She never expected to open a life–changing email during AP Chemistry class, but that is exactly where senior Molly Watts was when she found out she had been matched with Smith College through the QuestBridge National College Match. 

“I opened the email because I was too excited to wait,” Watts said. “I had prepped myself for disappointment, but when I saw it, I just felt ecstatic. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is actually happening.’” 

QuestBridge is a highly competitive national scholarship program that connects high achieving, students with full-ride scholarships to top colleges and universities. This year, about 25,000 students applied, around 7,288 became finalists, and 2,550 students nationwide were matched. 

Watts said her motivation to apply was rooted in her family’s financial reality.

“My parents don’t have anything to contribute to my college experience,” Watts said. “I don’t have a fund or anything like that. It’s all me, so when I saw this was a full ride, I knew I wanted to try.” 

 As part of the application process, Watts ranked 15 colleges and completed multiple supplemental essays for each school. She said colleges review applicants in the order they are ranked and decide whether the student would be a good fit. 

 “I ranked Smith fifth because I really valued an all-women’s college,” Watts said.  

Smith College, located in Massachusetts, stood out to Watts for several reasons, including its size and academic environment.  

“They only have around 2,000 undergraduate students, so you build really close relationships with your professors,” Watts said. “It’s also an all-women’s college, so the gender divide you sometimes see in STEM fields just isn’t there.”

 Watts also said Smith’s focus on interdisciplinary studies played a major role in her decision. 

 “Out of the credits you take, half of them have to be outside your major,” Watts said. “You really get to explore learning and figure out what you like.”  

In addition to academics, Watts appreciated Smith’s campus culture.  

“It’s a semi-dry campus, and there’s not really a party scene,” Watts said. “I think that helps keep the focus on academics.” 

Watts credited much of her success to the support she received from teachers and family throughout the application process. 

“Mrs. Tony has definitely been my biggest support,” Watts said. “She doesn’t sugarcoat things, but she’s also your biggest cheerleader.” 

She also expressed gratitude for the teachers who wrote her recommendation letters.  

“Mr. Nic Brent and Mrs. Anna Maki-Birchler are amazing teachers and even better humans,” Watts said. “They were able to show who I really am.” 

Watts said her siblings were a major source of motivation. 

“They’re a huge reason I want to do well in life,” Watts said. “I want to be able to support them.” 

Looking back, Watts said the day she found out she was matched was the most meaningful moment of the entire process. 

“We had an early release, and there was a snow day the rest of the day,” Watts said. “I went home, DoorDashed Chinese food, and watched old episodes of ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians.’ I just needed a brain break.” 

For underclassmen interested in QuestBridge, Watts emphasized authenticity over perfection. 

“Don’t do activities just because you think they look good,” Watts said. “Do things you actually enjoy. I didn’t have crazy stats, and I still got in.” 

As she prepared to attend Smith College, Watts said she was excited to grow both academically and personally. 

“I want to broaden my horizons,” Watts said. “You don’t even pick your major until sophomore year, so you really get time to explore.” 

For Watts, the match represents more than just a scholarship.  

“It’s a fresh start,” Watts said. “And an opportunity I’m really grateful for.”