Emerging Elite: The Rise of the New Ivies in American Higher Education

The Rise of the New Ivies in US Higher Education What Students Need to Know - The Red Pen

As the landscape of higher education in the US evolves, a new group of elite institutions is emerging as formidable alternatives to the traditional Ivy League schools. In a report by Forbes, an exclusive survey examined 1,700 colleges with highly selective admission rates and created a list of ten public and ten private universities that […]

The Ultimate Checklist to Craft a Stellar Master’s Application Five Months Before the Deadline

Close-up of an open book for curriculum selection frequently asked questions - The Red Pen

Planning the graduate school application journey demands meticulous preparation and careful execution. Research indicates that the optimal timeline for crafting a compelling application commences roughly a year before the submission deadline. Universities typically open their admissions portals between August and September, with the earliest application deadlines usually falling in December. This leaves applicants just five […]

UChicago Launches SSEN: Everything You Need to Know to Fast-Track Your Undergraduate Application

University of Chicago launches SSEN to streamline undergraduate admissions - The Red Pen

US universities continuously innovate to attract students. One of these efforts include various admissions programmes designed to cater to different student interests and backgrounds. The University of Chicago (UChicago), renowned for its rigorous academic environment and commitment to intellectual inquiry, offers a range of traditional admissions pathways. These include Early Decision I (ED 1) and […]

A Revolutionary Shift: Impact of AI on College Admissions. Its Promise and Perils

Impact of AI on college admissions and its revolutionary promise and challenges - The Red Pen

Artificial intelligence (AI) brings both promise and seismic change to the realm of college admissions. Initially, fear and scepticism swept through admissions offices as concerns mounted over students potentially using AI to write their college application essays. However, a dramatic transformation is underway. Many colleges and universities are embracing AI, weaving it seamlessly into the […]

Processing Your Student Visa: A Guide for Popular Study Abroad Destinations 

Step-by-step student visa application process for studying abroad - The Red Pen

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that allows students to expand their horizons, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and pursue academic passions. In 2023, the US issued 130,839 visas to Indian students, a 14 percent increase from the previous year. The UK granted 142,848 sponsored study visas to Indians, a 54 percent increase from June […]

How to Strategically Use Summer Vacations to Power Your Master’s Application

Cheerful girl sitting on grass with a tablet, strategizing her summer for Master’s application success by The Red Pen

The carefree days of summer offer students more than just a respite from academic pursuits. They present a strategic opportunity for personal and professional development. By thoughtfully engaging in internships, research projects, or volunteer work, students can not only recharge their intellectual batteries but also cultivate a deeper understanding of their chosen field of study. […]

UCAS Streamlined: What to Anticipate in the 2025 Admissions Cycle

Person holding a large British flag, symbolizing the focus on UK universities in the 2025 admissions cycle - The Red Pen

For the 2025 admissions cycle, UCAS has significantly revamped the undergraduate application process, incorporating feedback from stakeholders across the sector. These enhancements elevate students’ application journeys while furnishing universities and colleges with more precise and pertinent information. The application portal will be accessible to students starting May 16, 2024. This blog showcases some of the […]

Study Law in the US: An Ultimate Guide For Indian Students

Ultimate guide to pursuing legal studies in the United States for Indian students - The Red Pen

According to Reuters, after the pandemic in 2021, the number of applicants to law schools in the US surged by nearly 13 per cent, marking the most significant year-over-year percentage increase since 2002. As of 2025, the demand for lawyers has remained steady as the US legal system presents diverse specialisations and practice areas. But […]

Ace Your US College Applications: Insider Tips on School Profiles, LORs, and Transcripts

Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering US College Applications with Transcripts and LORs - The Red Pen

US Colleges evaluate your application holistically. Apart from essays, grades, and family background, they wish to assess your opportunities at school. Therefore, specific material must be submitted by your high school. For those seeking a head start on college applications, begin organising these documents sooner rather than later. The three essential documents your school needs […]

Testing the Waters: Is Standardised Testing Making a Comeback Post-Pandemic

Cheerful woman with test results signaling a return to standardised testing, The Red Pen

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 relegated to the sidelines. The number of test-optional colleges in the US dramatically increased from 1,075 in March 2020 to 1,700 by the fall of the same year. However, a significant […]