- College Strategy
- Academics
- Essays
- Capstone Development
- Research Projects
- Honors & Awards
- Work Experience
“Top US universities turning away thousands of academically qualified students each year, it’s more important than ever to craft an application that truly stands out.”
Sarah T., Platinum Strategy Consultant & Former Harvard Interviewer
98%
of Crimson students gain admission to one of their top 5 US university choices.
7x
Students working with Crimson are 7x more likely to gain admission to the Ivy League and other top US universities.
College Strategy
Top US universities are highly competitive even for Asia’s brightest students. Grades alone are not enough as students must choose the right mix of schools and craft a compelling cohesive application. Our expert consultants help students in Asia build standout profiles that impress admissions teams.
Aligning local qualifications with US admission requirements.
Crafting a standout application theme.
Developing a strategic and balanced university list.
Maximising leadership and extracurricular achievements.
Bridging cultural gaps to help students showcase strengths clearly.
Managing every part of the application timeline and process.
“Aidan was my strategist, and he helped me significantly by guiding which activities I should focus on, how to frame them in my application, and matching me with a great essay counselor.”
Holly C., Accepted to Stanford University, Class of 2029
Academic Acceleration
The Challenge
Top US universities place major emphasis on academic results. Even with test-optional policies, institutions like MIT, Stanford, and the Ivy League still expect excellence in standardised exams and school grades, especially from international students in Asia, because these results demonstrate academic readiness and potential in a competitive admissions process.
“ The average GPA for the Ivy League last year was 3.9. While students need a wide range of achievements, academics are a cornerstone of the application process.”
Arkesh P., Harvard and Cambridge graduate, Crimson COO
How We Help
Crimson’s test prep team delivers highly personalised, results-focused support to help students meet, and exceed US academic standards.
01
Expert Tutoring
Work one-on-one with Ivy League scorers and top university students.
03
Targeted Practice
Bespoke revision strategies and mock testing.
Accepted to
Duke
Name
Allie B.
“ I used to get really frustrated doing SAT practice tests, especially with a full school workload. But after joining Crimson, my tutor helped me focus on the right techniques. I know I wouldn’t have done as well without her — she helped boost my score by 90 points, and I’m so grateful. ”
Aly B., Accepted early to Duke University
Essays
“ When admissions officers debate over who gets in, it's often the essay that makes the difference.”
Kimberley L., Former Stanford Admissions Officer
The Challenge
Your child’s essays are their one chance to speak directly to admissions officers to showcase their personality, values, and perspective. Many Asian students struggle because they are not used to promoting themselves or sharing personal stories openly.
As a result, they often find it challenging to pick the right topic, create a clear and engaging story, and polish their writing to make a strong impression.
How We Help
Our team of essay mentors — including published authors and Emmy Award-winning journalists — work one-on-one with students to help them craft authentic, impactful essays that capture who they are.
We support students with:
01
Brainstorming essay topics that reflect personality, values, and vision
02
Creating a cohesive narrative that aligns with their application theme
03
Polishing tone, structure, and clarity for maximum impact
04
Making sure each essay resonates with US admissions officers
“ Theo’s guidance was instrumental in my acceptance to Cornell. His comprehensive feedback and support, well beyond what was required—helped me organize my scattered essays and craft a compelling story for every application. I truly couldn’t have done it without him. ”
Neev T., Accepted to Cornell University
Capstone Development
The Challenge
Students who stand out do not just tick boxes they create real-world impact. But many Asian students struggle to confidently showcase their leadership and initiative in ways that resonate with top US universities. Some students also do not have enough activities to fill the activity section which requires ten entries.
“ There are 100,000 high schools worldwide. Imagine if every valedictorian applied to Ivy+ schools — there still wouldn’t be enough spots. To stand out for a Top 25 university, students need more. That’s where the capstone comes in.”
Sonam A., Former Duke Admissions Officer
How We Help
Our Capstone Consultants help bring high-impact ideas to life and position them strategically in your child’s application. We guide your child through:
Define the Perfect Project
We help students clarify their narrative, then brainstorm project ideas that align. Our experts guide them toward projects that are meaningful, achievable, and built to stand out in top university admissions.
Develop a Project Plan
We help students build a step-by-step plan with clear milestones and goals. Each phase is designed to be actionable, and strategically aligned with their university admissions timeline.
Scale Impact
We help students expand their project’s reach from local initiatives to regional, national or international platforms. The result is real-world impact that highlights leadership and ambition.
Track Results
We help students track project outcomes and distil them into a concise, strategic narrative within the application — showcasing growth, leadership, and real impact.
Successful Student Capstones
Crimson students have launched initiatives that earned them acceptances at Stanford, Princeton, Yale, and more. Beyond strengthening their application, a capstone builds skills like problem-solving and adaptability — qualities top universities want.
Capstone Success
Lisa A.
Thailand
Aquatic Integrity Initiative
Cornell
Lisa started the Aquatic Integrity Initiative with a 4-step WAVE plan for water care, growing it worldwide with help from MIT, Google, and 35+ experts.
Capstone Success
Lisa A.
Thailand
Aquatic Integrity Initiative
Cornell
Lisa started the Aquatic Integrity Initiative with a 4-step WAVE plan for water care, growing it worldwide with help from MIT, Google, and 35+ experts.
Capstone Success
Mark T.
Taiwan
TAS Math Trail
Columbia
Founded and led the TAS Math Trail, helping younger students link math to real life, guiding 20 fourth graders and gaining school support.
Capstone Success
Sophia J.
Indonesia
Solar-Powered Bus System
University of Pennsylvania
Designed and simulated a solar-powered bus system, covering circuits, components, and power use feasibility.
Lisa A.
Lisa started the Aquatic Integrity Initiative with a 4-step WAVE plan for water care, growing it worldwide with help from MIT, Google, and 35+ experts.
Mark T.
Founded and led the TAS Math Trail, helping younger students link math to real life, guiding 20 fourth graders and gaining school support.
Sophia J.
Designed and simulated a solar-powered bus system, covering circuits, components, and power use feasibility.
Capstone Success
Lisa A.
Thailand
Aquatic Integrity Initiative
Cornell
Lisa started the Aquatic Integrity Initiative with a 4-step WAVE plan for water care, growing it worldwide with help from MIT, Google, and 35+ experts.
Capstone Success
Mark T.
Taiwan
TAS Math Trail
Columbia
Founded and led the TAS Math Trail, helping younger students link math to real life, guiding 20 fourth graders and gaining school support.
Capstone Success
Sophia J.
Indonesia
Solar-Powered Bus System
University of Pennsylvania
Designed and simulated a solar-powered bus system, covering circuits, components, and power use feasibility.
Research Projects
The Challenge
Top US universities — including Columbia, Yale, and Princeton — now allow students to submit independent research as part of their application. But for international applicants, gaining access to the right mentors and publishing pathways isn’t easy. Without this support, it’s harder to produce the kind of standout research that can set an application apart.
“ We’re seeing more and more top universities place real weight on students who have done meaningful research in high school. It’s one of the clearest ways a student can show they’re ready for the academic rigor of a top school.”
Alex O., Platinum Strategy Consultant
How We Help
Crimson connects students with world-class faculty and PhD-level consultants from elite universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. From idea to publication, we guide students every step of the way.
01
Research Development
Develop a research paper in their area of interest.
02
Mentorship
Receive expert guidance on research methods and academic writing.
03
Publish & Present
Get your work in front of real audiences — through journals or conferences.
04
University Credit
Earn US university credit through an accredited programme.
Successful Student Research Papers
Global Trends Linking Well-Being and Economic Factors Across Nations
Curieux Academic Journal Accepted to Cornell University
Student
Natcha M.
From Thailand, Cornell Class of 2028
Mentor
Ceyhun E.
Professor of Economics
Outcome
This study examines how inflation and unemployment affect levels of happiness.
Examining how cultural norms shape childhood nutrition practices in Vietnam.
Published in Curieux Academic Journal Accepted to USC, UC San Diego, UC Davis
Student
Minh Q.
From Vietnam, USC Class of 2029
Mentor
Dr. Brydie H.
PhD in Microbiology and Immunology
Outcome
The review explored how traditions and culture affect nutrition and eating habits in Vietnamese children under 18.
Assessing Traditional Trend Strategies in High-Volatility Markets
Published in Journal of Student Research (JSR) Accepted to Carnegie Mellon
Student
Amber T.
From Singapore, Carnegie Mellon Class of 2027
Mentor
Eric S.
Associate Professor at Morgan State University
Outcome
Amber examines the profitability of trend-following strategies applied to the S&P 500 fund over the last decade.
Global Trends Linking Well-Being and Economic Factors Across Nations
Curieux Academic Journal Accepted to Cornell University
Student
Natcha M.
From Thailand, Cornell Class of 2028
Mentor
Ceyhun E.
Professor of Economics
Outcome
This study examines how inflation and unemployment affect levels of happiness.
Examining how cultural norms shape childhood nutrition practices in Vietnam.
Published in Curieux Academic Journal Accepted to USC, UC San Diego, UC Davis
Student
Minh Q.
From Vietnam, USC Class of 2029
Mentor
Dr. Brydie H.
PhD in Microbiology and Immunology
Outcome
The review explored how traditions and culture affect nutrition and eating habits in Vietnamese children under 18.
Assessing Traditional Trend Strategies in High-Volatility Markets
Published in Journal of Student Research (JSR) Accepted to Carnegie Mellon
Student
Amber T.
From Singapore, Carnegie Mellon Class of 2027
Mentor
Eric S.
Associate Professor at Morgan State University
Outcome
Amber examines the profitability of trend-following strategies applied to the S&P 500 fund over the last decade.
Global Trends Linking Well-Being and Economic Factors Across Nations
Curieux Academic Journal Accepted to Cornell University
Student
Natcha M.
From Thailand, Cornell Class of 2028
Mentor
Ceyhun E.
Professor of Economics
Outcome
This study examines how inflation and unemployment affect levels of happiness.
Examining how cultural norms shape childhood nutrition practices in Vietnam.
Published in Curieux Academic Journal Accepted to USC, UC San Diego, UC Davis
Student
Minh Q.
From Vietnam, USC Class of 2029
Mentor
Dr. Brydie H.
PhD in Microbiology and Immunology
Outcome
The review explored how traditions and culture affect nutrition and eating habits in Vietnamese children under 18.
Assessing Traditional Trend Strategies in High-Volatility Markets
Published in Journal of Student Research (JSR) Accepted to Carnegie Mellon
Student
Amber T.
From Singapore, Carnegie Mellon Class of 2027
Mentor
Eric S.
Associate Professor at Morgan State University
Outcome
Amber examines the profitability of trend-following strategies applied to the S&P 500 fund over the last decade.
Honors and Awards
The Challenge
Recognition through honors sets your child apart in a competitive applicant pool, and are critical indicators to admissions officers. 90% of Crimson’s Ivy League admits in 2024 had at least five elite honors on their applications. 80% of these awards came from the most prestigious competitions. Although, finding the right competitions and doing what it takes to win them can be overwhelming.
How We Help
Crimson students gain access to the world’s only comprehensive awards training program, guiding them to claim the elite honors top colleges expect. Your child gets:
01
Personalized competition strategy to go after the best awards for their profile.
02
1:1 mentorship from past winners and judges.
03
Expert coaching on skill-building and submission strategies.
04
Judges’ Panel Review for feedback before final submission.
John Locke Institute Essay Competition
Over 100 Crimson students were shortlisted in 2024, including over 30 Distinctions and a student who placed in the global top 3, out of over 34,000 global participants.
The Earth Prize
Two from the global top 15 in the 2024 edition of this sustainability and innovation competition were Crimson students, out of over 6000 global participants.
Society for Science Regeneron ISEF
Three Crimson students were Finalists or Grand Awardess in Regeneron ISEF 2023, out of over 6+ million participants across all ISEF-affiliated science fairs.
Our Students' Success
Prasert T.
From Thailand, Admitted to ColumbiaColumbia University
International Young Physicists’ Tournament, Bronze Medalist; UKMT SMC, Gold Award; 1st place Business Pitch Competition
Joon K.
From South Korea, Admitted to HarvardHarvard
American Mathematics Competitions; Chung-Ang University Debate Society Open; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Essay Contest; National English Speech Contest
Chaiwat A.
From Thailand, Admitted to StanfordStanford
International Social Science Conference for Youth Journal Author; Forensics Global IASAS Convention (3 Medals); RFK Speak Truth to Power Contest
Prasert T.
From Thailand, Admitted to ColumbiaColumbia University
International Young Physicists’ Tournament, Bronze Medalist; UKMT SMC, Gold Award; 1st place Business Pitch Competition
Joon K.
From South Korea, Admitted to HarvardHarvard
American Mathematics Competitions; Chung-Ang University Debate Society Open; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Essay Contest; National English Speech Contest
Chaiwat A.
From Thailand, Admitted to StanfordStanford
International Social Science Conference for Youth Journal Author; Forensics Global IASAS Convention (3 Medals); RFK Speak Truth to Power Contest
Work Experience
The Challenge
Top US universities look for more than academic excellence — they want evidence of curiosity, initiative, and commitment to your field of interest. Without real-world experience, even strong applications from international students can seem vague or underdeveloped.
How We Help
Crimson is the only admissions consultancy offering a fully integrated career exploration and work experience pathway. We help students, build subject-relevant experiences that boost their applications and often lead to recommendation letters from global companies and industry professionals.
01
Career Strategy
Personalised coaching and assessments to match your strengths with future university and career pathways
02
Work Experience
Hands-on projects with companies like Uber, Ferrari, Amazon, and Salesforce, or medical shadowing at leading hospitals and public health institutions
03
Mentorship & Development
One-on-one guidance from industry professionals, offering immersive experience in your field of interest.
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