Chance's COLLEGE TOUR 2024

I'm Chance Brantley & I live in Wilmington, NC. On 4/18/24, I learned that I was one of 3,911 (out of over 16k applicants worldwide) to receive the distinction of 2024 College Prep Scholar with QuestBridge. To move forward with the program, I have to choose (up to 15, but likely 8) colleges and/or universities, ranked in order of preference. According to my research, I have a 50-60% chance to be MATCHED with one of my choices, which includes a full-ride scholarship. It is vitally important that I choose CAREFULLY because once I'm matched, it's a BINDING 4-year commitment. Now I need help to fund my upcoming college tours.

I've known for years that the only REAL way for ME to attend college was to get a full-ride scholarship, so I've worked hard to maintain STRAIGHT A's since 6th grade in AP, Honors & local college classes through dual-enrollment. I've received several other academic distinctions, including: President's Award for Educational Excellence, Duke TIP Scholar, National Honor Society, 2023 AP Scholar with Honors, Rotary Youth Leadership Award & more.

Outside of academics, I'm an actor & dancer and I've been heavily involved with our local theatre community (training, performing & volunteering) since 2018; I'm on my HS Spring Track & Field team; I was just chosen to be the FIRST EVER male dancer on our HS Dance Team; I've been playing Violin since 2018; and I'm a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, as well as a former volunteer instructor and co-choreographer for our XMA team. I recently served as an Azalea Festival Ambassador for our town's largest and most celebrated festival of the year and I've been selected to attend various local and state events based on my academic and extra-curricular achievements.

As for the college tours, mom & I will be making a "Southern Swing" and a separate "Northern Loop" to visit the schools of my choice (based on location, proximity to family/support system, and programs of interest, which include Political Science, Social Work & Performing Arts).

SOUTHERN SWING*: Emory, Atlanta GA; Vanderbilt, Nashville TN; Davidson College, Charlotte NC; UNC Charlotte, Charlotte NC; UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC; NC State, Raleigh NC; Duke, Durham NC

NORTHERN LOOP*: Georgetown, Wash DC; Princeton, Trenton NJ; Columbia, NYC; Yale, New Haven CT; Brown, Providence RI; University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA

*NC State, UNC & UNCC are not part of QuestBridge, but campuses I should visit just in case I'm not matched with QB.

Mom said it's going to run about $2000 each, so 4k total. We're hoping to get some help from various programs to cover expenses and we're open to any friends offering overnight lodging. I'm also accepting pledges for volunteer activities you'd like for me to do! All funds will be applied to these college tours. If anything remains, it will be applied to additional college prep, travel, moving, etc. 

Many of you know that I've been raised by a single mom (Christine Brantley), but what most don't know is that she's had MS since I was 3 years old & has been on a fixed disability income since 2012. Despite her "below poverty" income, she's tapped into every resource possible over my lifetime to help provide a life for me that was FAR beyond her financial reach. 

Over the past three years, my mom has been suffering from major dental issues that haven't been covered by her insurance. Because the dental issues were neglected, she's now having additional health issues that have been compounding. 

I think the hardest part of this "adulting thing" is finding out what mom has been keeping from me, which is that she's been financially supporting my future hopes & dreams at the expense of her health.

THAT is the biggest reason I'm asking for your help. She needs to use her savings to get the dental care she needs. Additionally, my part-time job at The Melting Pot will need to start covering a lot more than gas and insurance going forward because I'd like for her to be around for a few more decades. 

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask. If you have any college advice for me, please feel free to offer. And if you can't donate, all I ask is that you SHARE on your page and SHARE with those you think may be able to help. To keep up with college tour news and scholarship updates, please make sure you're FRIENDS with ME

https://www.facebook.com/chance.brantley.3 and my MOM https://www.facebook.com/christine.brantley.50

Last, but DEFINITELY NOT LEAST, I want to thank my mom for all that she's sacrificed over the years. Every decision she's made since she was pregnant with me has been made with my future in mind.

I also want to thank my extended family, mentors, teachers, pastors, coaches, and friends! You've ALL been vital to my overall success & I couldn't have gotten this far without your love, support, and prayers. Standing on the cusp (or cliff?) of the next season in my life, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and I want you all to know that I'M READY FOR IT!

Thanks so much!

Chance Brantley

PHOTO CREDIT: Bryan Putnam, Wilmington NC