Questbridge vs. Common App IF I'm mainly going to be applying to strong financial aid schools
Basically the title. When I checked this subreddit for info about CPS, I went down a wormhole of NCM finalists' horror stories of not matching AND not getting into any of their schools. This really did terrify me.
I'm now wondering, especially considering that you can't apply EA w/ NCM -- is it really even worth it to go through the NCM turmoil? Is the main purpose of it not just the full ride? What are the other perks? I know some people say that you are given more space to write and elaborate on your circumstances, but I'm curious about the specifics.
My main plan is to apply to a good handful of 100% of demonstrated need schools and safeties which my stats will be good enough to get me good merit. I believe I am a strong applicant and if I apply to a good 8ish of these need-aid schools and 4ish safeties, I should be able to get into at least 1 hopefully (knock on wood). I am in like the very lowest low-income bracket, so that is why I am so confident about receiving aid. However, I did apply to CPS and get rejected, so I don't know.
The major perk I am seeing right now is that I am very, very interested in a ton of Questbridge partner schools. I easily think I would rank and write everything for the full 15 schools. Are the finalists who don't match with any school usually ones who don't apply to many? Or does this happen even if you fill up all slots?
I'm curious for your guys' overall opinions, insights, agreements, disagreements + whatever commentary. Thank y'all and feel free to redirect me if what I'm asking is basic information.
Side note, I'm realizing I should not talk about NCM so definitely as if I will become a finalist but, all in all, I'm wondering if it's even worth it for me to apply if the NCM is such a tumultuous pathway.