My involvement with Project Access started during my own application journey, and it’s been an invaluable experience ever since. What began with me as a mentee seeking guidance has evolved into becoming a mentor and, more recently, member of the advisory board and the president of the Project Access Alumni Club in Finland. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of helping numerous applicants, ranging from those with detailed questions about word choices in their essays to others who had no idea that studying abroad was even a possibility for them.
For those unfamiliar, Project Access is a global initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged and underrepresented students in gaining access to higher education, particularly at prestigious universities around the world. Our mission is simple but powerful: to level the playing field for students from low-income backgrounds by providing them with mentorship, resources, and guidance throughout their application process.
Mentorship – A Core Component
One of the key aspects of Project Access is the free mentorship program. Mentors, like me, are current university students or recent graduates who guide applicants through the often daunting process of applying to top institutions like Oxford, Harvard, or MIT. From personal statements to interview prep and scholarship applications, the role of a mentor is to make the path clearer and less intimidating.
Other Resources and Support
Project Access offers a wealth of free resources, including application guides and webinars. These tools are particularly valuable for students who might not have access to similar support in their local schools or communities. It’s incredible to see how something as simple as having access to the right information and guidance can boost a student’s confidence and open up new opportunities.
Since 2020, I’ve been fortunate to participate in nearly every annual Bootcamp in Finland, from Helsinki to Oulu in the north. In 2022, I also had the chance to mentor at the Austrian Bootcamp. Through these experiences, I’ve met countless students aspiring to get into the world’s top universities. Many of them not only succeed in their applications but also connect with other driven individuals, building important networks.
While different countries, such as Finland or Austria, have their own dedicated Project Access team, the organization is truly global. This means I’ve had the opportunity to mentor students from all over the world. Whether it’s through international bootcamps or remote mentoring, I get to see the diverse backgrounds of applicants and witness firsthand the impact of Project Access.
Most importantly, Project Access is entirely free! As someone deeply committed to social mobility, I believe initiatives like this are crucial in bridging the educational gap. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their financial situation or where they come from.
If you’re a student looking for support in applying to a top university, I highly encourage you to explore Project Access. From free mentorship to bootcamps in various countries, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. And if you’re already a student at a target university, we’re always looking for more mentors to help the next generation of applicants achieve their goals.
