- College Strategy
- Academics
- Essays
- Capstone Development
- Research Projects
- Honours & Awards
- Work Experience
“With 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., Senior 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.
University Strategy
Even Hong Kong’s brightest students face hurdles when applying to US universities. From standing out beyond grades to picking the right mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Our expert education consultants craft strategies that tie every part of your application from academics to extracurriculars into a compelling, cohesive story.
Building a unique and memorable application theme.
Developing a strategic and balanced university list.
Maximising leadership and extracurricular achievements.
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 & Test Prep
The Challenge
With top US universities receiving thousands of applications, grades and test scores remain the first filter. Ivy League schools like Harvard and Princeton often require IB scores of 42+ as a baseline for consideration. Even with test-optional policies, elite schools like MIT, Stanford still expect Hong Kong students to achieve top standardised test results to stand out.
“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 tutors deliver personalised, data-backed support that helps Hong Kong students raise their grades in IB, A-Level, and AP programs while also preparing effectively for the SAT and ACT.
01
Expert Tutoring
Work one-on-one with Ivy League scorers and top university students.
02
Personalised Prep
Get SAT/ACT strategies tailored to your goals, with performance tracking.
03
Targeted Practice
Bespoke revision strategies and mock testing.
04
Improvement Guarantee
Our SAT programmes include guaranteed results — or your money back.
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
US personal statements and supplemental essays are unlike anything required in the Hong Kong or UK education systems. They are your child’s one chance to speak directly to admissions officers and to showcase their personality, values, and perspective.
However, many high-achieving students struggle to choose the right topic, develop a compelling narrative, and polish their writing to a level that truly stands out. These essays require deep introspection, a clear personal voice, and strong storytelling skills that students often have not yet had the opportunity to develop.
How We Help
Our US essay mentors include published authors and Emmy Award-winning journalists who work one-on-one with students to craft original, impactful essays and offer unlimited feedback throughout the process.
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
“Crimson helped tremendously with my essay and provided me with guidance to improve my writing skills. There are all kinds of writing tasks, from basic topics like essay structure to abstract ideas like how to identify your own value.”
Yik Siu, Graduate of Li Po Chun UWC. Accepted into Wellesley College, NYU, Tufts, LSE, and KCL.
Capstone Development
The Challenge
Students who stand out don’t just follow a formula, they create real-world impact. Yet, many don’t know how to turn their passions into a project that gets noticed by top universities.
“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
Maggie
Hong Kong
Music Tech Club
Princeton University
Maggie founded a Music Tech Club, creating courses on digital composing and leading monthly workshops for 15 students at local community centres.
Capstone Success
Maggie
Hong Kong
Music Tech Club
Princeton University
Maggie founded a Music Tech Club, creating courses on digital composing and leading monthly workshops for 15 students at local community centres.
Capstone Success
Jonathan A.
New York
Contrail-Free Flight Routing
Stanford, Yale, Princeton & Duke
Jonathan developed a cutting-edge system to calculate contrail-free airplane routes, winning the U.S. Air Force Award for his innovative work in environmental science.
Capstone Success
Sophie J.
England
Academic Research Club
Caltech, Cornell & UPenn
Created an academic research club, an online platform to connect students to research opportunities and other students interested in research.
Maggie
Maggie founded a Music Tech Club, creating courses on digital composing and leading monthly workshops for 15 students at local community centres.
Jonathan A.
Jonathan developed a cutting-edge system to calculate contrail-free airplane routes, winning the U.S. Air Force Award for his innovative work in environmental science.
Sophie J.
Created an academic research club, an online platform to connect students to research opportunities and other students interested in research.
Capstone Success
Maggie
Hong Kong
Music Tech Club
Princeton University
Maggie founded a Music Tech Club, creating courses on digital composing and leading monthly workshops for 15 students at local community centres.
Capstone Success
Jonathan A.
New York
Contrail-Free Flight Routing
Stanford, Yale, Princeton & Duke
Jonathan developed a cutting-edge system to calculate contrail-free airplane routes, winning the U.S. Air Force Award for his innovative work in environmental science.
Capstone Success
Sophie J.
England
Academic Research Club
Caltech, Cornell & UPenn
Created an academic research club, an online platform to connect students to research opportunities and other students interested in research.
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 students in Hong Kong, access to university‑level research opportunities, academic mentors, and publishing pathways is still limited, especially outside of IB or elite international school programmes. Without the right 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., Senior 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
An Investigation into and its Effects on Netflix's Competitive Position in the OTT Market
Independent Research Collaboration Accepted to University of California, Los Angeles
Student
K
From Hong Kong, Accepted to University of California, Los Angeles
Mentor
Dikshit B.
PhD Candidate at Cambridge University
Outcome
Found Netflix's strategy in competitive markets involve balancing price hikes & unique content to maintain profitability
The Handover of 1997 and Its Effects on the Hong Kong Aviation Industry
Published in IJHSR Accepted to University of Southern California
Student
G
From Hong Kong, Accepted to University of Southern California
Mentor
Suraj N.
PhD Candidate at SOAS, London
Outcome
Found that the 1997 Handover and Asian Financial Crisis severely impacted Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong's aviation sector
Biasses and deterimants of health in the Hong Kong healthcare system
Independent Research Collaboration Accepted to University of Washington
Student
S
From Hong Kong. Accepted to University of Washington
Mentor
Dallin L.
PhD Candidate at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
Outcome
Gender, income, & education biases in HK's healthcare system create significant barriers to equitable access to care.
An Investigation into and its Effects on Netflix's Competitive Position in the OTT Market
Independent Research Collaboration Accepted to University of California, Los Angeles
Student
K
From Hong Kong, Accepted to University of California, Los Angeles
Mentor
Dikshit B.
PhD Candidate at Cambridge University
Outcome
Found Netflix's strategy in competitive markets involve balancing price hikes & unique content to maintain profitability
The Handover of 1997 and Its Effects on the Hong Kong Aviation Industry
Published in IJHSR Accepted to University of Southern California
Student
G
From Hong Kong, Accepted to University of Southern California
Mentor
Suraj N.
PhD Candidate at SOAS, London
Outcome
Found that the 1997 Handover and Asian Financial Crisis severely impacted Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong's aviation sector
Biasses and deterimants of health in the Hong Kong healthcare system
Independent Research Collaboration Accepted to University of Washington
Student
S
From Hong Kong. Accepted to University of Washington
Mentor
Dallin L.
PhD Candidate at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
Outcome
Gender, income, & education biases in HK's healthcare system create significant barriers to equitable access to care.
An Investigation into and its Effects on Netflix's Competitive Position in the OTT Market
Independent Research Collaboration Accepted to University of California, Los Angeles
Student
K
From Hong Kong, Accepted to University of California, Los Angeles
Mentor
Dikshit B.
PhD Candidate at Cambridge University
Outcome
Found Netflix's strategy in competitive markets involve balancing price hikes & unique content to maintain profitability
The Handover of 1997 and Its Effects on the Hong Kong Aviation Industry
Published in IJHSR Accepted to University of Southern California
Student
G
From Hong Kong, Accepted to University of Southern California
Mentor
Suraj N.
PhD Candidate at SOAS, London
Outcome
Found that the 1997 Handover and Asian Financial Crisis severely impacted Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong's aviation sector
Biasses and deterimants of health in the Hong Kong healthcare system
Independent Research Collaboration Accepted to University of Washington
Student
S
From Hong Kong. Accepted to University of Washington
Mentor
Dallin L.
PhD Candidate at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
Outcome
Gender, income, & education biases in HK's healthcare system create significant barriers to equitable access to care.
Honors and Awards
The Challenge
In elite US university admissions, academic awards and international honours reflect initiative, competitiveness, and leadership. 90% of Crimson’s Ivy League admits in 2024 had five or more elite honours, with 80% from top global competitions. But knowing which contests to target and how to win is no easy task.
How We Help
Crimson Honours is the world’s only comprehensive competition and awards training program. Our proven framework helps your child win the elite honours that top colleges expect.
We Provide:
01
Personalised 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 6,000 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
Ritisha T.
From the UK, Admitted to UPenn Huntsman ProgrammeUniversity of Pennyslvania
Finalist in John Locke Essay Economics Competition; Distinction in UKMT Mathematical Olympiad for Girls; InvestIN Young Entrepreneur Best Business Idea/Pitch Award; Gold in UKMT Senior Maths Challenge.
Jonathan A.
From Sydney, Stanford Class of 2029Stanford, Yale
Received a Gold Key in Writing in the US National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards with a repurposed finalist John Locke Essay Competition essay. Qualified 4x for American Invitational Math Examination (AIME) in 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades.
Kevin P.
From South Africa, Stanford Class of 2029Stanford University
Recieved Silver in the British Biology Olympiad; USA-China Biology Olympiad regional awardee; Distinction in the John Locke Essay Competition
Ritisha T.
From the UK, Admitted to UPenn Huntsman ProgrammeUniversity of Pennyslvania
Finalist in John Locke Essay Economics Competition; Distinction in UKMT Mathematical Olympiad for Girls; InvestIN Young Entrepreneur Best Business Idea/Pitch Award; Gold in UKMT Senior Maths Challenge.
Jonathan A.
From Sydney, Stanford Class of 2029Stanford, Yale
Received a Gold Key in Writing in the US National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards with a repurposed finalist John Locke Essay Competition essay. Qualified 4x for American Invitational Math Examination (AIME) in 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades.
Kevin P.
From South Africa, Stanford Class of 2029Stanford University
Recieved Silver in the British Biology Olympiad; USA-China Biology Olympiad regional awardee; Distinction in the John Locke Essay Competition
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. However, in Hong Kong, gaining real-world experience during secondary school can be challenging. With demanding academic schedules, limited internship opportunities for teens, and competitive extracurricular landscapes, even strong applicants can feel vague or underdeveloped without practical experience that shows initiative and depth.
How We Help
Crimson is the only admissions consultancy offering a complete career exploration and work experience pathway. Our Delta Program helps Hong Kong students gain hands-on experience in their field of interest, often leading to recommendation letters from top global companies.
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 Adobe, 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.
&w=3840&q=75)