Common Mistakes in Master’s Application Essays for Studying Abroad

Young academic preparing her application for a Master's program abroad, consulting essential essay guidelines - The Red Pen

Whether it’s a personal statement or statement of purpose (SOP), your master’s application essay is an opportunity to showcase who you are to the admissions committee beyond just your grades. However, writing these essays can be tricky. We at The Red Pen work with hundreds of postgraduate applicants every year. Despite providing clear guidelines and […]

How to Apply to UK Universities as an International Student

Understanding the UK Student Visa Process for International Applicants - The Red Pen

If you’re wondering how to apply to UK universities as an international student, the application process is pretty straightforward. You will have to submit your applications through the UCAS  website, which serves as a centralised platform to apply to universities in the UK. Although the holy trinity of predicted grades, a letter of recommendation, and […]

Nuances of How to Apply to Undergraduate US Universities

As leading undergraduate consultants who constantly study international education trends, we know that the popularity of undergraduate courses in the US is constantly growing. The academic year of 2021-22 has seen nearly two lakh Indian students enroll in US universities, which marks a 19 percent increase over the previous year. Between May and August 2022, […]

Shortlisting US Colleges? Don’t Miss These 6 Key Factors Beyond Rankings

Global network connection with a laptop in use and connected individuals icons – Shortlisting US Colleges? Don’t Miss These 6 Key Factors Beyond Rankings | The Red Pen

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are more than 4,000 higher education institutions in the country, and selecting universities is an understandably overwhelming process. That’s why, while shortlisting colleges, some students focus on the ‘highly ranked’ ones in the hope that they will improve their prospects after graduation. While there are a few […]

How to Write a Winning Common App Essay – The Ultimate Guide

Key Strategies for Writing a Winning Common App Essay Ultimate Guide - The Red Pen

Applying to US universities involves writing several college application essays that allow admissions officers to get to know and understand you. Remember that these aren’t book reports or literary analyses but rather a personal narrative in your voice. Tim Wolfe, Associate Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions at the College of William & Mary, […]

How to Choose Between Oxford and Cambridge for Undergraduate Admissions

Beautiful stained glass windows in a historic building, representing the academic and cultural heritage of Oxford and Cambridge – How to Choose Between Oxford and Cambridge for Undergraduate Admissions | The Red Pen

Undoubtedly, two of the UK’s most prestigious and famous universities are the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, commonly called Oxbridge. Known for their historic “rivalry”, accomplished alumni, traditions that go back decades, academic rigour and quaint university towns, they both have a lot to offer their students. When considering applying to the […]

10 Ways to Ace Your Oxbridge Interview

How to Stand Out in Your Oxbridge Interview with Confidence - The Red Pen

Interviews are an integral part of the Oxbridge admissions process. The admissions committee invites those students who have an impressive application for an interview before determining their admission. Unlike regular interviews, Oxbridge interviews make you dive deep into your interests so that you can come up with brilliant responses. As someone who has gone through […]

Your Ultimate Guide to the Columbia Business School (CBS) MBA Essays

How to Tackle the Columbia Business School MBA Essays

When it comes to putting your MBA application together, the essay is one of the most crucial elements. It serves as a way to tie together all your experiences, show the admissions committee who you are beyond your test scores and demonstrate how you are a good fit for their programme.  Columbia Business School (CBS) […]

2021-2022 Essays Prompts for MBA Programmes in Europe

2021-2022 Essays Prompts for MBA Programmes in Europe | The Red Pen

When it comes to putting together your MBA application for business schools in Europe, one of the most crucial elements is the essay. The MBA essay serves as a way to tie together all your experiences, show the admissions committee who you are beyond your test scores and demonstrate how you are a good fit […]

Why are English Language Proficiency Tests Important?

Dedicated young man studying in a classroom, preparing for English language proficiency exams - The Red Pen

When applying to colleges abroad, international students might be required to submit an English Language Proficiency Test as a part of their application. This demonstrates to the colleges that the applicant’s English is at an adequate level to cope with college-level lectures and classes. These tests may be required even if English is your first […]