For some students, the cost of a college education is not a problem while others see financial aid as a necessity. Many rely on scholarships such as Posse and Questbridge to assist in covering the cost of higher education. After weeks of applying and sending transcripts and letters of recommendation, on Oct. 20, the Questbridge finalists were announced for Coral Gables Senior High School. This year’s Questbridge finalists are International Baccalaureate seniors Angel Li and Julie Maldonado. 

Questbridge National College Match is a college scholarship application process that helps low-income high school seniors gain a full four-year scholarship to 40 of the nation’s most selective colleges. The scholarship covers the cost of attendance, housing, travel expenses, books and supplies for college. 

Angel Li

As an IB student and the co-founder and co-president of the Engineering Club at Gables, Li decided to apply for the junior program of Questbridge known as college prep scholar. For him, acceptance into the program meant that he had a high chance of being a finalist for the scholarship. Not wanting to have his parents worry about paying for his studies, he knew that this program would give him the best opportunity to attend a college or university outside of Florida. 

“Both of my two older brothers attended the University of Florida. I would like to switch up the cycle and be the one who went somewhere else for higher education,” senior Angel Li said. 

As a part of Questbridge, Li had to rank his top nine schools that are associated with the program. Determined to study computer science, specifically artificial intelligence, he based his college rankings on their computer science programs and geographical benefits. Although the subject’s difficulty might intimidate some students, it attracted Li. 

“If you know me, you know I love computer science. I was drawn to the subject because it is going to change the entire future,” senior Angel Li said.