Refunds And Terms

All fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-adjustable, in whole or part. All payments are made for a particular application cycle (see definition below)/mentorship programme, for particular services and a particular applicant. Payments are not refundable nor are they transferable to other services, to future cycles or to other family members.

The Basics:

The applicant/client understands that TRP is an independent organisation providing education advisory services and is not affiliated with any educational institution and does not guarantee admission to any such institution. Accordingly, TRP will not be liable if an applicant is unable to secure admission to any specific educational institution or at all.

Services & Fees

1. Scope of Services and Fees: TRP’s list of services and associated fees are detailed on the website. All rates & fees mentioned on the website are exclusive of applicable taxes. Payment must be made in full before the commencement of services.
   • a. Scholarships, Financial Aid and Fundraising: While TRP can answer general questions regarding scholarships and financial aid, the scope of our services does not include assistance with financial aid documentation (forms, bank letters etc.) nor does it include ongoing support to identify sources of funding for further studies.
2. • b. Visa Assistance: While TRP can direct applicants to consulates and government study abroad centres, we do not offer advice or assistance with the procurement of a visa to study in any country.
3. • c. Test Preparation: TRP does not offer any standardised test or general test preparation or support. The applicant is responsible for studying, researching test dates and managing registration and score reporting to colleges.
4. • d. School/Employee Materials: Our service includes help with strategising letters of recommendation from the school/employees. However, the applicant is responsible for coordinating with their recommender to ensure that the documentation is uploaded on time.
5. • e. Boarding School Visits: If required, TRP will assist in scheduling visits to boarding schools but cannot guarantee that the family will be accommodated on any date. Scheduling visits is purely dependent on the availability of appointments at the schools.
6. • f. Boarding School Test Scheduling: TRP will help in scheduling tests and arranging testing at the office. This will be at an additional cost and is not included in the package cost.
7. • g. Late Boarding School Applications: TRP does not guarantee any registration/application of an applicant will be accepted at individual institutions if the applicant is late in applying as per that institution’s deadline.
8. • h. Day and Boarding School Admissions: TRP only assists with the application process for grades 5 and above. We are not responsible for any external fees and do not guarantee admission to any school.
9. Payments: TRP appreciates prompt, full payment via online banking, credit card and debit card against system-generated invoices. TRP’s work will commence once the payment receipt is confirmed. TRP will not be responsible for any additional costs associated with other application fees, suggested service partners, paid workshops etc.
10. Fees are Non-refundable, Non-transferable and Non-adjustable, in Whole or Part: All payments are made for a particular application cycle (see definition below)/mentorship programme, for particular services and a particular applicant. Payments are not refundable nor are they transferable to other services, to future cycles or to other family members.
11. The client understands that TRP is a guidance consultant/counsellor and does not guarantee or assure interviews, admissions and/or results. Any liability that may arise out of deficiency of services or fulfilment of obligations outlined here shall be limited to the fees received from the client and shall not be more than that in any case. In particular, while TRP may provide certain assistance with respect to facilitating interviews, the responsibility of making adequate checks on the timing, location and other details rests solely with the client.

Schedule & Working Hours

Please note: All dates and time given in the schedule below is as per Indian Standard Time.

1. TRP’s Business Hours: TRP’s business hours are Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm Indian Standard Time. Saturday availability varies, depending on the timeframe in the application cycle.
2. Scheduling Meetings: TRP team will be able to schedule appointments with you within 72 business hours.
3. Public Holidays: TRP consultants will have limited availability during the holiday season (specifically Diwali and Christmas).
4. Application Cycles & Holiday Availability:
   • a. Undergraduate Admissions for Fall 2022 Applicants
     • i. Applications to universities outside India are typically submitted between August and January; admissions decisions are rendered between the following March and July; university sessions then begin in August/September. At TRP, preparation & support for the undergraduate application cycle begins once you sign up with us and continues through until approximately until May of the year the admissions decisions are rendered.
     • ii. Diwali: For applications due around November 1, 2021, all application-related services must be secured no later than October 25, 2021. To be clear, TRP will not be available for early application-related inputs from November 2, 2021 through November 6, 2021.
     • iii. December 1: For applications due around December 1, 2021, all application-related services must be secured no later than November 23, 2021. To be clear, TRP will not be available for December 1 deadline application-related inputs from November 23, 2021.
     • iv. December: TRP will complete current cycle application-related work for the calendar year 2021 on December 23, 2021. We will resume application work on January 4, 2022. To be clear, TRP will not be available for application-related inputs from December 24, 2021, through January 4, 2022.
     • v. January: TRP will complete mid-January application-related work for the application cycle year 2021-2022 on January 8, 2022. To be clear, TRP will not be available for application-related inputs from January 9, 2022. In cases where there are global universities that have deadlines later than mid-January, the deadlines will be set on a case to case basis. TRP will not be looking at application material a week before the application deadline.
5. • b. Undergraduate Admissions for Fall 2023 Applicants
     • i. Applications to universities outside India are typically submitted between August and January; admissions decisions are rendered between the following March and July; university sessions then begin in August/September. At TRP, preparation & support for the undergraduate application cycle begins once you sign up with us and continues through until approximately until May of the year the admissions decisions are rendered.
     • ii. Diwali: For applications due around November 1 2022, all application-related services must be secured no later than October 25, 2022. To be clear, TRP will not be available for early application-related inputs from October 22, 2022, through October 31, 2022.
     • iii. December 1: For applications due around December 1, 2022, all application-related services must be secured no later than November 23, 2022. To be clear, TRP will not be available for December 1 deadline application-related inputs from November 23, 2022.
     • iv. December: TRP will complete current cycle application-related work for the calendar year 2022 on December 23, 2022. We will resume application work on January 4, 2023. To be clear, TRP will not be available for application-related inputs from December 24, 2022, through January 4, 2023.
     • v. January: TRP will complete mid-January application-related work for the application cycle year 2022-2023 on January 8, 2023. To be clear, TRP will not be available for application-related inputs from January 9, 2023. In cases where there are global universities that have deadlines later than mid-January, the deadlines will be set on a case to case basis. TRP will not be looking at application material a week before the application deadline.
6. • c. MBA Admissions:
     • i. Applications to universities outside India are typically submitted between August and January; admissions decisions are rendered between December and the following April; university sessions begin in August/September or even January in some cases. At TRP, preparation & support for the MBA application cycle begins approximately April 1 in a given year and continues through until approximately March 31 of the following year.
     • ii. December: TRP will complete current cycle application-related work for the calendar year 2021 on Friday, December 24, 2021. We will resume current cycle application-related work on Monday, January 3, 2022. To be clear, TRP will not be available for application-related inputs from Saturday, December 25, 2021, through Sunday, January 2, 2022.
7. • d. Postgraduate Admissions:
     • i. Applications to universities outside India are typically submitted between August and January (for the fall intake); admissions decisions are rendered between December and the following April; university sessions then begin in August/September. At TRP, support for the postgraduate application cycle begins approximately April 1 in a given year and continues through until approximately March 31 of the following year.
     • ii. December: TRP will complete current cycle application-related work for the calendar year 2021 on Monday, December 21, 2021. We will resume current cycle application-related work on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. To be clear, TRP will not be available for application-related inputs from Tuesday, December 21, 2021, through Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
8. • e. Summer School:
     • i. Applications to summer programmes outside India are typically submitted between November and the following March; admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis; summer school sessions then begin in June/July/August.
9. • f.Boarding School:
     • i. Depending on the age of the applicant, the boarding school applications for 16+ (Grade 11) are typically submitted between July and December of the year before joining. The Boarding school application process for 13+ (Grade 8) starts two years before the year of joining.

The Red Pen’s Obligations

1. Guidance, Not Creation: TRP assists applicants in developing application materials including, but not limited to, essays, resumes, form inputs and letters of recommendation (if applicable). All required materials must be drafted and/or procured (in the case of letters of recommendation) by the applicant. TRP will provide strategic inputs that the applicant can implement.
2. Work Plans: TRP will work with each applicant to devise a customised work plan for materials/profile development and submission. TRP sets internal finalisation deadlines, usually 7 to 10 days before the actual submission deadline, by which time all application components must be submitted for final review by TRP. TRP will not review any application components within 72 hours of the actual submission deadline.
3. Communication Response Time: TRP uses email and an application management platform as the primary mode of communication. TRP will acknowledge phone, email or text communications as soon as possible and endeavour to provide detailed responses, if required, within 48 business hours.
4. Material Turnaround Time – TRP works on a Monday to Thursday schedule. That is, materials that you submit to us by Monday morning will be reviewed and returned at the latest by close of business on Thursday. Though, we always endeavour to return materials as soon as possible, especially as submission deadlines approach, unforeseen circumstances may lead to delay.
5. Client Confidentiality – Materials shared with TRP will not be shared outside the organisation. Furthermore, we do not disclose our client list or use names without permission.
6. Collaborative Team Approach. TRP employs a team of highly qualified specialists who will support you in the process. You will be assigned a lead consultant who will be your primary point of contact for the duration of this service. Please ensure that you communicate effectively with him/her/them.
7. Finalising Materials. Throughout your application journey, many people might want to help by providing inputs. This is great and we encourage you to solicit their advice early in the process. Once we have finalised your application materials, it is advisable not to re-open them. To ensure the highest quality, our finalisation process is collaborative and always involves a minimum of two readers. If an applicant makes changes to materials after the finalisation, TRP will not re-evaluate this material.

The Client’s/Applicant’s Obligations

1. Original Work: The applicant must draft/create materials such as resumes, institutional-specific essays and other supplemental documents for application submissions. TRP is not liable or responsible if any material submitted to an educational institution has been plagiarised in part or whole.
2. Make the Most of TRP’s Feedback: Applicants are expected to thoroughly review TRP’s feedback on application materials, including suggestions, questions, proposed language changes and potential deletions. If any TRP feedback is unclear, please ask for clarification.
3. Communicate Regularly: TRP understands that applicants face a myriad of competing demands on their time. In order to help us help you, please stay in touch regularly by email, even with short updates or status reports.
4. Inform TRP of Your Schedule, Including Exams (if applicable) and Travel Plans: Each applicant’s schedule and obligations vary. Please ensure that you update TRP with any scheduling constraints or opportunities that you may have. For example, if you have a family obligation or work/project/school deadline, please inform us. TRP will not be responsible for any delays owing to the action, inaction or lack of communication on the part of the applicant.
5. Have Reasonable Expectations: Much of the work involved in preparing quality application materials/roadmaps involves deep, considered thought that requires time, space and distance. So, applicants are requested to take this into account when reviewing TRP feedback and when requesting or expecting urgent feedback or inputs. Workshops/sessions offered (if any), will happen once or twice a year. Workshops/sessions missed will not be compensated for. TRP is not responsible for any further engagement that happens between the student and the service partner post workshops/events/sessions hosted by us.
6. Email: When sending emails, please ensure to ”Reply All” or “CC” all relevant, involved parties – the applicant, guardian and TRP consultants.
7. Social Media and Professional Networks: It is advisable that an applicant follows TRP’s accounts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to access updated information pertaining to profile building, the admissions process, upcoming events, scholarships and other relevant topics.
8. Provide PDF Copies of All Final Application Materials: Once you submit an application to an educational institution, please upload a final PDF of all relevant application materials to your shared file folder. These materials help the TRP team help you prepare for interviews and future submissions and assess the material that can be reused. These materials are not shared outside TRP and are stored securely within our internal systems.
9. Satisfaction Survey and Testimonials: Upon completion of the engagement, TRP will request feedback through an online customer survey and/or by email to help improve service offerings. TRP may also request testimonials, which will be used anonymously and only upon the final approval of the applicant. Finally, TRP may also request that you serve as a reference for prospective clients.
10. Maintain Confidentiality of TRP Materials: TRP develops and shares its proprietary materials for the exclusive use of applicants who have engaged the firm for profile building, application, advisory and related services. These materials should not be shared with anyone.

Technology and Communication Tools:

1. Use of Web-based Technology Platforms: TRP’s provision of services involves the use of technology including, but not limited to Google Drive & Meet, Zoom, Skype, the Application Management Platform and more. Therefore, it is important that the applicant have regular and consistent access to a computer and the Internet. A smartphone with Internet access is not required but helpful. If an applicant does not have access to such technology, please let TRP know as soon as possible.
2. Application Management Platform: TRP will create folders/sub-folders to organise files within the online file-sharing platform. Please use these appropriately and refrain from creating your own folders. TRP will onboard the applicant onto this system to track progress on application-related material such as, but not limited to, essays, resumes, etc. Applicants must update all documents on this platform using our naming convention. The college list and profile will also be maintained on this platform.
3. Use Microsoft Word, not Google Docs: When editing/reviewing documents, please use Microsoft Word, turn on track changes and use the ‘comments’ feature. Please do not use Google Docs to edit/revise documents. If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, please let us know as soon as possible.

  From time to time, other guidelines may be communicated and implemented to improve workflow and efficiency.

About The Red Pen

The Red Pen (TRP) partners with applicants (‘you’ or ‘student’ or ‘guardian’ or ‘client’ or ‘candidates’) who aspire to pursue education or higher studies around the world. Our globally experienced team offers custom-tailored solutions to help candidates stand out in the competitive admissions process. To enable us to better deliver our services, it is important that all parties understand, agree and adhere to certain operating parameters and guidelines as outlined below.

The Basics:

The applicant/client understands that TRP is an independent organisation providing education advisory services and is not affiliated with any educational institution and does not guarantee admission to any such institution. Accordingly, TRP will not be liable if an applicant is unable to secure admission to any specific educational institution or at all.

Services & Fees

1. Scope of Services and Fees: TRP’s list of services and associated fees are detailed on the website. All rates & fees mentioned on the website are exclusive of applicable taxes. Payment must be made in full before the commencement of services. The scope of each service is limited to what is detailed on the website. Any further assistance beyond the scope will incur an additional charge.
2. Payments: TRP appreciates prompt, full payment via online banking, credit card and debit card against system-generated invoices. TRP’s work will commence once the payment receipt is confirmed. TRP will not be responsible for any additional costs associated with other application fees, suggested service partners, paid workshops etc.
3. Fees are Non-refundable, Non-transferable and Non-adjustable, in Whole or Part: All payments are made for a particular service and for a particular applicant. Payments are not refundable nor are they transferable to other services, to future cycles or to other family members.
4. The client understands that TRP is a guidance consultant/counsellor and does not guarantee or assure interviews, admissions and/or results. Any liability that may arise out of deficiency of services or fulfilment of obligations outlined here shall be limited to the fees received from the client and shall not be more than that in any case.

Schedule & Working Hours

Please note: All dates and time given in the schedule below is as per Indian Standard Time.

1. TRP’s Business Hours: TRP’s business hours are Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm Indian Standard Time. Saturday availability varies, depending on the timeframe in the application cycle.
2. Scheduling Meetings: TRP team will be able to schedule appointments with you within 72 business hours.
3. Public Holidays: The TRP consultants will have limited availability during the holiday season (specifically Diwali and Christmas).
4. Holiday Availability:
   • a. November Availability: TRP will NOT be available for early application-related inputs from November 2, 2021, through November 6, 2021.
   • b. December Availability: TRP will NOT be available for application-related inputs from December 22, 2021, through January 4, 2022.

The Red Pen’s Obligations

1. Guidance, Not Creation: TRP assists applicants in developing application materials including, but not limited to, essays, resumes, form inputs and letters of recommendation (if applicable). All required materials must be drafted and/or procured (in the case of letters of recommendation) by the applicant. TRP will provide strategic inputs that the applicant can implement.
2. Work Plans: TRP will work with each applicant to devise a customised work plan for materials and submission. TRP sets internal finalisation deadlines, usually 7 to 10 days before the actual submission deadline, by which time all application components must be submitted for final review by TRP. TRP will not review any application components within 72 hours of the actual submission deadline.
3. Communication Response Time: TRP uses email as the primary mode of communication. TRP will acknowledge phone, email or text communications as soon as possible and endeavour to provide detailed responses, if required, within 48 business hours.
4. Material Turnaround Time – TRP works on a Monday to Thursday schedule. That is, materials that you submit to us by Monday morning will be reviewed and returned at the latest by close of business on Thursday. Though, we always endeavour to return materials as soon as possible, especially as submission deadlines approach, unforeseen circumstances may lead to delay.
5. Client Confidentiality – Materials shared with TRP will not be shared outside the organisation. Furthermore, we do not disclose our client list or use names without permission.
6. Collaborative Team Approach. TRP employs a team of highly qualified specialists who will support you in the process. You will be assigned a lead consultant who will be your primary point of contact for the duration of this service. Please ensure that you communicate effectively with him/her/them.
7. Finalising Materials. To ensure the highest quality, our finalisation process is collaborative and always involves a minimum of two readers. If an applicant makes changes to materials after the finalisation, TRP will not re-evaluate this material.

The Client’s/Applicant’s Obligations

1. Original Work: The applicant must draft/create materials such as resumes, institutional-specific essays and other supplemental documents for application submissions. TRP is not liable or responsible if any material submitted to an educational institution has been plagiarised in part or whole.
2. Make the Most of TRP’s Feedback: Applicants are expected to thoroughly review TRP’s feedback on application materials, including suggestions, questions, proposed language changes and potential deletions. If any TRP feedback is unclear, please ask for clarification.
3. Have Reasonable Expectations: Much of the work involved in preparing quality application materials/roadmaps involves deep, considered thought that requires time, space and distance. So, applicants are requested to take this into account when reviewing TRP feedback and when requesting or expecting urgent feedback or inputs.
4. Email: When sending emails, please ensure to ”Reply All” or “CC” all relevant, involved parties – the applicant, guardian and TRP consultants.
5. Social Media and Professional Networks: It is advisable that an applicant follows TRP’s accounts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to access updated information pertaining to profile building, the admissions process, upcoming events, scholarships and other relevant topics.
6. Satisfaction Survey and Testimonials: Upon completion of the engagement, TRP will request feedback through an online customer survey and/or by email to help improve service offerings. TRP may also request testimonials, which will be used anonymously and only upon the final approval of the applicant. Finally, TRP may also request that you serve as a reference for prospective clients.
7. Maintain Confidentiality of TRP Materials: TRP develops and shares its proprietary materials for the exclusive use of applicants who have engaged the firm for education-related services that include profile building, application, advisory and related services. These materials should not be shared with anyone.

Technology and Communication Tools:

1. Use of Web-based Technology Platforms: TRP’s provision of services involves the use of technology including, but not limited to Google Drive & Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp and more. Therefore, it is important that the applicant have regular and consistent access to a computer and the Internet. A smartphone with Internet access is not required but helpful. If an applicant does not have access to such technology, please let TRP know as soon as possible.
2. Use Microsoft Word, not Google Docs: When editing/reviewing documents, please use Microsoft Word, turn on track changes and use the ‘comments’ feature. Please do not use Google Docs to edit/revise documents. If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, please let us know as soon as possible.

  From time to time, other guidelines may be communicated and implemented to improve workflow and efficiency.