BEAT THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS GAME WITH PROJECT MERIT

A guide for high school students looking for a competitive edge in the college admissions process.

Educational consultant Tatsui-D’Arcy (The Millennial’s Guide to Free Child Care in Your Home, 2018, etc.) knows a thing or two about staying ahead of the competition. In addition to publishing books on time and project management, she’s also founded and run several educational organizations, including tutoring programs. In this well-researched manual, she shares tips on how to get accepted to one’s chosen university. Everyone knows that volunteering and having good grades are necessities on college applications, but in order to get noticed, it’s also important to stand out from one’s peers. According to the author, this is where her system, ProjectMerit, comes in, helping teenagers brainstorm personal projects in order impress college administrations—and improve their prospects of getting accepted. In addition, she points out that pursuing a project that one is passionate about can teach valuable life and career skills. The author shows that there are countless ways to do something beneficial, whether it’s by making a film, organizing an event, or doing nonprofit work. Throughout this book, D’Arcy’s tone is both encouraging and professional; she respects young readers’ goals and ambitions, rather than assuming naïveté on their part. She’s also quick to point out that her work is meant for “students who have already thought carefully about the college they wish to attend,” as well as about their future career goals. The book covers the basics of how to get started on a project, including several probing questions to help readers brainstorm about topics that might interest them. For those whose project is more complex, there are step-by-step instructions on how to apply for grants, recruit volunteers, manage a budget, and even create a website. It’s also worth noting that although D’Arcy champions individuality, she also frequently reminds readers to ask for help along the way from mentors or family members.

A helpful college-admission reference book that should be on every young adult’s reading list.