Choosing the Right Admissions Counseling in Singapore

Trying to get into competitive courses / universities can be tough! Whether you're taking A-Levels, the IB Diploma, or other exams, it's a lot of pressure. Between studying, doing extracurricular activities, and figuring out applications, it's easy to feel lost.

That's where admissions advisors come in. They're like expert guides who can help you reach your goals. They offer support and advice to make the whole process easier.

Since there are many consultancies in Singapore, it's important to find the right one for you. This article compares four popular choices: Crimson Education, Prep Zone, IvyPrep, and Icon Education. We'll look at what they offer, their price positioning, and how they're different, so you can choose the best one to help you succeed.

Consultancies at-a-Glance

Let's shed light on how these consultancies compare on key factors:

A Closer Look at the Consultancies

Crimson Education:

• Focus: Renowned for its comprehensive support for students targeting Ivy League universities.
• Services: Offers a wide range of services, including extracurricular development, essay editing, interview coaching, and personalised academic advising.
• Positioning: Caters to students and families who are willing to invest significantly in elite services.

Prep Zone:

• Focus: A well-established player in the market, Prep Zone offers a wide range of academic support services, including A-Level and IB exam preparation.
• Services: Provides subject tutoring, revision courses, mock exams, and other resources designed to enhance academic performance.
• Positioning: Known for its competitive pricing, making it an accessible option for students.

IvyPrep:

• Focus: Similar to Crimson Education, IvyPrep specialises in guiding students through the application process to top-tier universities in the US and UK.
• Services: Provides essay guidance, interview coaching, and application strategy development.
• Positioning: Best suited for students targeting selective universities and seeking guidance on crafting applications.

Icon Education:

• Focus: A leading provider of comprehensive university admissions guidance with over two decades of experience. While specialising in supporting students aspiring to Medicine programs at top institutions like NUS and NTU, we offer a full suite of services encompassing all aspects of the university application process as the other consultancies.
• Services: Our holistic approach combines expert application support, intensive test preparation (SAT, UCAT, ISAT), and personalised coaching. We leverage cutting-edge technology platforms to deliver an engaging and effective learning experience.
• Positioning: As the only MOE-registered provider with a full Education & Career Guidance (ECG) curriculum, Icon Education is a trusted partner for students and parents seeking a well-rounded and comprehensive pathway to university success and beyond.

How We Stand Out

When juxtaposed with its competitors, Icon Education shines in three significant ways:

1. MOE Registration with Full ECG Curriculum

As one of the only two MOE-registered providers, Icon Education is the sole consultancy to integrate the full Education and Career Guidance (ECG) curriculum into its services. We are particularly suited for students and parents who are seeking education counseling in the wider context of career development and personal growth. By ensuring that our students have deep self-awareness and clarity about their future, we foster strong motivation and accountability in their university admissions journey.

2. Innovation and Technology

Icon Education uses Gateway, our online ecosystem to leverage technology to bolster learning outcomes. Gateway contains over 800 videos, 7,000 activities and 10,000 minutes of learning - a “Coursera” that’s purpose built for test preparation and admissions! We blend digital and asynchronous tools with personalised coaching to create customised consulting experiences.

3. Guarantees

Our assurance of test preparation and admissions outcomes reflects Icon Education's unwavering confidence in its services. We guarantee significant score improvements and/or acceptance to a certain number of schools, or get your money back (terms and conditions apply). This commitment provides families with invaluable peace of mind when entrusting their child's future to a consultancy.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right admissions coaching service is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your academic and career trajectory. Please do your own research and use your best judgement. Ultimately, the best decision for your future is yours to make!

Have questions? Contact us below to schedule a consultation & embark on your admissions journey today!