Meet the FIRST Community: QuestBridge Scholars at Tufts
Beyond the broad descriptors of “intellectually playful” and “multidisciplinary,” Tufts is also proud of students who are pioneers, trailblazers, and risk-takers. These qualities are especially true for the first-generation student experience as being the first in the family to attend college in the U.S. can be daunting and overwhelming, but it's also a testament to you and to your family's hard work and sacrifice.
As a member of the FIRST community, I’d love to introduce you to the various facets of the community through the lenses of the clubs, organization, and communities within this ever-diverse community. In this series, I hope that you get to appreciate the visibility, resilience, and power of the FIRST community in terms of having voices and enacting change within the academic, social, and intellectual spheres of the greater Tufts campus!
QuestBridge: A Match Made in Heaven
Tufts has actively partnered with QuestBridge as part of their commitment to supporting high-achieving, first-generation and/or low-income students. Each year, Tufts admits QuestBridge-affiliated students through the binding National College Match and through the three application rounds: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision.
Another awesome thing is that QuestBridge finalists who end up “matching” with Tufts receive a four-year financial aid package (student loan-free!). Finalists who are not matched with a binding college, as well as non-Finalists who submit the QuestBridge application to Tufts, will receive a financial aid package that meets 100% of demonstrated need, regardless of citizenship status, if admitted.
You might wonder, “what happens after the QuestBridge college application process and once students matricule?”
There is an active QuestBridge Scholars Network at Tufts where QuestBridge-affiliated students are welcome to socialize and network with each other as part of the Tufts experience. Let me introduce you to Matthew Soto ‘25, who is highly involved in said organization!
>> Quicklink: Application Requirements to Tufts via QuestBridge
>> Quicklink: More about Tufts & QuestBridge, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meet Matthew!
Name: Matthew Soto (He/Him/His)
Major(s): Computer Science and Cognitive & Brain Science
Hometown: Annandale, Virginia
What is the QuestBridge Scholars Network at Tufts?
“The QuestBridge (QB) chapter is home to any QB Scholar: College Prep Scholar, Finalist, or Match. We wish to develop a tight-tight knit community at Tufts through formal and informal events: greeting QB alumni, connecting with other QB chapters, fall carnival, movie night, and more. Our goal is to be a resource for QB Scholars in their professional and personal development!”
Why should we check out QuestBridge Scholars Network?
“You should definitely check out the QB chapter at Tufts if you have participated in the College Prep Scholar program, you were a finalist, or you matched to Tufts. We want to help build a fun community and the more people that show up, the more we can do for you!”
What gets you to come back and stay involved?
“I met some of my best friends that live all over the nation through QuestBridge and being involved in my chapter connects me with more people of my background. Getting to do fulfilling events with my community is a bonus as we just vibe and have fun! I hope to see you there!”