Blog Post #4

                           Deciding on what I would like to do would have to relate to my basic fundamentals in school such as: Science, Math, and English. After deciding Mathematics was my strength than the others in theory it would be in my best interest to pursue a career that uses those principles. A career is mind would be a civil engineer after majoring in engineering or business management. I would perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facile. The career in mind would require a 4+ year degree. After researching since my sophomore year in high school I have set focus on the QuestBridge foundation scholarship. After hearing about the scholarship that awards thousands a year I asked myself, "Who should Apply?" The QuestBridge National College Match is designed for high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite facing economic challenges. QuestBridge takes all of the following factors into account when evaluating an application for the National College Match: Academic Achievement, Financial Qualifications, and Personal Circumstances. Academic achievement in depth they look at specifically the following qualifications:

Grades and rigor of high school curriculum: Primarily As in the most challenging courses at your high school (usually including Honors, AP, and/or IB level courses, if available.)

Class rank: Top 5-10% of your graduating class.

Standardized test scores: SAT (CR+M) scores above 1250; ACT composite score above 27. We also recommend submitting any AP, IB, or SAT Subject Test scores.  Review the standardized testing requirements for each partner college.

We also look for evidence of strong writing ability, intellectual spark, and determination through essays and teacher/counselor recommendations.

               Meeting two of the following three qualifications has made me believe that I have a chance although I will soon take my ACT standardized test on Dec. 13th. Also, the financial requirements consists of a typical income from households earning less than $60,000 annually for a family of four, and often less than $50,000. This is not a strict cut-off and we encourage students who feel they have faced significant financial hardship to review these financial details carefully to see if they may qualify. 

All sources of family income are taken into account, including:

• Salaries, wages, and tips
• Business and farm income 
• Rental income
• Interest and dividend income
• Retirement distributions
• Alimony
• Child support received

             Lastly, they look at your personal circumstances such as: 

Parents' level of education: Many past award recipients have been among the first generation in their family to attend a four-year college.

Extenuating circumstances: For example, if students have jobs to help their parents pay the bills, or spend much time out of school caring for siblings if their parents are absent or at work.

Extracurricular achievements: Accomplishments and leadership roles in extracurricular and community activities.

https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/careers/explore

http://www.questbridge.org/

http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html

http://dykstrastem.blogspot.com/