What really influences admissions decisions at selective universities
How to plan academics, extracurriculars, testing, and essays with purpose
How successful applications tell a cohesive story
Open Q&A with the speakers
The Red Pen is a leading educational consultancy that supports students through the admissions processes for boarding schools, colleges, and master’s, PhD, and MBA programmes worldwide. We work closely with students to understand their academic and career goals, then help them identify, select, and apply to institutions where they will thrive. Our partnership with U.S. News & World Report, a global authority in education rankings, further strengthens our ability to guide students with data-driven insights and expert-led mentorship.
CANDIDATE:
AN
GRE/GMAT:
Did not take
GPA:
3.43/4.0 (as per her WES evaluation)
Qualification:
BA Economics
Work Experience:
Less than six months
Admitted to:
NYU
AN aimed for an MS in Marketing in the US and the UK. The applicant was prompt in balancing the WES evaluation and other application components. However, while brainstorming the SOP we encountered a challenge. The applicant lacked sufficient work experience, which is gained through internships. They only had a two-month marketing internship in a finance company. However, as an undergraduate, the applicant was editor-in-chief of the college magazine, co-authored academic papers and hosted an Instagram series on mental health, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community.
While storyboarding, we strategically guided the applicant to match their academic endeavours with their desire to become an inclusive impact marketer. As an editor, writer and social media content creator for diversity and inclusivity, AN developed excellent communication skills, an understanding of different people, and concise and compelling storytelling abilities. We advised the applicant to position themself as a collaborative marketing person who understood diverse needs, has problem-solving skills and was familiar with contemporary communication platforms.
AN exemplifies how storyboarding with expert counsellors can help applicants identify experiences that align with their goals. Our strategic advice proved valuable, and the applicant received offers from programmes of their choice. It reinforced the fact that transferable skills, like problem-solving, communication, collaboration and technical proficiency, are greatly valued and can compensate for work experience.
