You’re Already Making the Sacrifices.

Now Let’s Secure the Return.

“I can’t even begin to say how much they’ve done for my son and our family. It’s like I went to a specialist doctor instead of trying to treat the condition myself. Their expertise helped me understand exactly how to position my son—who has very different interests in STEM and liberal arts—into a compelling story for college. I had been struggling to figure this out for years. But with their help, it finally clicked.”

— Deidra, Parent of Merit Money Method Student

You’ve worked long hours, made strategic choices, and sacrificed more than most will ever know—all so your child could have a better future.

You didn’t just save for college.

You built a foundation of cultural responsibility, academic excellence, and a deep belief that your child deserves a future filled with purpose, options, and opportunities your family didn’t inherit—but made possible.

Now that high school is here, you’re realizing:
Saving isn’t the same as strategy…

The Honest Tension: When Wisdom Meets a System That Doesn’t Care

You’ve raised a high-achieving, multi-passionate child. You’ve instilled values, grit, and vision. But the deeper you get into the college prep world, the more unsettling it feels:

  • The school counselor gives vague advice—if they respond at all

  • Your friends’ kids are jumping into programs you’ve never heard of

  • The forums are full of conflicting opinions and prestige panic

  • And underneath it all, one question keeps you up at night:

“What if I’m missing something big?”

You’re not alone.

In fact, the families we serve all come to us after they’ve already done everything “right”—and still feel deeply unsupported, overwhelmed, or behind.

The Hidden Risk: When Investment Lacks Direction

Here’s the truth no one talks about:

Most families who save $50K+ still overpay by $60K–$100K—not because they didn’t care, but because they didn’t position early.

It’s not a question of effort.

It’s a matter of alignment, timing, and strategy.

And when your child’s entire future is on the line, guessing is no longer an option.

That’s where we come in.

We partner with high-income Black and second-generation immigrant families who’ve saved intentionally—and want to make sure it pays off.

The Turning Point

Through a student-led, purpose-driven mentorship system, we:

  • Equip your child to lead their own high school journey with clarity

  • Build a personalized, four-year strategy rooted in passion and purpose

  • Unlock competitive scholarships and top-tier admissions

  • Protect your financial investment from waste, pressure, and misalignment

  • Replace uncertainty with a plan your whole family can stand behind

Because you didn’t save for access. You saved for alignment.

ABOUT US

Hi! Timothy here— Co-Founder & Principle Consultant of Merit Money Method. My wife Nicole is a Princeton grad, Princeton-trained Academic Life & Learning Consultant, and winner of over $2 million in scholarships, including eight full rides and $200,000 in merit awards.

We both come from from families rooted in legacy, impact, and excellence—and yet, we both know what it feels like to be unprepared at the moments that matter most.

  • My father, Prince Twins Seven Seven, was a world-renowned artist and UNESCO Artist for Peace. After immigrating to the U.S. from Nigeria, he carved out a life through sheer talent and cultural conviction—earning citizenship, establishing himself as a bridge between African heritage and global audiences, and building a career that elevated Yoruba art on the world stage.

    I was raised around excellence, but when it came to navigating the American education system, I didn’t have the insider knowledge to match my ambition.

    I attended a D3 college on a modest merit package. I worked multiple jobs, took on leadership roles, and did everything I could to minimize costs. But even with drive and discipline, I navigated the college admissions process without a clear direction—because no one had shown me how to maximize my opportunities so I could avoid paying for college.

    When I met Nicole—a Princeton grad who earned over $2 million in scholarships but paid for it with burnout and anxiety—we knew our stories weren’t unique. We also knew they didn’t have to be repeated.

    That’s why we built this program.

  • To date, we’ve helped students secure over $3.6 million in full-ride and merit scholarships at more than 36 colleges. Nicole earned over $200,000 in merit aid and another $10,000 in outside scholarships herself. Every insight we teach has been forged through research, results, and real life.

    Learn more about our students’:

  • Together, we serve high-income Black and second-generation immigrant families who’ve saved intentionally and want to see that investment multiply—by helping their child get positioned early, purposefully, and holistically.

    This is about more than just college. It’s about building a future that reflects your values, protects your peace, and honors everything you’ve poured in.

    Your child doesn’t need to be perfect.

    They just need to be prepared—with strategy that works.

    We’re honored to support you on that path.

    With Purpose & Passion,

    Co-Founder, Lead Consultant

    Merit Money Method

Lead Boldly

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Impact Deeply

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Rise with Purpose

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Stand Tall

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Lead Boldly · Impact Deeply · Rise with Purpose · Stand Tall ·

Our philosophy, stand TALL!

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Theme

    We start by helping you uncover your unique theme — the story that connects your values, passions, and personal brand into a clear, compelling narrative. Admissions officers aren’t just looking for "well-rounded" students anymore. They’re looking for depth, direction, and authenticity. Together, we'll craft a memorable narrative that weaves through your activities, essays, and interviews — leaving a lasting impression at every step.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    Academics

    Excellence matters — but strategy matters more. We guide you in building a competitive academic profile that highlights rigor, growth, and intentionality. From course selection to standardized testing to showcasing intellectual curiosity, we ensure that your academics don’t just meet the bar — they set you apart.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Leadership

    True leadership isn’t about holding a title — it’s about taking initiative. We help you develop entrepreneurial leadership by identifying real-world problems that matter to you and leveraging your skills, interests, and passions to create innovative solutions. Whether it's launching a project, founding a club, or pioneering a new initiative, you’ll lead with purpose and creativity — and colleges will take notice.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Lasting Impact

    Impact is the currency of the future. We’ll guide you in scaling your leadership into a lasting impact that reaches your local, regional, or even national community. It's not just about what you build — it’s about the doors you open for others. When you create real change and invite others into that change, you don’t just add to your resume — you build a legacy.

OUR PROCESS

Person in a white shirt holding a closed notebook with a woven pattern.

Hi! Nicole here— I know firsthand the pressure high-achieving students face — and the toll it can take. In high school, I chased success at the cost of my well-being, battling burnout, anxiety, and perfectionism.

At Princeton, everything changed. Working closely with my mentor, Nic Voge, I mastered evidence-based strategies for academic success, leadership, and personal well-being — and began coaching hundreds of students to do the same.

That experience shaped the Merit Money Method: a proven, holistic roadmap that helps students secure top scholarships without sacrificing their health or happiness.

Through our process, students don't just build standout portfolios — they build resilience, confidence, and a future free from debt and burnout. Success and well-being are no longer either/or.

Does Race Still Matter in College Admissions?

  • In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court banned race-conscious admissions. Race can no longer be directly considered in most college decisions—and the impact on Black and Brown students has been immediate and measurable.

    • At Harvard, the percentage of Black students in the admitted class fell by 18% after the ruling—despite an overall increase in applications.

    • At the University of North Carolina, Black student enrollment declined by 23% in just one year.

    • University of Michigan, which ended affirmative action in 2006, saw Black enrollment plummet from 7% to just 4%—and it still hasn't recovered nearly two decades later.

    These numbers are not theoretical. They’re historical—and they’re repeating themselves right now.

  • If they can’t see your child’s race, they’ll look for something else:

    • Purpose and clarity of vision.

    • Aligned academics, leadership, and service.

    • A story that reflects depth, direction, and lived experience.

    And if your child can’t articulate that story—early, strategically, and with confidence—they’ll blend into a crowd that was never built with them in mind.

We Help You Prepare for the World As It Is—Not As We Wish It Were.

Because even if race isn’t on the application, the need for strategy, legacy, and long-game thinking has never been more urgent.

We know your pain, and your child’s pain firsthand because our family has been there…

Hey Nicole again! When I was in high school, I was exactly like the students we help today—a high-achieving teen with big dreams but no clear roadmap to winning top scholarships or elite admissions. We don’t just teach this—we’ve lived it!

  • I had the grades. I had the test scores.* But my family was stuck in the “Financial Aid Dead Zone.” We made too much for substantial need-based aid but not enough to afford college without major financial strain.

    My dad was clear: If I didn’t secure a full ride, I’d be going to community college.

    The task was clear: "Do well in school, and the money will follow."

    BUT as I watched other high-achieving students get accepted into great colleges with little to no scholarships, I realized that good grades and test scores weren’t enough.

    *I actually self-studied for the ACT taking my score from a 24 to 30 in a matter of 3 months. I help our students do this too!

  • I knew I had to think differently. Instead of chasing every club or generic leadership role, I built a high-impact portfolio that showcased my strengths, leadership, and commitment to solving a real-world problem. That strategy changed everything.

    I earned 8 full-ride scholarships worth over $2 million—without burnout, forced extracurriculars, or a laundry list of activities.

    And I wasn’t the only one.

    My sister earned a full ride to the U.S. Naval Academy and my other sister secured a near-full ride to Howard University.

    Now, I help other students and families do the same.

  • Most families assume that top merit scholarships go to the students with:

    ❌ The highest GPAs

    ❌ The best test scores

    ❌ The longest list of extracurriculars

    But the truth is, colleges aren’t just looking for high achievers. They’re investing in students who demonstrate leadership, impact, and a compelling story.

    That’s why I help high-achieving students go beyond academics to craft a powerful, scholarship-winning portfolio—without falling into the trap of busywork, burnout, or forced extracurriculars.

A person writes on a yellow card at a table with a laptop and Princeton University materials, including a brochure and a booklet.

Me (Nicole) signing my formal acceptance to Princeton University in 2017.

Two people smiling outdoors at an event, one wearing a military dress uniform, the other in a floral dress. It's a sunny day with a blue sky, and there are people in the background.
Three people smiling at a graduation ceremony, with one holding a diploma and roses in front of a building marked 'Alumni House.'

Me (left) and my sister (Sarah, right) the day of her graduation from the United State Naval Academy in 2023.

My sister (Hannah) with our grandparents the day of her high school graduation in 2022 on her way to Howard University with a near full-ride scholarship.

Three people smiling, standing in front of a screen, two women on the sides wearing a red scarf and red dress, a man in the middle wearing a black shirt and gray pants.

My brother (Sidney) committing to Prairie View University for Architecture in 2025.

"You helped me craft a compelling college profile
and discover financial aid opportunities that will make attending my dream school, Princeton, possible without breaking the bank! THANK YOU!!!"

— Prisca, Mechanical Engineering Student