Study Medicine in the UK: A Complete Guide for Undergraduates

The UK has a long tradition of educating medical students. UK-trained doctors practise medicine globally and are recognised for their clinical skills. In 2022, the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London and King’s College London ranked among the top 20 medical colleges in the world. Here’s everything you need […]
Common Pitfalls of College Application Essays and How to Avoid Them

When applicants start writing college essays, they are often inundated with advice on content. However, the true challenge lies not in deciding what to include but in discerning what to avoid. Whether you’re tackling the main personal essay or each college’s unique supplements, it is wise to seek the counsel of seasoned admission professionals with […]
How to Write Supplemental Essays That Stand Out

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?

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 Imperial College London’s (ICL) Q&A for Master’s Applications

Imperial College London (ICL) and several universities that offer a master’s programme in the UK have replaced their statement of purpose (SOP) format with a questionnaire that demands skilled and thoroughly thought-through responses. An unassuming applicant can struggle with the complexity of the questions and submit superficial answers. But don’t worry. As leading global postgraduate […]
Common Mistakes in Master’s Application Essays for Studying Abroad

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 […]
ChatGPT: The Truth About AI-Writing for College Application Essays

Essays are an integral part of the college application process. They give admissions officers a glimpse into your achievements and aspirations beyond grades and scores. Due to their importance, it is not surprising that students constantly search for ways to simplify the writing process. Recently, ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) writing tool developed by OpenAI, […]
How to Write a Winning Common App Essay – The Ultimate Guide

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, […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Reflective Essay Writing

When it comes to essays, there are various different types–descriptive, expository, persuasive and reflective essays. While you may have nailed how to tackle the first three through your school work, reflective essays may pose a challenge. Reflective essays require you to examine your life experiences, describe your feelings and thoughts, analyse their impact and reveal […]
Your Ultimate Guide to the Columbia Business School (CBS) 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) […]