#28 - How To Get Into Top US Universities From Asia: Polytechnic To Ivy League | Joash Lee: “It’s Not Just About Grades. What’s Your Story?” “You Never Know If You Never Try!”

If you're applying to U.S. universities from outside the U.S. — especially from Asia — this episode reveals what it really takes to break in.

In this insightful episode of the You Never Know Podcast, host Nicole Lee speaks with Joash Lee — a former polytechnic student in Singapore who made it to Columbia University, one of the top Ivy League schools.

But his journey wasn’t typical — and that’s the point. Joash pulls back the curtain on the costs, stress, and strategy behind U.S. college admissions, especially for international students. From admissions consulting firms charging tens of thousands to millions of dollars per student, to what most students (and parents) get wrong about the process, Joash shares both personal experience and industry insight.

He also dives into why he co-founded Sedifly, a startup designed to help “missing middle” students — those who are neither privileged nor struggling — get access to the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why Joash chose the polytechnic path over junior college in Singapore
• What U.S. colleges really look for in international applicants
• Common mistakes in college essays & applications
• The dark side of education consultants and application fees
• How Trump-era policies impacted sentiment among students
• What Sedifly is doing to make top universities more accessible
• His advice for students applying today

If you’re a student, parent or educator involved in applying to U.S. universities—or just curious about what it takes—this episode is packed with value.

🎧 Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

01:45 – Why Joash Chose Polytechnic Over JC

04:55 – Becoming Valedictorian of Ngee Ann Polytechnic

07:20 – Deciding to Apply to U.S. Universities

09:30 – The Application Process: Essays, Requirements & Strategy

12:10 – Biggest Mistakes Students Make in U.S. Applications

14:35 – Are All Colleges the Same?

17:25 – Joash’s Transfer Journey into Columbia

20:00 – What Consultants Don’t Tell You About Ivy League Admissions

24:15 – Consulting Industry: The Cost of Getting In

27:50 – Trump Clampdowns & Visa Challenges for International Students

31:20 – Starting Sedifly: Solving the Access Gap

42:00 – How to Apply Without Losing Your Soul (or Money)

45:10 – Advice for Students Who Think They Can’t Make It

49:00 – What He Would Change About The Singapore Education System

🔗 Connect with Joash & Sedifly:

👤 Joash Lee on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joashl

🏫 Sedifly LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sedifly

📸 Sedifly on Instagram: @sediflyglobal

🌐 Website: www.sedifly.com

🎯 Check your college readiness: sedifly.com/2026prep

🔗 Connect with Nicole Lee

🎙️ Website: www.youneverknow.co

 📲 TikTok / IG: @nicoleleethisisme

 📩 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleleethisisme

 📺 YouTube: @NicoleLeeThisIsMe

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