QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects exceptional, low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities. Pomona is proud to be one of 52 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 student may apply to Pomona for first-year admission. We give no preference in the admissions process based on which application you choose to submit.
At Pomona, the QuestBridge Application can be used to apply for any round:
- QuestBridge National College Match - Due September 26, 2024
- Early Decision I – Due November 8, 2024
- Early Decision II – Due January 8, 2025
- Regular Decision – Due January 8, 2025
If you have any questions about QuestBridge at Pomona, please do not hesitate to contact us at 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 up to 20 Match scholarships each year. These Scholarships- awarded to Finalists who “match” with Pomona- cover the full cost of tuition, housing, and food. All Match Scholarship packages are guaranteed for four years, have NO parental contribution and NO student loans.
Applying to the Match and Ranking Pomona
National College Match applications are due to QuestBridge on September 26, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. 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.
- 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."
- The 2025-2026 CSS/Financial Aid Profile with CSS Code: 4607. Domestic undergraduate students may submit a CSS Profile for free if:
- Their family's adjusted gross income is up to $100,000, or
- The student is qualified to receive an SAT fee waiver, or
- The student is an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24.
- A copy of your parents’ 2023 federal income tax returns.
- Submit the Pomona QuestBridge Match Supplement Form. Ranking Finalists will not be considered for the Match at Pomona without submission of this form.
Your Path to Pomona Beyond the Match
Each year, Pomona enrolls many first-generation or low-income students beyond the Match. This includes QuestBridge Non-Finalists, Finalists who do not participate in the Match, and Finalists who do not Match with any college partner. Regardless of their application pathway, like all admitted students, they are awarded financial aid packages that cover 100% of demonstrated need, without loans.
Types of Finalists
Non-Match Finalists
Non-Match Finalists are students identified by QuestBridge as Finalists in mid-October who pursue the Match scholarship, rank college partners, and are not “matched” with a college partner by December 1. While Non-Match Finalists are welcome to apply to Regular Decision, they are encouraged to apply to Early Decision II if Pomona is their top choice. To learn more about how to apply to Pomona, visit our Information for Non-Match Finalists page.
Non-Participating Finalists
Non-Participating Finalists are students identified by QuestBridge as Finalists in mid-October who choose not to pursue the Match scholarship. While Non-Participating Finalists are welcome to apply to Regular Decision, they are encouraged to apply to Early Decision I or Early Decision II if Pomona is their top choice. To learn more about how to apply to Pomona, visit our Information for Non-Participating Finalists page.
Non-Finalists
Students identified by QuestBridge as Non-Finalists in mid-October are welcome to apply through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. To learn more information about how to apply to Pomona, visit our Information for Non-Finalists page.
Optional Test Score Submission
Standardized Test Scores (ACT and SAT)
Pomona College has a permanently test-optional policy for students applying for first-year and transfer admission. Under this policy, SAT or ACT scores are not required to apply but students may choose to self-report them on their applications. Pomona College will accept scores from the new Electronic SAT.
In the QuestBridge application process, students will be asked whether they would like test scores to be considered on the Pomona Match Supplement Form (as Finalists pursuing the Match) or Pomona Program Selection Form (as Non-Finalists, Non-Participating Finalists, and Non-Match Finalists).
To apply beyond the Match, students may use the QuestBridge, Coalition, or Common Application. We give no preference in the admissions process based on the application you choose to submit. If you submit more than one application, Pomona will review the last application submitted by the deadline.
Join us on-campus for Admitted Students Day on April 14!
Register here or learn more on our Admitted Students webpage.
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.