From Polytechnic to Columbia: Joash Lee on US University Admissions

For many students in Singapore, getting into an Ivy League can feel like an impossible dream. There is the pressure to achieve outstanding grades, build an impressive portfolio of extracurriculars, and follow the “right” academic pathway. But what happens if your journey looks different from everyone else’s?

In You Never Know podcast’s episode titled “How To Get Into Top US Universities From Asia | Joash Lee: From Polytechnic to Ivy League”, host Nicole Lee sits down with Sedifly’s Founder and CEO, Joash Lee, as he shares how he went from Singapore’s Ngee Ann Polytechnic to Indiana University to Columbia University — and what students can learn from his journey.

Listen to the full conversation on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Below are some key takeaways from the conversation:

1. The High Financial Barrier of Admissions Consulting

Joash discusses how traditional educational consulting firms often charge exorbitant fees that are out of reach for most families, with packages ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars for long-term guidance. 

As he explains, “A traditional consultant would typically charge at least $10,000, and these services are often sales-driven rather than focused on what the student truly needs,” he said. Beyond the financial commitment, it raises questions about whether families are receiving guidance tailored to their child’s individual strengths and aspirations from these traditional firms, or being encouraged to purchase services they may not necessarily need.

2. Common Pitfalls in the US Application Process

Strong grades matter, but what makes you different?

Students often struggle to move beyond selling their academic achievements to communicate their unique story. Emphasizing the need for authenticity, Joash states that "the admissions officer needs to see how you would fit into the school and how you would contribute to the school, even if you might not be the best student". Rather than simply accumulating extracurriculars, students applying to top US universities should consider what their experiences reveal about their interests and motivations. Thereafter, they would be able to build a cohesive profile – one that can help admissions officers understand who exactly the person behind the achievements is, and what they can potentially contribute to the campus community.

3. Joash's Unconventional Journey and His Vision for Sedifly

Joash’s journey challenges the assumption that students must follow a conventional academic route to stand a chance at a top US university. Rather than progressing through Singapore’s junior college pathway, Joash chose to attend Ngee Ann Polytechnic, where he eventually became valedictorian. He later pursued the opportunity to study in the United States, navigating an application process that many students around him might not have considered.

His journey did not stop there. After initially attending Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Joash realised that he wanted a more liberal arts-oriented environment and a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem, prompting him to transfer to Columbia University. 

The experience shaped his understanding of how a suitable educational environment can influence a student’s opportunities and aspirations, which also informed his vision for Sedifly. Having navigated the overseas admissions process himself, Joash recognized that access to quality university guidance could be a significant barrier for students from different backgrounds. 

Reflecting on his startup's purpose, he explains: "I've seen the challenges that students have faced: ones who are applying to universities abroad and might not necessarily be able to afford what a traditional consultant is charging, but at the same time out of reach of what a NGO would serve”. This gap inspired Joash to launch Sedifly, with the aim of making personalized university admissions guidance more accessible and helping more students explore opportunities beyond the paths they may have initially thought possible.

Ready to explore your own path to a top US or UK university?

At Sedifly, we help students understand their admissions readiness, develop their profiles and navigate the application process with personalised strategic guidance. 

Get a personalized assessment of your academics, activities, positioning, and university strategy with us here.