Author name: The Red Pen

The Double Major Dilemma - Is It Worth the Extra Effort?

The Double Major Dilemma – Is It Worth the Extra Effort?

When it comes to mapping out your undergraduate journey, the choice of a major is pivotal. While many students opt for a single major, potentially coupled with a minor, pursuing a double major is a compelling and increasingly popular alternative worth considering. The College Board’s statistics reveal that roughly 25 percent of college students pursue …

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Students celebrating at non-Ivy League colleges on graduation day

Unveiling the 5 Best Non-Ivy League Colleges of 2024

The term “Ivy League” made its way into the American lexicon in the early 1930s when Caswell Adams, a sports journalist at the New York Herald Tribune, used it to characterise the formation of an emerging athletic conference. Today, it has become synonymous with prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, …

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Undergraduate student thinking about deadlines

Undergraduate Application Outcomes: What They Are and How to Respond?

After the frenzy of putting together and sending applications to institutions on your university list, waiting for their responses can feel like an eternity. However, not every college admission story ends with acceptance or rejection. You may also face grey areas like waitlisting and deferrals. But what do these responses mean, and what should you …

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Student raising their hand.

IBDP or IBCP: Choosing a Curriculum For Successful College Admissions

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an esteemed educational system that equips students for success in higher education. As of October 2023, over 8,000 IB programmes are being offered in 5,700 schools across 159 countries. The IB system has two distinct curricula for high school students: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Career-Related Programme …

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Student happy after graduation

Top 5 Highest-Paid Master’s Degrees in the World

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with Master’s degrees tend to earn higher salaries than those with Bachelor’s degrees. In the US, on average, in 2022, workers with a Master’s degree earned a median weekly wage of $1,545, while those with a Bachelor’s degree earned $1,248 per week. This …

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Undergraduate student

Co-Op Programmes for International Students: Everything You Should Know

College graduates often face a classic conundrum: Employers want candidates with work experience. But how do you get experience without a job? Co-op programmes often provide the perfect solution.  A dynamic fusion of classroom learning and paid work experience, these programmes have become integral to modern education. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the essence …

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International STEM students conducting experiments in a laboratory.

Unique Advantages of STEM-Designated Majors in the US

“STEM”, the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, encompasses the core disciplines that drive innovation and progress today. Beyond imparting knowledge in these fields, pursuing a STEM degree offers a multifaceted educational experience that cultivates essential skills such as critical thinking, innovation, scientific literacy, and collaborative teamwork. These experiences enrich your intellectual capabilities and …

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An undergraduate admissions consultant guiding a prospective student

How to Choose the Right Undergraduate Admissions Consultant

Undergraduate admissions get more and more competitive with every passing year. Admission rates of several US colleges reveal that the Class of 2027 is one of the most competitive years. For instance, New York University’s admissions rate fell from 12.8 percent for the class of 2025 to 8 percent for the class of 2027. Similarly, …

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LGBTQ+ students socializing on campus.

10 Best LGBTQ+ Friendly US Colleges of 2023

Numerous studies underscore the significance of role models and supportive communities in fostering the development of LGBTQ+ identities during high school and college. It is well-documented that LGBTQ+ students frequently encounter difficulties establishing a sense of belonging, so they carefully consider housing choices, public safety, access to support groups, social opportunities, and institutional policies when …

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Letters of Recommendation: Leave Nothing to Chance | The Red Pen

Letters of Recommendation: Leave Nothing to Chance

As you diligently work on your applications for an overseas master’s programme, your primary focus probably revolves around crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP), selecting the right colleges, and taking standardised tests. Undoubtedly, these elements play pivotal roles in your application journey. However, don’t underestimate the significance of the Letter of Recommendation (LOR). It …

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