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

How Co-Op Programmes Help International Students Gain Work Experience - The Red Pen

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 […]

Unique Advantages of STEM-Designated Majors in the US

International STEM students conducting experiments in a laboratory.

“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 […]

How to Ace Third-Party Interviews for US College Admissions

Key strategies to succeed in third-party interviews for US college admissions - The Red Pen

The US remains a popular destination for international students. An Open Doors Report revealed that the US had 948,519 international students in 2022, reflecting a four percent increase compared to the preceding academic year. HolonIQ forecasts that the US will see 1.2m+ international students by 2023. Amid this influx, US universities face a new challenge […]

US Undergraduate Application Deadlines: All You Need to Know

Important dates for US undergraduate applications and tips to stay ahead - The Red Pen

When it comes to the final submission of your applications to US colleges, January 1 is the first thing that comes to mind. Most students rush to complete applications in the last week of the year because several deadlines fall on this day. After that, they wait for April 1, when colleges declare their results. […]

How to Fill out the Common App Form: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-step instructions for filling out the Common App form successfully - The Red Pen

If you have your heart set on pursuing your undergraduate studies in the US, it’s worth your time to understand the Common Application (Common App) form. Easing the tedious process of filling out multiple forms for different colleges, Common App is a single online college application form that more than 900 colleges evaluate.  The first […]

Demonstrated Interest: Why it’s Important for Undergraduate Admissions

Young woman in a cozy sweater with a backpack, showing enthusiasm for college applications and demonstrated interest - The Red Pen

Many US colleges for international students have become highly selective. Harvard University’s acceptance rate fell from 10.5 percent to 3.19 percent within a decade. Besides the best and brightest, universities are looking for sincerity. Students must demonstrate interest to express their desire to join the college.  What is demonstrated interest?  Unlike your grades, test scores, […]

Extracurricular Activities: Everything you need to know for US College Application

How Extracurricular Activities Impact US College Applications - The Red Pen

Along with grades and test scores, extracurricular activities are critical to your university application. They enable colleges to see if you can go beyond the classroom and contribute to their campus life. According to Jorge Delgado, Associate Director of International Admissions at Brandeis University, “there are only so many hours in the day. So seeing […]

US Undergraduate Standardised Testing: All You Need to Know

Young student studying on a laptop surrounded by school supplies, symbolizing preparation for US standardized testing – US Undergraduate Standardised Testing: All You Need to Know | The Red Pen

Although several US colleges have introduced test-optional and test-blind admissions policies, standardised testing is still significant for undergraduate applications to US universities. It may be in your best interest to take these tests. Even though the test may not be compulsory, a good score may tip the scales in your favour and increase your chances […]

UC Application Made Easy: A Guide for International Students

Simplified UC Application Process for International Students - The Red Pen

Considered one of the best public university systems in the US, the University of California (UC) has nine undergraduate campuses – UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC Merced. You must apply through the UC application form to pursue your undergraduate degree […]

Beyond the US, UK and Canada: Unique Study Abroad Destinations

Cheerful female student with headphones, airplane, and globe on pink background, The Red Pen

The past decades have seen unprecedented growth in students choosing to study abroad for higher education. According to a study by Holon IQ in 2019, there were 5 million international students, representing 196 Billion USD of direct annual expenditure. They expect this annual expenditure to double by 2030. While global education may have faced challenges during […]