Addison’s Next Chapter: A Full Scholarship, a New Campus, and Big Career Dreams

When Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) senior Addison started the QuestBridge National College Match application, she knew it was a big opportunity, but she did not expect how much time and reflection it would require.

“It was extensive,” Addison said. “It felt overwhelming, but it was worth it.”

That effort paid off in a major way: Addison has been matched through the National College Match and will attend Skidmore College next fall with a full four-year scholarship.

A Big Opportunity, at a Busy Time

Addison first learned about QuestBridge after receiving information in the mail over the summer. Around the same time, she was also making a big change: transferring to ARVA from a large public high school.

She said she was looking for a smaller setting where she could focus, feel supported, and work steadily toward her goals. Between a new school routine and a mountain of essays, she decided to go for it anyway.

Support That Kept Her Moving Forward

Addison credits her ARVA counselor, Kimber Favero-Cogbill, with helping her stay on track during a demanding season.

Kimber helped Addison navigate the online platform, answered questions quickly, and supported her throughout the application process, including submitting required school information and helping her choose classes aligned with her plans.

“At my old school, it took forever to talk to a counselor,” Addison said. “Kimber helped immediately, and that mattered.”

Addison said ARVA gave her the chance to build a schedule that matched her interests, including biology, criminology, psychology, and sociology. Those classes helped her feel more prepared as she pursues an interest in forensic psychology and explores future options in the criminal justice field.

The Right Fit for What’s Next

When it came time to think about college, Addison knew she wanted a school where she could make personal connections with professors and feel part of a close-knit campus community. Skidmore stood out for its location, its size, and the academic areas that matched her interests.

The Moment She Found Out, and Her Advice to Others

Addison said she couldn’t get much sleep the night before QuestBridge announced the scholarship recipients. She had put so much into the application that her mind would not slow down, and she kept thinking about what the morning might bring.

Right before class, she logged into the portal and froze when she saw the decision. Then she grabbed her phone and called her dad immediately, eager to tell him the news.

Addison credits her dad and grandparents as key supporters throughout the process, but she also hopes other students recognize what they bring to the table, too.

“A support system matters,” Addison said, “but you also have to be proud of yourself, because you are the one doing the work.”

For students considering QuestBridge, Addison’s advice is simple: “Keep your mindset on the reward, and do not count yourself out because it is hard.”

Discover What’s Possible at ARVA

Addison’s story is a reminder of what students can accomplish with determination, support, and a learning environment that meets them where they are. At ARVA, counselors, teachers, and staff work closely with students to map coursework to their goals and help them navigate milestones like scholarships and college planning.

Want to learn more about how ARVA can support your student with a flexible, high-quality education? Visit our How It Works page to explore enrollment and get started today.

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