While many high school students were floundering during the locked down spring of 2020, Lynn Mendez was looking and working forward. In the throes of completing her junior year of high school at home, she applied to become a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar. And she nailed it.
QuestBridge is a national nonprofit organization that connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with higher education institutions and life opportunities. Their goal is to give these students the opportunity attend the nation’s top colleges and universities, supporting them in their work toward success.
The QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program aids exceptional high school juniors from low-income backgrounds in their pursuit of attending top colleges. These College Prep Scholars can then apply for the National College Match as they enter their senior year. Recipients of the National College Match receive full four-year scholarships to partner colleges.
During the summer of 2020, while many rising high school seniors were preoccupied with questions about what their final year would look like, Lynn was looking and working forward. She applied for participation in the ranking process for the 2020 QuestBridge National College Match.
According to the QuestBridge website, “out of over 18,500 applicants, QuestBridge selected 6,885 Finalists to be considered for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship (Match Scholarship). This year, QuestBridge’s 42 college partners matched with a record number of 1,464 Finalists, who are recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients.”
When she was named a National College Match Finalist in the fall of 2020, while everyone adjusted to hybrid learning, Lynn kept looking and working forward. She wrote supplemental essays to the 12 colleges she ranked. And she nailed it.
On “Match Day”, December 1st, Lynn received Early Admission to Vassar College with a full scholarship. Lynn is one of 17 students who were matched with Vassar College under the QuestBridge Match.
The Kennedy Catholic community is so proud to congratulate Lynn. Her rigorous academic work, partnered with undaunted perseverance, creativity, and dedication embodies the core values of what it means to be a Gael.
Learn more about QuestBridge at their website.