TEMPLE, Texas — Temple High School junior Megan Ortiz is one of just 3,911 students from across the country to be selected for the 2024 QuestBridge College Prep Scholar program. Ortiz was notified of her selection to that prestigious program earlier this month.
The QuestBridge College Prep Scholar Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges. As part of her acceptance into the program, Ortiz will be attending a National College Admissions Conference at Rice University in June. The conference provides attendees with the opportunity to discuss strategies for preparing strong college applications, discover the full benefit of top colleges’ financial aid policies, engage directly with QuestBridge college partner admissions officers, attend a college fair to get to know QuestBridge’s college partners, and to interact with students from around the country with similar backgrounds and aspirations. There are five of those conferences scheduled at different universities across the country this summer. Ortiz will also have access to an exclusive college essay workshop, campus visits from QuestBridge college partners, specialized guidance and resources for the college application process, and peer-to-peer support in an online community.
“I almost passed out when I found out because I couldn’t believe they had picked me,” Ortiz said about finding out she has been selected to participate. “I hope this program will help me better understand how to get ready for college and learn more about scholarships. I think this is a great opportunity for students who really need the help and I am excited to be chosen.”
Ortiz is active in the Rotary program, the National Honor Society, and the Temple High School chapter of the FFA. She had to complete several essays and provide financial information during a detailed application process. Ortiz would like to attend Texas Tech University and major in veterinary radiology but is also looking forward to the chance to learn about other options that might be available to her through QuestBridge.
“She is a very driven individual and all I had to do was remind her to follow through on her application,” said Melanie Camacho-Suarez, Temple High School counselor. “She took care of everything required for the application process, so all of the credit for her selection goes to her.”
In addition to the benefits listed above, Ortiz’s selection also gives her a head start on QuestBridge’s National College Match program. Temple High School senior Edgar Saldivar received a full scholarship to Boston University through the National College Match program in December.