Leveling the Playing Field: How Project Access is Transforming University Admissions for Underrepresented Students

How does Project Access help prepare students for applying to universities and build their confidence?

Project Access provides free one-on-one mentoring with students who've recently undergone the same application process at the universities our mentees are applying to. This peer support is powerful because it combines technical insight and personal encouragement. 

Mentors help with choosing the right university, understanding admissions criteria, structuring personal statements, navigating financial aid, and preparing for interviews. Beyond mentoring, we offer bootcamps, webinars, and a growing library of video and written application resources. Our mentees get access to tailored materials that explain complex application systems step by step. 

The real value often comes from something much simpler: representation and reassurance. Hearing someone say, "I applied last year. I didn't think I would get in either. But I did, and here's how I did it," changes everything. It turns vague aspiration into a real, tangible possibility. Confidence doesn't come from empty motivation. It comes from seeing a clear path and knowing you're not walking it alone.

What inspired you to be a part of the organization?

I was a mentee in the program myself. Coming from a small public school in rural Germany without any connections to international universities or the business world, applying to so-called "target" universities, especially abroad, wasn't something I had even considered until I came across Project Access. I was matched through the program with a mentor who studied at Cambridge and guided me through every step of the process. That experience didn't just help me with my application; it completely changed my perspective on what was possible for someone like me. Joining Project Access was a way to give others that same sense of possibility. It's an opportunity to pay forward the help I received and use my skills to help others and shape our future.

What is your role in Project Access? What does that include daily?

I currently serve as the COO of Project Access. In my role, I oversee global operations with 2,700 volunteers across three global departments: mentor outreach, mentee outreach, and mentorship programs. This includes managing our internal systems, supporting local teams, developing training programs, and ensuring our mentoring processes are efficient and high quality. The main thing I do day to day is talk to my people. I support my team leads and try to create the best environment for all our volunteers to thrive and have fun. 

What are the biggest challenges or barriers underprivileged students face in accessing education?

It's rarely just one barrier. Financial constraints matter, of course, but often the more significant issues are invisible: access to reliable information, a lack of role models, and a persistent feeling of not belonging. If you've never met someone who's applied to a top university, let alone been admitted, it's difficult to picture yourself there. And even if you do, knowing where to begin is hard. 

The application process can be intimidating with confusing systems, unclear requirements, and the unspoken cultural codes that some students have never been taught. But beyond the technical side, these barriers have a psychological dimension. Many students internalize that specific spaces "aren't for people like them." They second-guess their abilities, downplay their achievements, and opt out before trying, simply because no one ever told them they could. 

When you're the first in your family or community to consider this path, there's often no one to guide you. These barriers, some external, some internal, stack on top of each other. And unless someone steps in to break that cycle, it often remains unbroken. 

Why did you choose to study at a private business school?

As someone who didn't come from an academic or business background or have access to a professional network, I was drawn to private universities' structure and support systems. I wanted a university where academic learning was closely linked to practical experience. A place where I could grow personally and professionally and where people cared about building something beyond themselves. 

Why did you choose WHU specifically?

WHU stood out to me for its mix of excellence and energy.  It's a school with international recognition and high academic standards. It also fosters a culture where individual initiative is actively encouraged. I felt that WHU would challenge me and give me the space to contribute — to start something, to lead, or collaborate with peers on meaningful projects. That combination is rare.

How does a varied student population benefit places like WHU?

Diverse perspectives lead to better discussions, innovative thinking, and decisive leadership. Everyone benefits when students from different socioeconomic, cultural, and educational backgrounds come together. Business is increasingly global and complex, and classrooms should reflect that reality. WHU is already a place of diversity in many respects, and continuing to build on that foundation strengthens its community and its impact.

It’s hard to get into WHU. But there’s a difference between someone who applied from a private high school in Munich with two siblings who graduated from WHU, and someone who grew up in a rural part of Africa or Asia where nobody from that town has ever attended university. The potential might be the same, the work ethic might be the same, but the difficulty level is certainly not.

This difference undermines what we at WHU value the most, the system of meritocracy. The thought of getting ahead by working harder, being faster, and ultimately better than others. And getting rewarded for it. The underlying risk of this system and the thought of competition is that it only works if the system of competition is fair. One cannot pride oneself on running a 100-meter race faster than one’s opponent, who had to run 250 meters. Therefore, I think WHU not only benefits directly from a more varied student population because of the diverse perspectives and experiences but has a responsibility to level the playing field in the application process to uphold what our understanding of meritocracy and a big part of WHU’s culture is all about: fair competition.

How can others from the WHU community (or beyond) contribute to the cause?

There are many ways to get involved, whether as a student, professional, or organization. 

Students can join as mentors, supporting an underrepresented applicant for 2–3 hours per month through their university application. 

Others can become Access Fellows, serving as ambassadors at their high schools to inform and inspire students. This typically takes 1–2 hours per month but can have a lasting impact.

If you cannot commit time, even a small donation can help. With just €3, the cost of your average coffee on the way to work, we can support one additional mentee with personalized, high-quality mentoring that can change the course of their life. You can find more information and donate directly via our website: https://projectaccess.org/

Finally, we would love to hear from you if you run a company or work in the nonprofit sector and would be interested in partnering to expand educational access. Partnerships help us scale our programs and increase our impact on our mentees. 

If you’re interested in supporting our cause of advocating for social equality, please take a look at our website or reach out to me directly at: simon.schuenemann(at)projectaccess.org.