What makes U.S. college admissions different from Singapore or the UK systems?

The way U.S. colleges look at applicants is pretty different from what most families in Singapore are used to. It’s not just about getting top marks or perfect test scores—though those still matter, of course. What really counts is the full picture. They want to know who your child is beyond the numbers. What excites them? What have they done outside the classroom? How do they think, and how might they contribute to campus life?

For many Singaporean students, the idea of telling a personal story in an application can feel a bit foreign. Here, we tend to focus on achievements, grades, and exam results. But in the U.S., things like the personal statement, teacher recommendations, and even how your child writes about their activities really shape the outcome. That’s where a consultant can be incredibly helpful—translating everything your child has done into something that makes sense to an American admissions officer. It’s a different process, yes, but with the right support, your child can absolutely stand out.