The cost of college almost stopped me from even applying to my top-choice schools. But thankfully, there’s a lot of schools that focus on providing need-based aid, and great programs, such as QuestBridge, that are dedicated to bringing high-achieving, low-income students to great universities around the country.
I first came upon QuestBridge a few different ways. One of my personal friends applied and got into their program for juniors called College Prep Scholars which allows students to participate in various partnered college summer programs free of charge or extremely reduced. Becoming a Prep Scholar also means that it’s easier to participate in the National College Match (NCM), which is the most important program QuestBridge has to offer. Getting in means you are allowed to apply to QuestBridge partnered universities for full ride scholarships. The NCM is what led me to Hopkins and a great community of students who share a similar background. I discovered Hopkins is not just as a place for academic excellence, but also as a hub where first-generation and limited-income (FLI) students are truly supported, celebrated, and empowered.
From the very start, I felt welcomed into a vibrant community designed to help FLI students thrive both academically and personally. The FLI Network hosts a variety of events throughout the year—everything from the FLI Family Welcome Reception, an event for families and students to learn about various resources available for both FLI students and families, such as the See Me FLI travel grant, during orientation to the annual FLI Day where students gather over food, games, giveaways, and conversation. These spaces have been incredible for meeting friends, connecting with mentors, and finding people who truly understand and support one another’s journeys.
One of my favorite parts of being a FLI student at Hopkins is how many resources are available to students to help us succeed. I personally participated in a lot of student financial wellness workshops and webinars that left me prepared with important knowledge in how to save and spend my money without jeopardizing my financial wellness. The FLI Network offers leadership opportunities such as becoming a FLI student leader and ambassador, and along the same lines, community connections like faculty dinners, FLI pre-orientation, and retreats. They also offer specialized advising, career workshops, financial wellness sessions, and even funding for internships, research, and study abroad experiences.
Choosing Hopkins through QuestBridge and joining the FLI Network has given me opportunities I never would have imagined before college. I’ve been able to pursue internship assistance, expense-free opportunities, and the chance to connect with advisors who are invested in my growth—all while feeling confident and supported every step of the way. For example, as a FLI student, you are immediately connected with a Success Coaching Program in Academic Advising (or SCAA for short) coach, a person dedicated to helping you succeed in all personal, academic, professional goals throughout all four years of your Hopkins experience. My SCAA has been imperative to my development throughout my first year, helping me adjust and understand my academic capabilities and strengths and how to apply them here to excel to my best capabilities in every one of our bi-monthly meetings.
If you’re a student considering Hopkins, know that there is a place for you here—a place where your background is not just welcomed but celebrated. Hopkins is a community where FLI students are leaders, scholars, and changemakers, and where resources are designed to help you flourish. I’m proud to call Hopkins my home, and I can’t wait to see the next generation of FLI and QuestBridge students make their mark here too.
