AI for Master’s Application Essays: How to Use it Smartly
It is human nature to want to do what you have been told to avoid. When someone says, “Don’t use AI for master’s application essays,” the instinctive response is often an eye roll, followed by a quiet dash to ChatGPT or other generative AI platforms. You are not alone. A survey by KPMG reveals that […]
Breakthrough Business Schools in India You Should Know About
Business schools in India are evolving as the country’s education sector experiences significant growth, with projections indicating that the market will reach US$102.29 billion by 2029. This growth signals an increasing appetite for high-quality, future-ready education, particularly in business. In response, a new generation of undergraduate business programmes is reshaping the academic landscape. These institutions […]
Master’s with a Low GPA: Learn Winning Application Strategies
At The Red Pen, we frequently encounter applicants who are uncertain about pursuing a master’s with a low GPA. It’s important to remember that the GPA alone does not define an applicant’s capabilities, potential, or future success. Additionally, it is a myth that applicants with a low GPA can only seek admission to unranked or […]
Undergraduate Studies in the UAE: Everything You Need to Know
Undergraduate studies in the UAE are gaining rapid momentum among international students, driven by the country’s expanding network of global universities and a career-oriented education model. The United Arab Emirates hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of international university branch campuses, with 24 institutions in Dubai, five in Abu Dhabi, and two in Ras […]
Master’s Statement of Purpose vs Personal History Statement: A Complete Guide
Master’s applicants often seek clarity on the Statement of Purpose vs Personal History Statement difference, as universities use different names for these essays. However, for the admissions committee, the distinction between these essays is clear and purposeful; moreover, it shapes how each document is evaluated. Nearly all graduate programmes worldwide ask applicants for a Statement […]
Ivy League Admissions Psychology: Secrets Every Applicant Should Know
Ivy League admissions psychology sits at the centre of one of the most competitive application processes in the world. Acceptance rates at Ivy League colleges remain low. In 2024, they averaged four to five percent, with Harvard University at three percent and Cornell University at eight percent. These numbers show how tough the process is […]
Graduate School Admissions Competition: What You Should Know
Welcome to what feels like the “Hunger Games” of graduate school admissions. The graduate school admissions competition has never been fiercer. With changes to post-study visa policies in the US and other key countries, as well as a tightening global job market, this admissions cycle is shaping up to be one of the most competitive […]
International Universities Opening Campuses in India: What You Need to Know
International higher education is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Indian students, with 892,989 studying abroad in 2023, are reassessing study abroad options as traditional destinations face growing uncertainty. While overall Indian student outbound numbers dropped by 15 per cent in early 2024, this decline is likely to continue due to ongoing safety concerns, geopolitical instability, and […]
The Return of SAT and ACT in US Universities
Editor’s note: This post was updated in October 2025 to include Princeton University’s decision to reinstate standardised testing for fall 2027 applicants. College admissions underwent a profound transformation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Standardised testing, once a cornerstone of the US admissions process, was quickly sidelined. As the role of the SAT and […]
Master’s Waitlist Strategy: How to Stay in the Running
After months of preparation, you finally submitted a well-researched, carefully written master’s application with supporting documents and a compelling Statement of Purpose. But when the outcome reads “You’ve been waitlisted,” it can be unsettling. Having a clear master’s waitlist strategy from the start helps you stay calm, respond effectively and improve your chances of turning […]