Growing up, I had fantasised about attending an Ivy League school. And while I’m perfectly satisfied with the schooling I received now, there are many other students who share that ambition.
Crimson Education (Crimson) was founded to help students fuel that ambition and eventually fulfil it.
Founded in 2013 by Jamie Beaton, Fangzhou Jiang, and Sharndre Kushor, Crimson helps students go through the tough and competitive admissions process for top universities, such as Ivy League schools and Oxbridge.
Eight years ago, Crimson expanded to Singapore, recognising the need for support among academically strong students locally.
“Many of these students had impressive academic records but struggled with other crucial parts of the admissions process, like extracurriculars, personal statements, and interviews,” they shared with Vulcan Post. “We saw an opportunity to help these students stand out and maximise their chances of getting into their dream universities.”
Why Singapore?
Speaking to Vulcan Post is Joanne Gao, Crimson Education’s Regional Manager for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar.
Singapore’s dedication towards education might’ve made it a prime location for Crimson Education to expand into. After all, the education system here is very results-driven, with a big focus on academic excellence.
Beyond the students themselves, Singaporean parents can also be quite involved in their children’s education. This may be a good thing, considering that they’re the ones who would likely pay for Crimson’s services.
Yet, when they first entered the Singaporean market, there was a stigma around getting help with university admissions.
But over time, Crimson’s impressive acceptance results began to speak for itself.
“When it comes to success rates, a large percentage of our students in Singapore have achieved their university goals, with many gaining acceptance to their dream schools,” Joanne stated. “In fact, our success rate in Singapore is on par with, if not surpassing, other regions.”
How does it work?
Crimson’s services go pretty in-depth, guiding students from university selection and test preparation to personal statements, extracurricular profile building, and interview practice.
First, the team gets to know students’ strengths and goals, then helps them build a tailored list of schools they should apply to.
“This is also when we identify their unique hook—their personal narrative that will make them stand out to admissions officers and spark their interest,” Joanne said.
Next is the preparation stage, where students select and enhance their extracurriculars, from school societies to independent capstone projects like launching an app or website.
They also provide SAT/ACT preparation and support to help students maintain strong grades in school through their tutoring services.
Finally, during the application stage, Crimson helps students assemble and optimise their applications within the constraints.
Throughout this journey, students are paired with at least four mentors, each specialising in a different area.
These mentors include former admissions officers and consultants who’ve graduated from top universities in the US and UK.
Who’s it for?
Crimson’s services are typically used by students three to four years before they plan to apply.
This gives them time to build a strong profile without feeling overwhelmed by balancing academics and the other commitments needed to stand out.
“Our youngest student is 11 years old, and through our Crimson Rise programme, we help younger students discover their interests while also building key soft skills like leadership, time management, and project management,” she said.
The team doesn’t vet students, but they do offer a free consultation where they assess the student’s profile, motivation, and goals.
“During this session, we’ll give them a realistic idea of the schools they could aim for with our support,” she said. “It’s a way for both sides to get on the same page and ensure expectations are clear before making a commitment.”
The pricing for Crimson’s services ranges from S$10,000 to S$30,000 per year. The cost varies depending on factors such as the number of schools students are applying to and which ones.
For talented students without financial means, the startup has developed a Crimson Access Opportunity, which has helped three students in Singapore.
Recently, the startup launched the Crimson 10 Overseas Education Scholarship in Singapore, where they have selected two Singaporean recipients to receive over S$100,000 worth of admissions consulting services in total.
How is the system localised for Singaporeans?
To familiarise themselves with the Singaporean landscape, the team hired local staff who knew the ins and outs of the education system.
They also had to understand some of the unique local considerations, such as National Service, which impacts when and how students apply to universities abroad.
With that understanding, they offer localised resources to Singaporean students, such as e-books and webinars covering topics like National Service (NS) and which medical schools are recognised by the Singapore Medical Council.
When selecting mentors and tutors for Singaporean students, the team looks for two main qualities. First, they need to have solid academic credentials, typically from top universities.
“But just as importantly, they need to be able to connect with students on a personal level,” Joanne said. “It’s not just about helping with academics; it’s about guiding them through the entire application process and making sure they feel supported every step of the way.”
Currently, the Singapore team comprises approximately 40 people.
What about the mental toll?
College prep is not an easy journey, though, even with mentors around to help. High achievers in particular could place very high expectations on themselves, leading to stress and burnout.
Crimson understands this. To help students strike a healthy balance between academic ambition and personal well-being, they’ve launched a pilot programme in partnership with Mind Culture.
“It’s a pre-recorded workshop series called Self-Discipline and Resilience: A Toolkit for Teens’ Mental Wellness, designed to equip students with strategies to improve both their academic performance and mental health,” Joanne explained.
The programme is available to every Singapore student who signed up for Crimson’s programme alongside their regular offerings.
What’s next for Crimson?
Crimson Education recently closed S$53.5 million in its Series D Funding Round, cementing its status as a unicorn startup.
This confidence from investors further solidifies the team’s position as the go-to expert for students aiming for top universities in the US and UK.
“We want to be the name that parents and students think of first when they’re looking for help to get into Ivy League schools, Oxford, Cambridge, and other prestigious institutions,” Joanne said.
These days, though, there has been a shift in how academic achievements and university prestige are perceived. While top universities remain highly respected, many employers are increasingly placing value on experience, practical skills, and real-world knowledge.
But while Joanne recognises this changing mindset, she believes there will still be a place for Crimson’s services.
“Prestigious universities still carry significant weight in many sectors,” she said. “The reason for this is clear: employers understand the level of commitment, intellectual rigour, and discipline required to gain entry to and succeed at these leading institutions.”
She elaborated, “It’s not just about the brand—it’s about what that degree represents: a proven ability to excel in a challenging, high-pressure environment, alongside a strong work ethic and the capacity to handle complex tasks.”
Instead of working against this changing landscape, Crimson sees it as an opportunity.
While gaining entry to top universities has been central to Crimson’s brand, their mission has always been broader—to foster holistic development amongst students.
“This shift in employer priorities aligns with Crimson’s strengths—supporting students in creating not only competitive university applications but also diverse, impactful profiles that stand out across any field,” Joanne concluded.
Featured Image Credit: Crimson Education