Midland School Senior David Garcia Receives Full Scholarship to Northwestern through QuestBridge

David with Jose Juan Ibarra '87, Dean of Students and Athletics Director (Heather Carreiro)

By Midland School

David Garcia, high school senior at Midland School in Los Olivos, has been admitted to Northwestern University and has been awarded a full, four-year QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship.

On receiving news of the scholarship, Midland’s Director of College Counseling Leah Hebie said, “Beyond his strong grades and graceful leadership this year, the stories David shared with me illustrate the depth of meaning in every moment. Whether it is taking time for himself to appreciate the night sky at Midland or playing guitar with his roommate before going to sleep, David is in tune with what matters most. I am delighted to see David’s unwavering trust in the good reciprocated through the expansive opportunities Northwestern will provide.”

David’s accomplishments are impressive, especially given the context of this year’s application cycle. Out of over 20,800 applicants, QuestBridge selected 6,683 Finalists to be considered for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship (Match Scholarship). This year, QuestBridge’s 50 college partners matched with 2,242 Finalists, who are recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients. This is the highest number of Match Scholarship Recipients to date for QuestBridge and the first Match for a Midland School student.

“We are thrilled to welcome this historic community of QuestBridge Scholars,” said Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge. “Their achievements speak to their depth of intellect and character, and we know they will continue to dream big on their college campuses and beyond.”

Match Scholarship Recipients are admitted early to QuestBridge college partners with full four-year scholarships provided by the colleges and universities, ensuring for these students and their families that an education at a top college is affordable. The Match Scholarship is made up of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses. The Match Scholarship does not include loans or a parental contribution.

Midland School is incredibly proud of David, who during his four years at boarding school has become a formidable student leader and currently serves as Head Prefect. David was also named one of Midland’s Cosby Scholars, receiving funding to pursue summer studies with the Frontiers program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts in 2023. David is interested in electrical and computer engineering, stating “I always liked building things, focusing on the little things. The technical part really appeals to me.”

About QuestBridge:

QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further life opportunities. By recruiting, developing, and motivating these students — beginning in high school through college to their early career — QuestBridge aims to help talented students attend the nation’s best colleges and to support them to achieve success in their respective careers and communities.

David with Leah Hebie, Director of College Counseling at Midland School (Heather Carreiro)

David Garcia, Midland senior and Head Prefect, shares his Match success. (Heather Carreiro)

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