From Poly to Ivy: Breaking the Stereotype
Updated: 3 days ago
Think the Ivy League universities are out of reach for polytechnic students in Singapore? Sedifly’s US Strategist Benson Yee shares how an unexpected path led him to one of the world’s leading universities, even if you’re not valedictorian.
There was once a time when the average Singaporean polytechnic student struggled to gain admission into local universities. In 2012, around 20% of Singapore's polytechnic graduates progressed to local universities. By 2024, approximately one in three were doing so, reflecting the expansion of university pathways available to polytechnic students. Beyond local universities, some have gone even further, earning places at Ivy League institutions and top universities worldwide.
One such trailblazer is Benson Yee, a graduate of Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of School of Business & Accountancy, who went on to study economics at Cornell University, an Ivy League institution he never initially planned to attend.
“It was never the plan! I went to Ngee Ann Poly with just two goals in mind — have as much fun as I could and learn as much as I could,” Benson said, when asked if applying to an Ivy League school had always been part of the plan.
Despite having no initial intention to study overseas, Benson decided to take a leap of faith, and did so with bold optimism. He began his college applications in 2020, driven more by optimism than certainty.
“In retrospect, I was naively optimistic about my chances,” he admitted. “But without that confidence, I probably wouldn’t have applied to US colleges and gained so much from studying here.”
His journey offers several valuable lessons for polytechnic students who may be considering a similar path.
Apply Even When You Are Unsure of Your Chances
One of the biggest barriers to pursuing an unconventional university pathway can be the belief that you are not qualified enough to try. For Benson, applying to US universities was not the result of a carefully mapped-out plan or complete confidence in his chances. It began with a willingness to explore an opportunity despite the uncertainty.
His experience is a reminder that students do not need to have everything figured out before taking their first step. While no application guarantees an outcome, ruling yourself out before trying means losing the opportunity altogether. Sometimes, the first step towards an unexpected destination is simply to be willing to apply.
Make the Most of the Opportunities Around You
Looking back, Benson recognises that his time at Ngee Ann laid the foundation for his journey to Cornell. Rather than following a predetermined path, he embraced the opportunities available to him throughout his polytechnic years.
“My openness to the unique range of experiences Ngee Ann offered is what led me here,” he explained.
One of his biggest challenges, he added, was fitting all those experiences into the limited space allowed in his application.
This highlights an important consideration for students: building a compelling university application is not simply about accumulating achievements. It is also about being open to meaningful experiences and making the most of the opportunities available to you.
Whether through academic interests or experiences outside the classroom, what matters is how you engage with these opportunities and what you learn from them.
Seek Guidance When Navigating an Unfamiliar Path
Benson found that information about overseas university applications was difficult to access. With relatively few examples of polytechnic students following the same route, he struggled to find guidance on approaching his applications.
Fortunately, he had mentors who believed in him and supported his applications.
His experience highlights the value of having guidance when pursuing a less conventional route. When information is difficult to find and the process feels unfamiliar, learning from people with relevant experience can help students better understand their options and navigate the next steps.
You do not necessarily have to figure everything out on your own. Knowing when to seek advice and having the right people to support your journey can make a meaningful difference.
Beyond the Ivy League Name
For Benson, studying in the US has offered more than the opportunity to attend an Ivy League university – it has also exposed him to a broader range of academic interests and opportunities.
When asked why he’d recommend studying in the US, he spoke about the rich intellectual environment at Cornell and how it has made him much more curious about the world. “Beyond my major, I’ve taken classes in labor relations, computer science, astronomy and geology, and I’ve been involved in satellite-related research.”
His experience illustrates one of the main attractions of the US university system: students often have opportunities to explore subjects beyond their primary field of study. For those whose interests evolve over time, this flexibility can open doors to new disciplines or unexpected areas of discovery.
Redefining What Is Possible
Benson's experience highlights the range of opportunities available to polytechnic graduates, including pathways to leading overseas universities.
“My polytechnic friends are very inspiring. Even though we’re all doing different things now, I’m always impressed by the different paths they take to find success,” Benson said.
For students considering their own next steps, Benson’s experience is a reminder that there is no single route to success. A student’s starting point does not have to determine their destination, and the experiences they gain along the way may even open doors they had never initially considered.
As Benson puts it, “Anything is possible if you want it badly enough!”
Your path to university does not have to look like everyone else’s. Discover the opportunities available to you and take the first step with Sedifly’s FREE Admissions Readiness Assessment today.
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