Coca-Cola Scholars Program vs QuestBridge
Comparing two elite interdisciplinary opportunities. Both are scholarships for high school students.
| Coca-Cola Scholars Program | QuestBridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Scholarship | Scholarship |
| Organization | Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation | QuestBridge |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 0.15% (150 winners ÷ estimated 100,000+ applicants). Phase 1 to Phase 2 advancement: ~1% (about 1,200 semifinalists from estimated 100,000-120,000 Phase 1 applicants). Phase 2 to Phase 3: ~20.8% (250 regional finalists from ~1,200 semifinalists). Phase 3 to Phase 4: 60% (150 winners from 250 regional finalists). | Highly selective; exact acceptance rate not publicly disclosed but Finalists are described as 'competitive candidates'; estimated 10-20% of applicants become Finalists based on indirect sources |
| Applicants | Estimated 100,000-120,000 annually based on ~1% semifinalist advancement rate yielding ~1,200 semifinalists. Exact figures not publicly disclosed by foundation. | Not officially disclosed; significant national applicant pool estimated in tens of thousands |
| Deadline | 2026-09-30 | Rolling |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | Yes | Yes |
| Grades | High school seniors only (must graduate during the application year) | High school seniors only (also offers College Prep Scholars Program for juniors) |
| College Impact | Coca-Cola Scholars Program is highly respected by college admissions officers as a tier-1 prestigious scholarship. Being selected as a Coke Scholar significantly strengthens college applications becau... | QuestBridge is highly respected by admissions officers at partner institutions and is viewed very favorably in college admissions. Being a QuestBridge Scholar demonstrates to any college (matched or n... |