Latest news with #universityadmissions
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Early guidance key to university admission success
A panel on equitable access to higher education today discussed how many students don't realise the competitiveness of certain university programmes before applying for them. PETALING JAYA : School counsellors and civil society groups play a critical role in helping students understand the university admissions process, said a panellist during a discussion on equitable access to higher education here. A member of the panel, Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman marketing and partnerships manager Raenuga Indran, also said that discussions about university options should start during Form 3 or 4, or immediately after SPM results are out, when students are more receptive. 'Access to information is a big predictor of student success,' said Raenuga. 'Counsellors and NGOs can make a huge difference in guiding students. 'Students preparing for SPM are too focused on exams to think about what comes next.' The panel discussion, which was organised by non-profit Architects of Diversity (AOD), also agreed that universities must be more transparent about admission requirements. One audience member suggested that universities publish anonymised data on the highest, lowest and median grades of accepted students. 'It would help applicants make smarter choices,' he said. He added that this push for data transparency could reduce student disappointment and help them choose between safer or more competitive options. Another panellist, Doria Abdullah from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said many students did not realise how competitive certain programmes were. The senior lecturer noted that many students applied without knowing their chances of admission – a key weakness in the current university admission system. 'In 2013, getting into some engineering courses required a CGPA of 4.00,' she said. The third panellist, AOD executive director Jason Wee, said academic performance doesn't always predict course suitability. He also raised the growing problem of course-career mismatch, with students ending up in fields unrelated to their strengths or interests. The panel discussion followed the release of an AOD report which highlighted how debates about higher education often focused on two extremes – inherited privilege versus strict meritocracy. The report called for a more balanced approach. The AOD report also recommended giving students more information about non-university options, such as on the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) pathway, to expand their opportunities beyond traditional degree programmes.
Wall Street Journal
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
UCLA Medical School and Racial Bias
Racial preferences in university admissions ended in 2023, or did they? A lawsuit in federal court against the University of California Geffen Medical School is worth watching as an example of how schools are complying with the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. Late last week the groups Students for Fair Admissions and Do No Harm sued UCLA Geffen for bias in admissions. The class-action lawsuit, which is brought on behalf of students denied admission since 2020, says UCLA used different academic standards for applicants of different races to achieve racially balanced student classes.
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
U.S. News & World Report Expands Services in India
Global authority on education strategically invests in The Red Pen, a premier education consultancy WASHINGTON, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, a global leader in education rankings and data-driven insights, today announced a strategic investment in The Red Pen , India's premier education consultancy with an international presence. U.S. News is widely recognized for its unbiased journalism, data and rankings, which help students find the college or university that is right for them. The Red Pen offers personalized guidance on university selection, application strategy, and interview preparation. The Red Pen's expertise in international education will enhance U.S. News' understanding of the Indian landscape, enabling the development of more globally relevant content. Meanwhile, U.S. News' proprietary data and insights will strengthen The Red Pen's advisory services, providing students with a more comprehensive approach to admissions. Similar to U.S. News' acquisition of this investment helps shape a more strategic, hands-on approach to global university admissions. 'The Red Pen's expertise in providing tailored support to students and families perfectly aligns with U.S. News' mission,' said Eric Gertler, U.S. News executive chairman & CEO. 'This partnership will deepen our global engagement, particularly with educators, students and families interested in international education.' The Red Pen will continue to operate under Kim Dixit and Namita Mehta, who hold majority ownership. The terms of this investment were not disclosed. 'This partnership is a significant milestone for The Red Pen and the students we serve,' said Dr. Kim Dixit, co-founder and CEO of The Red Pen. 'U.S. News' investment validates our commitment to providing high-quality, personalized counseling and enhances our ability to support students with deeper insights.' 'Each year, nearly 40 million students and families visit to access data on tuition, financial aid, academic programs and admissions trends,' said U.S. News CFO & COO Neil Maheshwari. 'This strategic investment will further consolidate our position as a global authority in education far beyond the American borders.' Namita Mehta, president of The Red Pen, adds, 'This partnership will elevate The Red Pen's profile in the global market, expand its digital footprint and reinforce our credibility as a trusted education consultancy.' About The Red Pen The Red Pen is an independent global education consultancy that guides students through applications to boarding schools, colleges, master's and MBA programs worldwide. It has successfully guided students to prestigious institutions across the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Asia, India, and more, with many securing spots at Ivy League colleges, Oxbridge, M7 business schools, and other selective universities. The Red Pen also offers mentorship for middle and high school students. Its unique 2:1 counseling approach, with two counselors per student, offers personalized guidance through every admissions process step. The Red Pen also supports educational institutions by managing and enhancing their college and career counseling departments. Schools like Deutsche Schule Bombay, DY Patil International School, and Krea University have partnered with The Red Pen to benefit from their expert services. Follow The Red Pen on LinkedIn , YouTube , WhatsApp and Instagram. About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in journalism, empowering consumers, citizens, business leaders, and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services. Follow U.S. News & World Report on Facebook , LinkedIn , Instagram , TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. News & World Report
