college list – Use tools like BigFuture (by the College Board) or College Navigator
✍️ Work on your personal statement early – Drafts you write now will save you months later
📅 Track deadlines – Early Action, Early Decision, scholarships, and special programs all have their own timelines
👥 Connect with mentors & counselors – They can help you find hidden opportunities
🔑 Your Takeaway
The sooner you tap into the right resources, the more options you’ll have — and the less overwhelming it’ll all feel.
QuestBridge is one of the best places to start, but it’s just the beginning. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but you do need to take the first step.
🎯 Start early. Apply smart. Use what’s out there — and aim high.
You’ve got this.
—Path To College Team
