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 extensive experience in evaluating countless applications. That’s why, while we highlight the common pitfalls of crafting college essays in this blog, we complement it with guidance from The Red Pen’s leadership, Kim Dixit and Namita Mehta. Their ex ..read more

US universities continuously innovate to attract students. One of these efforts include various admissions programmes designed to cater to different student interests and backgrounds. The University of Chicago (UChicago), renowned for its rigorous academic environment and commitment to intellectual inquiry, offers a range of traditional admissions pathways. These include Early Decision I (ED 1) and Early Decision II (ED2). Both are binding application programmes. The application deadline for ED1 is in November, and students can expect a response by mid-December. On the other hand, the ED 2 app ..read more

In recent years, the pursuit of higher education, particularly in the field of finance, has seen a remarkable surge. Many Indians currently pursuing their Master’s in Finance at leading graduate schools worldwide underscore the country’s profound fascination and determination to pursue a finance education, both domestically and abroad. This blog delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring the advantages and challenges associated with embarking on a Master’s in Finance journey. What is a Master’s in Finance? A Master’s in Finance (MSF), or an MFin, is an advanced academic programm ..read more

According to the United States Census Bureau, women comprise half of the US workforce but are severely underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields at 27 percent. In recent years, there has been a vested interest in encouraging women to pursue their education in STEM. As of 2022, one-quarter of the billion-dollar startup companies in the US have a founder who first came to the country as an international student. In 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expanded STEM opportunities by introducing 22 STEM fields. As the demand for STEM workers inc ..read more

Artificial intelligence (AI) brings both promise and seismic change to the realm of college admissions. Initially, fear and scepticism swept through admissions offices as concerns mounted over students potentially using AI to write their college application essays. However, a dramatic transformation is underway. Many colleges and universities are embracing AI, weaving it seamlessly into the fabric of their admissions review processes. According to a groundbreaking survey by Intelligent in 2023, 50 percent of admissions offices used AI for reviewing. This figure is expected to soar to a stagger ..read more

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that allows students to expand their horizons, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and pursue academic passions. In 2023, the US issued 130,839 visas to Indian students, a 14 percent increase from the previous year. The UK granted 142,848 sponsored study visas to Indians, a 54 percent increase from June 2022. Similar trends were observed for Canada. But despite this rise, many applications still face rejection. Therefore, understanding the intricacies of the visa application process is crucial for aspiring students. In this comprehensive guide ..read more

Applying to US universities is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, especially since the admissions landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. An Open Doors Report reveals a significant 35 percent increase in Indian students studying in the US, reaching a record high of 268,923 students in 2023. Notably, among these, 31,954 were pursuing undergraduate studies. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand what admissions officers are looking for in undergraduate applications. Beyond the grades and test scores, a complex tapestry of factors shapes the admissions process. This comprehensive guide ..read more

Venturing into postgraduate studies abroad after an undergraduate degree in India is a transformative journey filled with opportunities and challenges. The Indian Student Mobility Report 2023 reveals that a staggering 1.3 million Indian students are pursuing higher education overseas, with approximately 60 percent enrolled in postgraduate studies. Projections suggest this number will rise to 1.5 to 2 million by 2025, reflecting the increasing globalisation of education and the growing inclination towards advanced studies beyond borders. Based on ICEF Monitor, a market intelligence source for t ..read more

Admission to selective colleges continues to grow more competitive each year. For the Fall 2024 cycle, Yale University received a record 57,465 applications, a nearly 10 percent increase from its previous record of 52,250. Yale’s acceptance rate also hit a new low of 3.7 percent, down from 4.5 percent last year, making the road to college feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring down the barrel in high school. But what if we told you a stress-free, well-prepared college application experience is within reach? This blog will serve as your roadmap, breaking down the college preparation ..read more

In the demanding world of college counselling, where empathy and compassion are daily essentials, burnout can quietly creep in, sapping energy and passion. While counsellors devote their lives to helping others navigate challenges, they often find themselves vulnerable to stress, emotional exhaustion, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment. In this blog, we delve into the multifaceted nature of burnout among college counsellors—what it looks like, why it happens, and, most importantly, how you can overcome this challenge. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of burnout yourself or s ..read more