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 […]
Shaping Global Leaders: Hult London, Boston and Dubai Campuses
The Hult London, Boston and Dubai campuses place students in business capitals where classroom theory meets real-world opportunity. As a result, they gain the insights and connections that define successful global leaders. In today’s competitive job market, location plays a decisive role. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 72 percent of […]
Quarter vs Semester System in US Universities: Pros and Cons
When exploring colleges in the US, students often focus on factors like location, financial aid, and available majors. However, one often-overlooked but important factor is the quarter vs semester system in US universities, which can influence your workload, internship opportunities, and campus life. Recent reports show that 95 percent of US universities use the semester […]
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 […]
Master’s Application Burnout: How to Avoid Stress During Graduate Admissions
Each year, I work closely with several bright and motivated master’s applicants, all eager to begin the next phase of their academic journey. Yet, as deadlines approach, some encounter master’s application burnout, a state of mental, emotional, and physical fatigue that disrupts even the most well-prepared candidates As Head of Content in The Red Pen […]
UK Immigration Policy Changes for Students: What You Need to Know in 2025
In 2022-23, the UK hosted approximately 758,855 international students, with India surpassing China as the largest source country. This phenomenon marked a significant shift in international student demographics, reflecting changing global education trends. However, according to the May 2025 Immigration White Paper, a formal policy document that outlines plans before introducing legislation, the UK government […]
The Ultimate Decision: Thesis-based vs. Course-Based Master’s Programmes
Choosing the right master’s programme goes beyond selecting a prestigious university or reviewing programme titles. Universities typically offer either thesis-based or coursework-based options, each with different benefits, and making the right choice can have a profound impact on your future. Therefore, the stakes are high. At The Red Pen, we’ve worked with countless applicants globally, […]
Oxbridge Admissions 101: Everything You Need to Know
In the realm of higher education, few names carry as much prestige as Oxbridge, a portmanteau of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. These hallowed institutions, steeped in centuries of tradition and academic excellence, have consistently drawn the brightest minds from around the world. The legacy of Oxbridge universities is marked by […]
Shortlisting US Colleges? Don’t Miss These 6 Key Factors Beyond Rankings
According to the Open Doors Report, in the 2022-23 academic year, more than 268,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions, underscoring the country’s continued appeal as a study destination. With nearly 4,000 accredited institutions of higher education in the US, deciding where to apply can be overwhelming. Many students, when shortlisting colleges, focus on […]