Franklin senior earns prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship
(FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL -- Jan. 22, 2020) — Franklin senior Laurine Kim received the prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship to attend Vassar College this fall on a full ride.
Out of more than 15,000 applicants, Kim is among only 1,127 seniors to be a QuestBridge National Match recipient nationwide. The QuestBridge is worth more than $92,000 a year in tuition, fees, room and board, books and other educational needs.
“It’s really exciting because one of the things I was most stressed about during my college application process was how am I able to go to these top schools that I really want to go to,” she said. “QuestBridge has opened so many doors for me to dream that I had the chance to go to the top schools.”
QuestBridge is a prestigious scholarship program that grants scholars with early admission to college partners and offers them full four-year scholarships based on academic merit.
“This scholarship will ensure that all of Laurine's education will be completely covered and allow her to obtain a degree without the worry of family contributions or student loans,” said Richard Couder, EPISD college readiness facilitator. “I hope her selection motivates other outstanding EPISD students to apply for this and other prestigious scholarships."
The Franklin senior plans to double major in sociology and music performance but admits that those plans may change once she arrives at the New York college.
Kim began her QuestBridge journey as a junior College Prep Scholar, which allowed her to attend a conference at Pomona College in California to network with other candidates, recipients and college admissions representatives.
“It was eye opening to talk to the those reading my application and meet so many other college prep scholars,” she said. “It was good exposure to students from all around the country. I felt I was more competitive because I went through the College Prep.”
Kim, an accomplished cellist, loves to spend her free time volunteering through school clubs and activities outside of school. She has had leadership roles at Franklin in the National Honor Society and Key Club.
“I’m passionate about educational experience and relieved to know the financial aspect won’t be hindering me from anything.”
Photo by Leonel Monroy