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 […]

How to Identify the Best-Fit High School for Your Child

Books, sports, and creative tools reflecting the variety of factors in selecting the best-fit high school for your child – The Red Pen

In the last 2 decades, the education landscape in India has changed drastically. Now, you face several questions when it comes to selecting the best-fit school for your child. Should you opt for a school that offers international curricula, such as the IB, A Levels or Advanced Placements? Should you stick to the Indian curriculum, […]

7 Things You Should Think About Before Considering a Career In Medicine

Students discussing outside a campus building, illustrating key factors to weigh before entering the medical field - The Red Pen

As a high school student, you might be wondering, “Why do I need to start thinking about medical school now?” The answer is important because there is a lot to sort through before you even get started. While the US requires you to complete a bachelor’s degree before you can apply for an MD programme, […]

Why Are Summer Camps Important?

Summer camp participants exploring rocky cliffs and sea activities wearing safety gear – The Red Pen

If you are lucky enough to have childhood memories of taking part in outdoor adventures, it is very likely that you have experienced the rush that comes with taking a risk, pushing yourself and discovering your capabilities. There is a transformational thrill that lies at the heart of every great adventure; one that comes from […]

How Can My Child Engage With Community Service?

Young child carefully holding a young plant, embodying engagement in community service - The Red Pen

Community service is a term that everyone has heard of at some point. Apart from aiding society in general, volunteer work can help children develop valuable skills such as empathy, dedication and passion.  Acknowledging the importance and value of community service, certain international curricula, such as the MYP and the IBDP, have included this as […]

Speech & Debate: A Life Changing Journey

Public speaking event with a female orator addressing an attentive crowd, The Red Pen

As a back-to-back State Championship Debater growing up in the US, taking part in speech and debate truly changed my life. A powerful academic journey that can open opportunities, speech and debate is also valued by highly selective colleges. I believe that it was my involvement with speech and debate helped me gain admissions at […]

How Can My Child Engage in Extracurricular Activities?

How Can My Child Engage in Extracurricular Activities? | The Red Pen

Today, most children spend hours and hours on social media or playing video games. Excessive amounts of time spent in the digital world can negatively impact their overall development and lead to unhealthy lifestyles. However, if children spent some of their time engaged in constructive and creative extracurricular activities, such as sports, dance, music and […]

Why Does My Child Need to Develop Their Interests?

Smiling child working on hands-on learning activity to develop skills and passions – The Red Pen

Gone are the days when grades were all that mattered. Today, schools, colleges and even employers are looking at applicants holistically. They prefer students who have gone above and beyond academics and demonstrated additional interest in a subject about which they are passionate. Along with this, they want students who have showcased additional abilities such […]

How to Draft a Successful Common App Activities Section

How to Draft a Successful Common App Activities Section | The Red Pen

Part 2 of a 4-part series If you’re planning to study in the US for an undergraduate degree, it is likely that you will be filling out the Common Application form. A vital component of this form is the activities section. While the essays you will be writing may be daunting, filling out this particular […]