Five MSMS seniors matched to top colleges through the QuestBridge National College Match scholarship program. 

Jake Heisler matched with Yale University, Anthony Nguyen matched with the California Institute of Technology, Sam Smith matched with Wesleyan University and Winson Zheng matched with Washington University in St. Louis. Izzy Rushing matched but declined to reveal the school’s name. 

Established in 1994, QuestBridge is a national nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges and universities. Historically, the program has had around 25,500 applicants, and this year QuestBridge selected 7,026 finalists. From that pool, 2,550 seniors were chosen as match recipients.  

Zheng will major in applied mathematics with a minor in East Asian languages and cultures, specifically Chinese. He said although QuestBridge allowed him to complete his applications more quickly, it didn’t come without intense and stressful work. 

“QuestBridge turned the already stressful college application process into a nightmare, as it felt like a speed run,” Zheng said. “You find out if you made it through the first round as a finalist in late October, and then you have less than two weeks to submit supplemental essays for each school you selected. That tight window essentially compressed months of work into a couple of days.”

Math teacher Lauren Zarandona said the program helps students recognize overlooked scholarship opportunities. 

“A lot of people depend on financial aid to the point they sometimes overlook the scholarship process,” Zarandona said. “It’s so nice to know there are still scholarships, such as QuestBridge, where kids get rewarded for their hard work and effort, and they get matched to schools that are perfect for them.”

Nguyen said focusing on what you love makes a big difference in your QuestBridge application.  

“Pick something you love and go really deep into it,” Nguyen said. “At the end of the day, they don’t want to see just you. Whatever you love to do, make sure it is genuine.”

Zarandona said she encourages rising seniors to research the program early and pursue activities that will strengthen their applications.

“If you are a junior, the time to start thinking about what you’re going to do and where you’re going is now,” Zarandona said. “The first semester [of senior year] is really, really hard, so start planning and looking for summer programs early.”

QuestBridge gives scholars the opportunity to pursue new experiences. Zheng said he looks forward to making new memories, even if leaving MSMS will be hard.

“I am most excited about changing up the scenery by moving to St. Louis. I’m looking forward to the food and dorms of WashU, as they are renowned for having one of the best dorms and dining experiences in the nation,” Zheng said. “Leaving MSMS will be a bittersweet moment, but I will look back upon it fondly as one of the best things Mississippi has to offer.”