5 Factors to Consider Before Changing Your Child’s Curriculum for Grades 11 and 12

Detailed view of aged book pages, highlighting curriculum change considerations by The Red Pen

Over the last two decades, India has seen significant growth in the number of schools offering international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the Cambridge International AS & A Levels. What started with just eight international schools in 2000 has grown to over […]

The Oxbridge Collegiate System: Everything You Should Know

Stunning Oxbridge college with intricate architectural details, a cornerstone of its collegiate system - The Red Pen

When I started looking at undergraduate colleges in the UK, their collegiate system immediately appealed to me. Unique to the UK, universities such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, these colleges serve as your home away from home. My college, Lucy Cavendish, at the University of Cambridge has become my safe […]

An Amazon Recruiter Gives Valuable Advice On Landing Your Dream Job

An Amazon Recruiter Gives Valuable Advice On Landing Your Dream Job | The Red Pen

Most conversations around the dining table, especially in homes with high school students, revolve around college admissions and career prospects. Families want to give their children the best education possible and often this means sending their children to universities abroad. But studying abroad has never been more expensive. In the US, fees vary between INR […]

19 Things You Should Know Before Your First Semester in a US College

Preparing for college with a detailed checklist, guidance for US college freshmen by The Red Pen

I grew up in Bombay, wrote and spoke English fluently, watched Hollywood movies and consumed US media. I knew Joey’s tagline, “How you doin’?”, Vicky from Small Wonder and Charles from Charles in Charge. Yet, several things surprised me when I moved to the US. I went to Grinnell College in Iowa, lived in the […]

Your Guide to Undergraduate Learning at the University of Cambridge

Panoramic view of the University of Cambridge, home to top-tier undergraduate programs by The Red Pen

The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Its combination of approaches to learning encourages students, like me, to delve deeper into their academic passions. The opportunity to interact with leading intellectuals and access some of the finest resources guides us towards aspiring to achieve limitless possibilities. But what is it […]

Should I Go Abroad for My Undergraduate Studies?

Should I Go Abroad for My Undergraduate Studies? | The Red Pen

Recently, we came across a post where an ‘expert’ responded to the question “Should I apply for colleges in India or abroad?” with a simplistic response of “…apply to both so all your options remain open”. The problem is that the education systems in India and globally are unique, so college admissions requirements vary and […]

4 Common Myths About Careers After College

4 Common Myths About Careers After College | The Red Pen

A common belief in the education industry and one that’s often repeated during conversations about higher education is that current high school students will apply for jobs that don’t even exist yet. This indicates the blistering pace at which the career landscape can be transformed by technology. In such a state of constant change, it […]

5 Reasons Why the Oxbridge Tutorial System Gives You Life Skills

Oxford University's impressive architecture and green spaces from above by The Red Pen

Tutorials have been at the forefront of some of the world’s best universities for hundreds of years. In the UK, The University of Oxford and The University of Cambridge centre their entire learning system around this method. The Oxbridge tutorial system, as it is commonly called, is recognised as one of the most intensive and […]

Is a 3+2 Engineering Programme Right For You?

Engineering student examining prototype and schematic for 3+2 programme decision – The Red Pen

Typically, students interested in engineering gravitate towards larger universities that focus on different disciplines within the field of engineering or have a dedicated engineering school. While many find this route appealing, some students prefer to explore their interests in a liberal arts curriculum first. Why a 3+2 Programme May Actually Be the Best-Fit for You? […]

Where Should I Apply For My Master’s Abroad?

Where Should I Apply For My Master's Abroad? | The Red Pen

Are you looking to pursue a master’s programme abroad but are confused about the universities to which you should apply? Technical degrees like those earned while studying medicine, architecture, law and engineering are four-year courses, so these applicants meet most university requirements by default. However, as most Indian liberal arts, social science and business applicants […]