Every year, Collegiate seniors are encouraged to apply to at least two dream colleges. Sometimes, those big dreams produce big scholarships, as they did for Denise, Elvis, Jaziel, Keith, Roslyn, and Whitney–CSM seniors who earned full rides to their dream colleges through the QuestBridge National College Match program. This fall, these scholars will attend some of the nation's most competitive universities. One scholar is headed to Washington University in St. Louis, another to Brown University in Providence, and four students to Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

The QuestBridge program is highly competitive, offering full-ride scholarship opportunities to top colleges nationwide through a ranking and matching process. Out of nearly 25,500 applicants, these six Collegiate seniors were among only 2,627 students matched to their dream colleges. This year’s matches make history as the most students from one Collegiate senior class to achieve this remarkable milestone.

For these students, all of whom are first generation college students, the opportunity represents much more than financial support; it is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the support they received from their families and the Collegiate community. For Elvis, who will attend Washington University, his family has always emphasized the importance of education. “My parents have been really supportive. They always let me know they’re there to help me prioritize school,” he shared.

For some, the decision to apply for QuestBridge came with uncertainty. Whitney initially hesitated, as her original dream was to attend Georgia Tech, a school not currently partnered with QuestBridge. Denise doubted whether she could meet the scholarship’s rigorous qualifications. However, with encouragement from their peers, both students took a leap of faith, stepping outside their comfort zones and paving the way for exciting new possibilities.

The journey to this point has not been without its challenges, but these scholars feel confident that their time at Collegiate has prepared them for what lies ahead. Denise reflected on how Collegiate instilled the value of hard work and provided the support she needed to succeed. Elvis shared that Collegiate built his confidence, helping him feel prepared to compete academically with students from larger schools. Jaziel emphasized Collegiate’s support to exceed expectations. “Teachers encourage you to go above and beyond what you think you can do, to strive for more and they are always there to give assistance,” he said.

Their academic interests are as diverse as their journeys, spanning fields like neuroscience, film and media, architecture, and cellular biology. While their goals may differ, all six students share a sense of excitement about the opportunities ahead. They’re eager to explore interesting coursework, build new friendships, and experience life in environments different from Memphis. Their achievements are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when big dreams are matched with hard work and opportunity.

Six Collegiate Scholars Earn Full-Ride Scholarships Through QuestBridge