Crimson Scholarships: Reimagining What’s Possible in College Admissions

In this blog post, we celebrate the transformative power of Crimson Education Scholarships, which are designed to help high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds gain admission to top-tier universities. By providing comprehensive support and personalized guidance, these scholarships turn dreams into reality for students who once thought elite education was out of reach. From the Crimson Access Opportunity (CAO) program to the Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship, discover how Crimson Education is reimagining what’s possible in college admissions and empowering the next generation of global leaders.

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Building Bridges to Elite Universities

Crimson education is on a mission to expand access to top universities. In addition to our world-leading college admissions advising, Crimson Education expands access to students with big dreams whose circumstances may make them feel an elite education is beyond their reach. 

From Kazakhstan to NYU…Zhansaya’s Story

Zhansaya, born and raised in a small town in Kazakhstan, had unquenchable curiosity, a strong interest in natural sciences, and a willingness to take on new challenges, including biology Olympiads, student council, dance, volunteering with UNICEF Kazakhstan and the National Volunteering network, and more. But living far removed from the world of elite learning, the mere notion of attending a top-notch university was something she says “seemed unattainable and surreal.”

But after subscribing to the Crimson channel on Telegram and Instagram, getting connected to the Crimson Access Opportunity program, and then earning a Crimson Opportunity Scholarship, Zhansaya's dream was quickly transformed into reality. Her determination and thirst for learning, coupled with a range of Crimson mentorship services that included school-search advising, test prep, extracurricular development, and application and essay support, proved unstoppable.

Leveling the Playing Field in Elite Education

In 2013, Crimson Education grew out of a shared vision among three ambitious students, including our co-founder and current CEO Jamie Beaton. At 18, Jamie applied to 25 of the world’s best universities and got into all of them — inspiring him to start Crimson with the desire to help other motivated young scholars from around the world gain access to top universities.

Over the past decade, we have forged a model designed to democratize access to higher education.

From tracking deadlines and logistics, to monitoring the admissions space, supporting all aspects of the application process, and helping students access high-quality internships or research opportunities, our personalized advising, talented students, and team members’ collective expertise ensure the best results possible across the most competitive admissions arenas.

With this model and a results-driven ethos, our strategists and mentors have helped thousands of students get into their top-choice school, and, in many cases, into the the Ivy League, Oxford, Cambridge, and other highly selective schools in the US, the UK, and Europe.

Increasing Access and Opportunity With Generous Scholarships

This mission to increase access to top-flight schools has also inspired us to launch two transformative scholarship initiatives aimed at further equalizing the global admissions playing field.

These programs, Crimson Access Opportunity (CAO) and Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship, help deserving young scholars transform their educational drive and aspirations into admissions offers from schools they once only dreamed of attending.

Valuable admissions support: Recipients of Crimson Education scholarships benefit from our world-leading advising and mentoring support, at no cost, for all aspects of the college search and application processes.

Financial aid support after admissions: We structure our scholarship programs to provide robust financial support and ongoing mentoring support as students complete their undergraduate programs.

1. Crimson Access Opportunity (CAO) Scholarships: Bridging the Gap to Elite Education

In 2020, Crimson Education launched the Crimson Access Opportunity (CAO) program. This initiative was born out of a commitment to provide high-achieving students who need financial support with free access to our renowned US admissions services.

The CAO program is a testament to our mission of equalizing the global college admissions playing field, ensuring that talented students from all walks of life have the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams.

A Global Reach

CAO is open to students from every corner of the globe. We encourage applications from rising high school seniors, and from recent graduates on gap years, regardless of where they live.

However, eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess strong English proficiency, and exhibit educational and academic motivation. Our goal is to support students who are enthusiastic about studying at top US universities and help them stand out in an increasingly competitive application process so they can step on to the world stage and achieve beyond what they may have imagined possible.

Comprehensive Support for Every Step

The CAO program provides students with teams of top US university admissions experts who assist in perfecting every element of their applications. From strategy consulting and full application support, to financial aid consulting and professional essay review, our comprehensive services ensure that CAO students have every chance to beat the odds when it comes to exceeding their college admissions aspirations.

Individualized Consulting Support

Each CAO recipient receives 1:1 support from an expert strategist, financial aid mentor, and application mentor. This personalized guidance covers:

• Strategy Consulting and Full Application Support: Tailored advice for up to four US university applications.
• Financial Aid Consulting: Assistance in navigating the complexities of financial aid applications.
• Essay Consulting & Professional Essay Review: Expert feedback to craft compelling personal statements and essays.
• Mentoring for SAT Prep, Admissions Interviews, and Profile Development: Comprehensive preparation for all aspects of the admissions process.

Group Support and Resources

In addition to individualized support, CAO recipients benefit from group sessions and access to a wealth of resources:

• 6 Strategy Webinars: Interactive sessions covering key aspects of the application process.
• 3 College Essay Writing Webinars: Workshops focused on developing standout essays.
• 3 Financial Aid Webinars: Guidance on securing financial aid and scholarships.
• Access to Crimson’s Comprehensive Resource Library: A vast trove of valuable knowledge-rich materials to provide students with expert insights for every step of the admissions journey.

Inspirational Outcomes

• Since its inception, the CAO program has provided more than $35 million in financial support to deserving students.
• CAO students have been accepted to top universities such as Princeton, Stanford, Columbia, Brown, University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, Duke, Georgia Tech, Emory, Northeastern, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Virginia, and many more.
• CAO giving supports a diverse community of over 250 students from nearly 60 countries.

CAO Student Spotlight

In our highly connected world today, it’s easier than ever for students to hear of and dream about top universities. But for students in many communities imagining a path to admissions is often beyond imagining…

This was the case for Amira, curious and determined, and with a passion for science, who grew up in a small city in Kazakhstan .

After following Crimson on social media from afar for more than a year, Amira learned about CAO and immediately applied.

As a CAO scholarship recipient, Amira was thrilled to find support from friendly advisors who truly appreciated her dream and also understood how much hard work and commitment was required for pursuing it.

Thanks to insightful and compassionate guidance from her Crimson strategist, Anthony, and essay mentor, Liana, Amira was able to find greater support for realizing her aspirations.

Now Amira’s attending NYU and considering what she will accomplish next, and anticipates an impactful career in scientific research or the pursuit of a graduate degree.

When To Apply

The application window for the CAO program opens on February 1st each year. Early applications are encouraged, with an early application deadline in early March and a final application deadline in early April.

An Incredible Path to Opportunity

At Crimson Education, we believe that talent and ambition should be the only criteria for accessing top-tier education. The CAO program embodies our commitment to leveling the playing field and providing deserving students with the support they need to achieve their academic dreams. By offering comprehensive, personalized guidance and financial support, we are helping to reimagine what’s possible for students worldwide.

If your aspirations and commitments make you ready to reach higher, be sure to stay connected, review CAO eligibility criteria and application deadlines, and take advantage of the next application window.

2. Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship: Empowering Māori & Pasifika Students

A tribute to Crimson's co-founder and CEO, Jamie Beaton, a native of New Zealand, the Te Ara a Kupe Beaton scholarship celebrates and nurtures the aspirations of young Māori and Pasifika high school students who dream of pursuing pathways to top universities around the world and have the spirit to conquer the global stage.

Now in its seventh year, the scholarship stands as a beacon of opportunity. We enthusiastically invite eligible students, with a passion for learning and a readiness to reimagine what's possible, to submit their registrations today.

A Scholarship With a Vision

Open to Māori and Pasifika students currently in Years 10, 11, 12, or 13, this scholarship offers outstanding students the chance to receive Crimson Education services that can significantly enhance their educational journey and help them gain admission to top universities worldwide. Each year, the program provides more than $300,000 in education and mentoring support, selecting approximately 15 finalists and 5 winners from a pool of about 100 applicants. As we enter the program’s eighth year, we remain dedicated to empowering these young scholars.

Comprehensive Support for Holistic Development

The Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship program is designed to support high school students in various aspects of their academic and personal development. The scholarship includes:

• Extracurricular Advising: Guidance on selecting and excelling in extracurricular activities that align with students' passions and university goals.
• Leadership Consulting: Coaching to develop leadership skills and take on meaningful leadership roles.
• NCEA/pre-NCEA Subject Tutoring: Academic support to excel in New Zealand’s National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and pre-NCEA subjects.
• MedView UCAT Preparatory Program: Preparation for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) for students interested in pursuing medical degrees.
• Academic Mentorship: Ongoing mentorship throughout the school year to support academic growth and achievement.
• Skills Coaching: Training in communications, speech, drama, and debating to enhance students' soft skills.
• Early Stage Career Advice Support: Guidance on early career planning and development.
• Ongoing Personalized Support: Continuous support from Crimson mentors and tutors to ensure students stay on track and achieve their goals.

Te Ara a Kupe Student Spotlight: Tai

One of our recent scholarship winners, Tai exemplifies the transformative impact of the Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship. Tai, a student from Wellington College, was accepted into Columbia University’s Class of 2028 in New York, where he plans to make good on his strong interest in studying politics and economics. Tai forged this path thanks to his exceptional drive, past accomplishments, and as a result of significant guidance and support provided by the Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship program.

Reflecting on his experience, Tai credited Jamie Beaton, CEO of Crimson Education, with helping him achieve his dreams:

'The door hasn’t opened for me and been closed. It’s my job to hold the door open with my foot for others to come after,' Tai remarked, highlighting the scholarship’s ripple effect in empowering future generations.

When To Apply

Crimson Education encourages students to apply for the Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship or nominate other deserving students for this life-changing opportunity.

The application window opens once each year in mid-April.

A Commitment to Empowerment

The Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship embodies Crimson Education’s commitment to empowering Māori and Pasifika students to achieve their academic dreams and make a lasting impact on the world. By providing comprehensive support and personalized guidance, we are helping these young scholars unlock their full potential and reimagine what’s possible.

Final Thoughts

At Crimson Education we believe that every student deserves opportunities to access the education they're ready for, no matter where they come from or what their financial situation may be. Our scholarship programs, including the Crimson Access Opportunity (CAO) and the Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship, are designed to put our expertise to work for students from diverse communities around the world who dream of opening doors to top-tier universities. By providing comprehensive support and personalized guidance, we empower students to turn their aspirations into reality.

As we continue to reimagine what’s possible in college admissions, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Whether you’re a student dreaming of attending an Ivy League school, a parent seeking the best for your child, or an educator looking to support your students, Crimson Education is here to help. Our global network of admissions experts and innovative technologies are ready to guide you every step of the way.

Stay connected with us and take the first step towards your future by scheduling a free consultation with a Crimson Education Advisor. Discover how we can help you achieve life-changing success and unlock the doors to your dream university. Together, we can make your academic aspirations a reality.