Medical Studies Abroad

Originally published in Hindustan Times Education section

I get a lot of questions about medical studies abroad. Whether it is for residencies or questions about undergraduate medicine courses, the fact is that these are difficult to answer because the system of medical education in India is, in many ways, very different from the rest of the world. 

Interview Prep Part 2

Originally Published in Hindustan Times Education section

A few weeks ago I wrote a column about preparing for interviews. After talking to a few people who have gone through the process, I realize that my advice needs some more detail. Here are some specific questions that you might expect in college, MBA or scholarship interviews.

The Red Pen College Tours!

We're hitting the road! Join us as we explore colleges on the West and East Coasts of the United States.

What?  US university tours custom-designed for Indian applicants When: Departures in May and in June 2014 Bring: An open mind and a sense of adventure

The Red Pen, India's premier boutique university admissions advising service, is pleased to announce US college tours this summer in conjunction with Thomas Cook India. The tours are ideal for Indian students who are considering undergraduate studies in America. On this Travel & Learn Program, The Red Pen's experienced counsellors, Kim Dixit and Kavita Mehta, will accompany students on campus tours, arrange admissions information sessions and facilitate meetings with current students to give a first-hand experience of campus life at some of America’s most popular institutions. Kim and Kavita will also address unique issues faced by Indian applicants during tailored workshops before, during and after the tour.  Two tour itineraries are being offered - the West Coast and the East Coast.  The dates are continuous - making it easy to participate in one or both tours. On the West Coast check out Stanford University, University of Southern California, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Santa Barbara, California Polytechnic State University and the Claremont Colleges. West Coast Tours start on May 10 and June 7. On the East Coast visit Harvard University, MIT, Boston University, New York University, Columbia University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Amherst College, University of Massachusetts, Drexel University, Swarthmore College and Rutgers University. East Coast Tours start on May 20 and June 17. *Note, specific institutions are subject to change.  Check out the brochure for more details.  Space is limited! To reserve your spot, call 022-6609-1212 or email travel&learn@in.thomascook.com.

Fostering Independence

Originally Published in The Hindustan Times Education Section

 

I’m not a parenting expert and I have no training in child psychology, but as a person who gives advice to college applicants on how to succeed, the topic of raising responsible and and self-reliant adolescents seems appropriate. I see too many 15 to 17 year olds who are eager to attend the best colleges, but who have never been allowed to make a single mistake or take an independent decision. These children are “packaged” by the time they apply to college and colleges are not interested in perfectly packaged students. They are interested in students who can handle life’s realities.

Study in Canada

originally published in The Hindustan Times Education section

At a recent MBA college fair, I met several representatives from Canadian universities. Though I am from the USA, I knew very little about the education system of our neighbors to the North. In the session I collected some compelling facts about studying in Canada. 

Top 5 Things You Should Always Do For An Interview

Originally Published in The Hindustan Times Education section

Interview season is upon us. Some early applicants have already had interviews, while others are preparing for calls after the new year. Top 5 things you should always do for an academic interview.