Engineering Innovation Challenge judge shares key tips: Build a functional prototype, manage budget smartly, master Arduino and IoT app programming, hone soldering skills, and utilize CAD and 3D printing. Leverage makerspaces, build a diverse team, and seek mentorship early. These efforts build impactful projects and strengthen university applications, especially for Ivy League and Oxbridge hopefuls.

A student stands out by launching a science journalism contest funded from his own high school scholarship award, empowering youth and boosting science literacy. His initiative exemplifies authentic leadership and community impact. This are qualities that top universities like MIT and Harvard seek in outstanding student portfolios. It’s a powerful example of how real-world action and generosity create lasting impressions beyond grades or accolades.

As Singapore launches Mandarin-taught university programmes to attract Chinese postgraduate students, local undergraduates increasingly head overseas for broader networks and opportunities. This post unpacks how context and ambition shape educational choices in both directions, reminding us that smart decisions are about finding the right fit, not just following the crowd.

Singapore's brightest students, including PSC scholars, choose top overseas universities over NUS and NTU. Discover how global exposure, powerful networks, and strategic portfolio-building give them the edge in securing elite scholarships and international careers. Ambitious parents and students: learn why stepping beyond local shores is the secret to world-class success.

Discover the untold issues behind Singapore’s glittering scholarship award ceremonies. Learn why guarantors face huge risks, how xenophobia erupts when foreign scholars abscond, and what happens when the spotlight fades. Think twice before you sign. Read the fine print and see the shadows behind the glamour.

Singapore’s universities are more competitive than ever, with 36,800 applicants vying for 18,500 places in 2024, a 2:1 ratio, and NUS College seeing 10,000 applicants for just 400 spots. Holistic admissions now require portfolios showcasing achievements beyond grades: research projects, leadership roles, creative and technical works, and personal statements. Early preparation, diverse experiences, and DSA-style practice are essential to stand out in this selective landscape.

As DSA season heats up, many parents and students dream of entering top schools. But the journey isn’t always as smooth as it seems. Real stories reveal hidden pressures and unexpected challenges. Before accepting a DSA offer, find out what you’re really signing up for and how expert, objective guidance can make all the difference.

At Ryse Education, we believe college visits help students see themselves as future scholars and leaders, whether through school trips, parental support, or personal initiative. One visit can turn dreams into real plans.

A portfolio isn't just a ticket to your next school, it's a mirror of who you're becoming. At Ryse, we see portfolio building not as a task, but as a training ground for life-long skills: clarity, resilience, and personal leadership.

In Singapore’s competitive academic scene, standout recommendation letters make a difference. Start early, be upfront with teachers, and have backup options so you secure strong, personal endorsements for your university application.

The Chinese High School Clock Tower Building is the icon of the oldest Chinese-medium high school in Singapore. It serves as a reminder of the local Chinese community’s commitment to quality education.

Discover insider tips from an ex-SUTD and ex-SIT professor on how polytechnic students can boost their chances of getting into Singapore’s top universities. Learn about GPA cut-offs, diploma relevance, the role of portfolios and interviews, and why early planning with educational consultants like Ryse can make all the difference.

My journey from large public universities to MIT’s ESG showed me the power of small-group, discussion-based learning. While Singapore’s higher education system faces challenges scaling this model, true student growth comes from active, holistic engagement, and not passive note-taking or over-reliance on technology. I’m committed to helping students take charge of their own learning and thrive beyond exams.

When Harvard closes its gates, Singaporean students must rise with strategy, navigating global shifts with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Perfect grades are no longer enough. In Singapore’s tightening academic landscape, strategic thinking is the new academic edge. Here’s how you can help your child rise — and why an educational strategist matters more than ever.