QuestBridge Applicants

QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects exceptional, low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities. Pomona is proud to be one of 55 college partners who are committed to making our institutions accessible to high achieving students regardless of background. 

About the QuestBridge Application

The QuestBridge Application is one of three ways that a prospective student can apply to Pomona for first-year admission. We give no preference in the admissions process based on the application you choose to submit.

At Pomona, the QuestBridge Application may be used to apply in any round:

• QuestBridge National College Match - Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Early Decision I – Deadline: November 8, 2025
• Early Decision II – Deadline: January 8, 2026
• Regular Decision – Deadline: January 8, 2026

If you have any questions about QuestBridge at Pomona, email questbridge@pomona.edu.

The National College Match

QuestBridge’s National College Match stands out as a unique college application and full four-year scholarship opportunity. Since 2005, Pomona College has consistently offered about 20 Match scholarships each year. These Scholarships, awarded to Finalists who "match" with Pomona, cover the full cost of tuition, housing, and food. Match Scholarship packages have no parental contribution and no student loans included. 

Applying to the Match

National College Match applications are due to QuestBridge on September 30, 2025. Finalists are selected by QuestBridge based on a holistic review of their achievement, personal qualities, and financial circumstances.

If a student is selected as a Finalist and chooses to rank Pomona, they are required to submit the following additional materials by November 1. Please check your Pomona application portal for status updates.

1. Official high school transcript(s) via mail or email directly by your counselor to questbridge@pomona.edu with the subject line "College Match Finalists, Full Legal Name, Official Transcript."  
2. The 2025-2026 CSS/Financial Aid Profile with CSS Code: 4607. Domestic undergraduate students may submit a CSS Profile for free if:
   1. Their family's adjusted gross income is up to $100,000, or
   2. The student is qualified to receive an SAT fee waiver, or
   3. The student is an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24.
3. A copy of your parents’ 2023 federal income tax returns.
4. Submit the Pomona QuestBridge Match Supplement Form. Ranking Finalists will not be considered for the Match at Pomona without submission of this form.
5. Optional Test Scores: Pomona College has a permanently test-optional policy for students applying for first-year and transfer admission. Match applicants will be asked whether they would like test scores to be considered in the review process on the Pomona Match Supplement Form.

Path to Pomona Beyond the Match

For every National College Match applicant, the outcome may look different. Progressing through various stages from September through December, become one of the following if they do not get "matched" to Pomona:

• Non-Match Finalists: finalists pursuing the Match who don't "match" with any partner college,
• Non-Participating Finalists: finalists not pursuing the Match,
• or Non-Finalists.

All National College Match applicants are encouraged to consider Pomona College through the Match and beyond (in Early Decision or Regular Decision) so long as they do not "match" with any college partner. Applicants can choose to use their already completed QuestBridge Application or a Common Application/Coalition Application. Since Pomona is test-optional, students at this stage will be asked whether they would like test scores to be considered on the Pomona Program Selection Form (required of Non-Finalists, Non-Participating Finalists, and Non-Match Finalists). Regardless of their application pathway, all admitted students at Pomona are awarded financial aid packages that cover 100% of demonstrated need, without loans.