William Floyd High School senior Milton Calderon-Suriel will attend the University of Chicago next fall on a full four-year scholarship through the QuestBridge National College Match program.
Milton is one of just 2,627 students selected and matched with a school in a field with more than 25,500 talented applicants nationwide. Milton plans to major in computer science in the fall.
QuestBridge connects the nation’s highest-achieving seniors to top colleges and universities and access to the QuestBridge Scholars Network, a thriving community that offers transformative educational, career, and life opportunities that help propel students in the next chapters of the lives and beyond.
“Milton is bright, determined and intuitive. Success is a part of who he is and I know that will continue with him throughout his college education,” said his guidance counselor, Arianna Scanlon. “I truly believe that he can be successful in anything he pursues, and he will do so with a smile and while helping others.”
Milton has been an outstanding high school student, achieving a 99.5 grade point average while enrolled in numerous honors and Advanced Placement classes. His success has made him a role model for his peers and younger siblings. This upcoming June, Milton will proudly become a first-generation high school graduate and then a first-generation college student in the fall.
In the time he has between academic and family responsibilities, Milton has been a member of the William Floyd High School track and field team. Being able to successfully balance his responsibilities is a testament to his dedication, determination and maturity.
Ms. Scanlon added, “Milton has been my student for the last three years, and I have seen him exemplify his independent, adaptable, and resilient personality on every occasion. He puts forth his best effort consistently, no matter what challenge stands in his way.”
National College Match program recipients are admitted early to any of the 52 college partners that work with QuestBridge. These partners use their own funds as well as state and federal aid to fund the Match Scholarship, which is made up of a generous financial aid package that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, and travel expenses.
“We are delighted to welcome this record-breaking number of QuestBridge Scholars,” said Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge, in the nationwide announcement. “These Scholars will contribute a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences to our college partners, enhancing the vibrancy of their campus communities.”
This year’s Match Scholarship Recipients come from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These outstanding high school seniors have an average unweighted grade point average of 3.94, and 92% are in the top 10% of their graduating class. The majority of this year’s Match Scholarship Recipients – 83% – are among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.
All finalists who join QuestBridge college partners become part of the QuestBridge Scholars Network, which connects students to a community of peers from a similar background. QuestBridge also provides enriching programs for its alumni, including the opportunity to apply for full-tuition scholarships to top business schools through the Graduate School Match: MBA. There are more than 30,000 current college students and graduates worldwide that belong to the QuestBridge Scholars Network and Alumni Association.