Unravelling the Enigma: What Makes Ivy League Schools Special?

Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Ivy League Schools Prestige and Value - The Red Pen

The Ivy League refers to a group of the finest US colleges. Leading global companies know that these universities educate the world’s best students. But which colleges are considered a part of the Ivy League? What makes each of them unique? Why are they so coveted? Read on to find out.  Here’s a list of […]

The Ultimate Guide to Undergraduate Courses in the US

Comprehensive overview of US undergraduate programs for students - The Red Pen

US colleges are undoubtedly popular among international students. In a survey conducted by the Institute of International Education with 550+ higher education institutions in the US, 65 percent of the universities revealed that they had seen a surge in international student enrolments for undergraduate courses since the pandemic. But before you apply, let’s understand US […]

US or UK: Which is Better for Undergraduate Studies?

Key Factors to Decide Between US and UK Undergraduate Programs - The Red Pen

The US and the UK are both popular destinations of study for international students. According to a survey by the Mitchell Institute, even after the pandemic, the US, the UK, and Canada lead the way with the highest number of international student visas globally. In 2022, the UK issued student visas to 118,000 Indians, while […]

Nuances of How to Apply to Undergraduate US Universities

As leading undergraduate consultants who constantly study international education trends, we know that the popularity of undergraduate courses in the US is constantly growing. The academic year of 2021-22 has seen nearly two lakh Indian students enroll in US universities, which marks a 19 percent increase over the previous year. Between May and August 2022, […]

US Undergraduate Scholarships: What International Students Should Know

Education costs and scholarship opportunities in the US for international students illustrated by cap and coins by The Red Pen

Deciding which US university to attend involves several factors, including location, course, faculty, extracurricular activities and most importantly, cost. College education in the US comes with a sizable price tag. According to U.S. News, in 2022-23, the average out-of-state tuition fee at public, four-year institutions was $22,953 and $39,753 at private, non-profit four-year institutions. Due […]

A Guide to Creating the Ultimate US University List

Tips for building a comprehensive US university list for applications - The Red Pen

Should you apply to large public colleges or small private ones? Do college rankings matter? Will a selected institution let you reach your full potential? These questions come to mind while applying for undergraduate studies in the US. The first task of the application process involves creating a university list of 40 colleges from a […]

Study Abroad at an Undergraduate University: A 3-Part Guide

Undergraduate student walking on a university campus, preparing for an international study journey – The Red Pen

As leading undergraduate consultants who work with hundreds of applicants that eventually study abroad, we know that transitioning from high school to an international university is both daunting and exciting. Not only must you get used to your new-found independence and live without family, but you must also acclimatise to a culturally different environment and […]

Shortlisting US Colleges? Don’t Miss These 6 Key Factors Beyond Rankings

Global network connection with a laptop in use and connected individuals icons – Shortlisting US Colleges? Don’t Miss These 6 Key Factors Beyond Rankings | The Red Pen

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are more than 4,000 higher education institutions in the country, and selecting universities is an understandably overwhelming process. That’s why, while shortlisting colleges, some students focus on the ‘highly ranked’ ones in the hope that they will improve their prospects after graduation. While there are a few […]

How to Write a Winning Common App Essay – The Ultimate Guide

Key Strategies for Writing a Winning Common App Essay Ultimate Guide - The Red Pen

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, […]

Busted: 7 Myths about Early Applications

Close-up of hands writing on application paperwork, addressing early application myths - The Red Pen

If you’re planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in the US, you’ve probably heard of and been encouraged to apply early. Applying early allows you to submit your application halfway through the senior year rather than towards the end of grade 12. While these deadlines come with their benefits–getting your admission result earlier, not submitting […]