Carson High Senior Wins Full-Ride QuestBridge Scholarship

When Kaitlyn Nguyen opened her acceptance letter from QuestBridge, she joined an elite group of 2,550 students nationwide who earned something remarkable: a completely free ride to a top-tier university.

The Carson High School senior was matched with Carleton College in Minnesota, a highly selective liberal arts school that accepts only 20% of applicants. Her scholarship covers everything: tuition, room and board, textbooks, and even travel expenses for four full years.

Nguyen's academic record speaks for itself. She maintained a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while loading her schedule with rigorous AP courses and earning a 32 on the ACT.

But her counselors say her character made the real difference. "Kaitlyn is a student of profound substance, character and promise," said Madeline Hull-Taylor, counselor at Carson High School.

Nguyen found her voice through public speaking, regularly attending school board meetings throughout the 2024-25 school year. She wrote and delivered announcements with confidence, using her platform to represent student perspectives with professionalism and heart.

Her leadership extended beyond the podium. At Carson High's Silver Campus, she worked intentionally to make sure every student felt supported and cared for.

As a RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) camp counselor, she guided younger students and created spaces where everyone could grow. Her counselor Bridget Gordon notes that QuestBridge recognition "places her among an elite group of scholars nationwide."

Why This Inspires

Nguyen credits her success to the people who believed in her, especially her mother. Watching her mom's hard work and determination showed her what's possible when you refuse to give up.

QuestBridge exists specifically to break down financial barriers for exceptional students like Nguyen. The program ensures that talent and drive matter more than family income when it comes to accessing elite education.

For Carson High School, Nguyen's achievement highlights something important: small-town schools can prepare students to compete at the highest levels. Her success opens doors not just for herself, but shows other students what they can reach for.

Come fall, Nguyen will join Carleton's incoming class, where admitted students typically score between 1450 and 1560 on the SAT. She earned her seat at that table through years of dedication, and she won't pay a penny for the privilege.