UK Boarding School Admissions: Everything You Need to Know

Tips for preparing your child for UK boarding school interviews - The Red Pen

UK boarding schools are renowned for their history, academic excellence, and unique approach to education. There are approximately 500 boarding schools across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with 1,926 Indian overseas students enrolled in 2023, according to the Independent School Council. These UK schools are well-known for facilitating entry into selective universities like Ivy […]

How to Write Supplemental Essays That Stand Out

How to write standout supplemental essays for college applications - The Red Pen

On August 1 of every year, most US colleges release prompts for supplemental essays. These additional essays are college-specific and are usually shorter than the Common Application essay. They help admissions officers determine if you’re a good fit for their institutions. Supplemental essays are divided into five main categories: The ‘Why College’ essay  The ‘Why […]

How to Ace the ‘Why College’ Supplemental Essay?

Young woman brainstorming ideas for her college application essay outdoors - The Red Pen

In addition to the Common Application essay, several universities in the US require college-specific essays, commonly referred to as supplemental essays. While prompts may vary, the most common supplemental essay topic is a version of why you want to study at a particular college and are known as the ‘Why College’ essay. Below, we help […]

How to Ace Third-Party Interviews for US College Admissions

Key strategies to succeed in third-party interviews for US college admissions - The Red Pen

The US remains a popular destination for international students. An Open Doors Report revealed that the US had 948,519 international students in 2022, reflecting a four percent increase compared to the preceding academic year. HolonIQ forecasts that the US will see 1.2m+ international students by 2023. Amid this influx, US universities face a new challenge […]

US Undergraduate Application Deadlines: All You Need to Know

Important dates for US undergraduate applications and tips to stay ahead - The Red Pen

When it comes to the final submission of your applications to US colleges, January 1 is the first thing that comes to mind. Most students rush to complete applications in the last week of the year because several deadlines fall on this day. After that, they wait for April 1, when colleges declare their results. […]

How to Fill out the Common App Form: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-step instructions for filling out the Common App form successfully - The Red Pen

If you have your heart set on pursuing your undergraduate studies in the US, it’s worth your time to understand the Common Application (Common App) form. Easing the tedious process of filling out multiple forms for different colleges, Common App is a single online college application form that more than 900 colleges evaluate.  The first […]

7 Compelling Reasons to Send Your Child to Boarding School

Reasons Why Boarding Schools Are Great for Child Development - The Red Pen

Recently, there has been a distinct trend of Indian families opting to enrol their children in domestic and international boarding schools. This shift is particularly evident in British boarding institutions, where Indian students account for roughly 16 percent of the total population. Similarly, in Swiss boarding schools, Indian students constitute approximately two to five percent […]

Singapore Undergraduate Studies: Everything You Need to Know

Singapore undergraduate studies guide and admission process - The Red Pen

Singapore provides an exceptional environment for undergraduate students seeking unparalleled opportunities to acquire knowledge and cultivate critical thinking skills. It is home to around 55,000 international students, of which 43 percent are pursuing undergraduate courses. Some of its most sought-after degrees include cybersecurity, media and animation, hospitality and tourism, business analytics and digital economy, logistics […]

Master’s Programme Inquiry Email Made Easy: Sample Included

Tips for Crafting a Master's Programme Inquiry Email with Sample - The Red Pen

The online application process for master’s degree courses often leaves applicants with numerous unanswered questions. Sending a master’s programme inquiry email to a graduate school gets you the correct information and helps you build connections that positively affect your application. In this article, we explain a master’s programme inquiry email, its importance and how you […]

Demonstrated Interest: Why it’s Important for Undergraduate Admissions

Young woman in a cozy sweater with a backpack, showing enthusiasm for college applications and demonstrated interest - The Red Pen

Many US colleges for international students have become highly selective. Harvard University’s acceptance rate fell from 10.5 percent to 3.19 percent within a decade. Besides the best and brightest, universities are looking for sincerity. Students must demonstrate interest to express their desire to join the college.  What is demonstrated interest?  Unlike your grades, test scores, […]