New online platform brings LHS students $31.1M in scholarship offers
Feb. 28—MIDLAND — Match powered by Concourse is the online platform where universities apply for students, flipping the script on admissions. In the case of Legacy High School seniors, that equals $31.1 million total scholarships offers, 419 total college admission offers and an average of $277,000 in scholarship offers per student who used the platform this year.
"This platform has been a game changer," Vanessa Wimberley, Legacy High School Coordinator for College, Career, and Military Readiness, said in a news release. "Not only is the application free, it provides quick feedback to the student with admissions and scholarship offers." She laughingly shares that, "students compare it to a dating app for college. Just enter your ideal college match and give a thumbs-up if you are interested!"
The reality is that outside of Apply Texas and the Common Application, most students are creating applications with each university where they wish to apply. There is usually a fee associated with applications, and fee waivers are not always easy to come by. The time-consuming and daunting process can be overwhelming and cost prohibitive. Match is free to the student and the school district.
Factors such as desired location, personal interests, and cost of living are taken into consideration when matching the university with the student. Some of the highest scholarship offers to date have gone to students within the average GPA range.
It takes approximately 15-20 minutes for the student to complete a profile and offers of scholarships and admission are up front. The student has an option to get more information, decline the offer or accept the offer. The student is only notified when universities offer admission or scholarship information. Students do not receive notifications of rejection, which builds confidence.
"This opens the world of possibilities for students," says Mrs. Wimberley. "Students can go from wondering if they can go to college to thinking of possibilities they did not know existed. This program can help make sure that every student — no matter where they come from or how much money their family has — has a chance to go to college and get the support they need to succeed."
In order for students to create a profile, they must enter a code from their school counselor. At Legacy High School, Mrs. Wimberley can provide the code to any current junior or senior. Now that LHS has piloted the program, MISD is working to expand the program to Coleman High School and Midland High School.
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