Get to know the CEO and the co-founder of Crimson Education — the world’s leading university admissions support company!
Who says that enrolling at an Ivy League university is a pipe dream? Indonesia Expat had a lovely chat with Jamie Beaton, the CEO and co-founder of Crimson Education, as the latter shared his passion for learning, how Crimson Education has earned its glowing reputation as the world’s leading university admissions support company for the past decade, and how it aims to “bridge the gap between ambition and action” for Indonesian students who also aim to enrol at their dream universities overseas.
Hi Jamie. Let’s get started by introducing yourself a bit. What can you tell us about yourself? (i.e., where you are from originally, where you spent your childhood, where you went to school)
I’m originally from New Zealand, where I spent most of my childhood in Auckland. Growing up, I was much like any other Kiwi kid. I attended King’s College in Auckland, where I initially planned to study medicine at the University of Auckland. However, a conversation with a senior opened my eyes to the possibilities beyond New Zealand, which ultimately led me to apply to top universities around the world. I ended up studying Applied Mathematics at Harvard University, where I graduated with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. Since then, my educational journey has taken me to places like Stanford, where I pursued my MBA, Juris Doctor in Law at Yale Law School, and Oxford, where I completed my DPhil as a Rhodes Scholar.
What drove this remarkable passion for learning? And how did this impressive résumé shape you as a person?
My passion for learning really stems from a deep curiosity and a desire to push my limits. When I was a teenager, I realised that education could open doors to incredible opportunities, and I wanted to explore as much as I could. This drive led me to pursue degrees from institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and later, Yale Law School. Each of these experiences profoundly shaped me. Harvard taught me the importance of intellectual rigour and introduced me to a global network of brilliant minds. At Stanford, I learned to think like an entrepreneur; to innovate and to take calculated risks. My time at Yale Law School, although unconventional, broadened my perspective on critical thinking and ethics, which has been invaluable in leading Crimson Education and advising students.
Can you share with us the journey leading up to you establishing and running Crimson Education?
Of course! The journey to establishing Crimson Education was a combination of personal ambition, a desire to make a difference, and a bit of serendipity. As I applied to top universities, I realised how complex and overwhelming the process could be. I was fortunate to receive offers from all 25 universities I applied to, including all eight Ivy League schools, but I also recognised that many talented students lacked the resources or guidance to navigate these challenges effectively.
This realisation planted the seed for Crimson Education. I founded the company when I was just 17 years old, driven by the idea that students around the world should have access to the same level of support and expertise that I had. Today, Crimson Education has helped over 20,000 students globally, and our vision remains the same: to equalise the world-leading university admissions playing field.
Globally, Crimson Education has thrived for more than a decade now. What do you think is the key to such success?
The key to Crimson Education’s success over the past decade boils down to our unwavering commitment to student outcomes and our relentless drive to innovate. From day one, we’ve been obsessed with the idea that every student deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in everything we do, and it’s reflected in the four core values that guide our team: being student outcome-obsessed, embracing hustle and grit, constantly levelling up, and always playing to win.
Another critical factor is our global team of over 2,400 admissions experts, many of whom are graduates from the world’s top universities. These individuals bring first-hand experience and insights into the admissions processes of institutions like Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford, which allows us to offer personalised guidance that truly resonates with students and their unique journeys.
Let’s put a more focused lens on Crimson Education Indonesia now. How do you envision this branch in terms of its goals and positioning within the Indonesian education landscape?
Indonesia is a fascinating and dynamic country, with an economy that’s firmly positioned within the G20 and a rapidly evolving education landscape. The talent and potential I’ve seen in Indonesian students are truly remarkable. Crimson Education Indonesia aims to be the leading resource for students and families who are determined to pursue higher education opportunities abroad. We position ourselves as the bridge that connects the aspirations of Indonesian students with the realities of the global education system, ensuring they have the tools, strategies, and support they need to stand out in an increasingly competitive environment.
From your perspective, what makes the needs of Indonesian students (and their parents) different from the needs of students (and parents) in other countries? Especially in relation to how Crimson Education Indonesia aims to meet such needs.
Indonesian students and their families often have immense ambition when it comes to education. Many aspire to see their children gain admission to the world’s best universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond. However, a common challenge I’ve observed is a gap in understanding the specific requirements and preparation needed to achieve these goals.
One significant difference between education in Indonesia and countries like the United States is the emphasis on extracurricular and leadership profiles. In Indonesia, there’s a strong focus on academic grades, which is crucial, but it’s only part of the equation when applying to top universities like the Ivy League. These institutions also place a high value on a student’s extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and overall character. This broader assessment can sometimes be a new concept for Indonesian families, where the educational culture traditionally prioritises academics above all else.
This is where Crimson Education Indonesia steps in. Here, we aim to bridge the gap between ambition and action. We work closely with both students and their parents to ensure they understand the holistic nature of university applications and start preparing as early as possible.
Considering the current political turmoil in the United States, do you think such a predicament should be taken into consideration by Indonesian students aiming to attend Ivy League universities there? And should their parents need to take this into consideration as well?
The political landscape in the United States is indeed very dynamic, and, understandably, students and parents might have concerns about how this could impact their educational journey. However, it’s important to remember that the United States remains home to the majority of the world’s top universities, including the Ivy League. These institutions have a long history of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a global outlook that continues to attract the brightest minds from around the world.
For Indonesian students and their parents, it’s crucial to weigh these factors but also to keep in mind the unparalleled opportunities that studying at an Ivy League or other top United States universities can provide. In the end, the decision should be based on the long-term goals and aspirations of the student.
In 2023, Crimson Education Indonesia provided assistance for Telkom employees aiming to continue their education overseas. Going forward, how will you and Crimson Education Indonesia cater to the professionals (non-high schoolers) who also harbour the same desires and goals to enter, for instance, Ivy League universities?
Telkom is indeed a shining example of an Indonesian national company that places a strong emphasis on the development of its human resources. In 2023, we had the privilege of supporting 89 Telkom employees, out of a cohort of 100, who were accepted into some of the world’s top 50 universities.
For professionals, especially those from national companies like Telkom, the process involves balancing work responsibilities with academic goals. Our team provides personalised guidance that fits into their busy schedules, whether it’s selecting the right programmes that align with their career goals, preparing for competitive exams, or crafting compelling applications that showcase their professional achievements and potential. By investing in the education of their employees, companies like Telkom can cultivate a more skilled, innovative, and forward-thinking workforce, which in turn drives growth and competitiveness in the global market. We are excited to collaborate with more Indonesian national companies, helping them empower their employees to reach their full potential through world-class education
What is next for you and Crimson Education Indonesia? Is there any upcoming plan, project, or scholarship programme that you can tease at the moment?
Crimson Education Indonesia has some exciting developments on the horizon, and we’re eager to continue expanding our reach across the country. Currently, we’re actively visiting cities like Surabaya, Bali, and Medan to engage with students and parents directly. Our goal is to reach more students, broaden our services, and continue to play a pivotal role in helping Indonesian students realise their potential on the global stage.
Last but not least, how can our readers reach you and Crimson Education Indonesia?
You can follow us on Instagram at @crimson.indonesia to stay updated on success stories, events, and insights into how we can support you on your educational journey. Additionally, I encourage you to visit our official website at crimsoneducation.org/id-en.