Indian students studying abroad increasing exponentially: The Red Pen CEO

In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, Dr Kimberly Dixit, CEO and Co-Founder of The Red Pen, sheds light on the evolving landscape of international education and college admissions. Dr Dixit highlights the recognition of both Indian and international curricula by international universities, providing valuable advice for students considering their educational paths after grade 10. Amidst the traditional study-abroad destinations of the US, UK, and Canada, Dr Dixit discusses the burgeoning interest in alternative destinations such as Germany, the Netherlands, and UAE, driven by factors like affordability and promising post-study opportunities

What are the emerging study-abroad destinations besides the US, UK and Canada?

While the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia remain popular choices for Indian students, there is a rising interest in alternative destinations, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India’s new-age universities. This shift is influenced by more affordable tuition fees, promising post-study work opportunities, study-abroad semesters and favourable immigration policies.

“Should I switch to the IB or stay with the Indian curriculum after grade 10?” Most students seeking an undergraduate education abroad ask this question. What do you suggest?

The good news is that international universities recognise both the Indian and the international curriculum, ensuring that the choice of curriculum for grades 11-12 does not put students at a disadvantage during the admissions process. The most important thing is that students demonstrate they have challenged themselves within their chosen curriculum. In the end, subject selection holds greater significance than the educational board. For example, if a student wants to pursue engineering, studying and scoring well in the highest level of maths and physics will help them stand out. We at The Red Pen have helped CBSE and ISC applicants gain admission to prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. For UK universities, subject requirements are pretty specific and vary by chosen course major.

When considering a curriculum change, it’s important to remember that any studies after grade 10 will represent a substantial leap in academic rigour. While the IB diploma curriculum is very demanding, even students who move from ICSE to ISC or from IGCSE to A Levels will experience a significant increase in workload and complexity, as well as a new learning style and advanced levels of study.

Before switching to another curriculum, assessing the student’s strengths and whether they can adapt to a new teaching style is essential. For instance, while Indian curricula emphasise memorisation for final exams, the IBDP prioritises critical thinking and analysis, as well as continuous assessment. If your child is thriving in their current system, especially considering the impact on college admissions, think carefully before changing. Additionally, evaluate the potential implications for the student beyond academics; transitioning schools can be disruptive to a student's well-being. Before switching curricula or schools, we advise parents to consider factors like the school environment, ethos, and support systems. Consulting with experts can provide valuable insights into the available options.

How has the college admissions landscape evolved since you started The Red Pen?

The college admissions landscape has changed significantly since we started The Red Pen over a decade ago. To begin with, the number of Indian students studying abroad is growing exponentially. Back in 2013, approximately 181,872 Indian students went abroad to study. In 2022, 770,000 Indian students enrolled in foreign universities. The number of Indian students studying outside the country is estimated to rise by 10 per cent annually.

With lower acceptance rates and increased demand for higher education, admissions have become increasingly competitive, and students must have high grades and a stellar roster of extracurricular activities.

While Indian students have always been interested in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) (closely trailed by business and management programs), the changes in the STEM OPT visa in the US have driven even more focus in these areas. This visa change enables STEM graduates to work in the country longer.

Standardised testing (SAT & ACT) has also undergone various reforms. While some institutions adopted test-optional or test-blind policies, the exams have been revamped and are now digitally administered.

What challenges do Indian students commonly face with international admissions, and how do you help applicants overcome them?

Indian students often encounter challenges in the essay component of international admissions. Expressing personal experiences, aspirations, and unique qualities concisely yet impactfully can be daunting. At The Red Pen, we recognise the intricacies of this challenge and provide comprehensive brainstorming documents to guide students in identifying key aspects of their identity, experiences, and goals. These documents serve as a foundation for developing a well-structured and engaging essay.

We then work closely with applicants through multiple drafts, offering constructive feedback to refine and polish their essays. This iterative process allows students to enhance the clarity, authenticity and impact of their personal narratives. We also assist students in selecting and applying to universities that align with their potential and goals.

With test-blind and test-optional policies introduced after the pandemic, are standardised tests still as important?

Many US colleges are adapting their admissions policies in response to the evolving educational landscape and the Covid-19 pandemic. These changes include test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind approaches. While some colleges allow applicants to decide whether to submit standardised test scores, others offer alternatives or completely disregard them. It's important to note that policies vary among institutions, and although it's within your discretion to forego the SAT/ACT, taking one of the exams can benefit students who do well on them. Highly competitive universities still prefer or require standardised test scores. Additionally, submitting test scores could strengthen your overall application if your academic record, extracurricular activities, or other application components are not exceptionally strong.

How much does your consultancy rely on international rankings while helping students choose international institutions?

Some students focus on ‘highly ranked’ colleges while creating their university shortlist. While rankings enable students to compare institutions on criteria such as faculty, research, facilities, campus life, student satisfaction, employment/recruitment stats, etc, they should be used as a reference rather than the gospel. Popular, published rankings like U.S. News, QS World University Rankings, and the Princeton Review all use different criteria for their rankings. Each ranking list is based on parameters the publisher deems important. That’s why we at The Red Pen use a ‘best-fit’ model and recommend universities based on the college’s ethos, quality of student experience, unique offerings, and specific academic match to a student’s future goals.

What is your view on using AI writing or ChatGPT for college admission essays?

Crafting an authentic and impactful college application essay is a personal endeavour that demands genuine reflection and creativity. While AI writing tools can help you structure your thoughts, we never recommend that students rely on them entirely for admissions essays. Apart from tools that can detect AI writing, platforms like ChatGPT lack the creativity and depth expected in a compelling college application essay. Admissions officers seek thoughtful and insightful narratives that showcase an applicant's unique experiences. AI-generated content tends to be generic, sparse in detail and fails to provide the necessary personal touch. Additionally, AI-generated content is often verbose and repetitive. Admissions essays typically have word count limits, and being excessively wordy can convey a lack of substance in an applicant's message.