Tag: Application Tips & Info

  • Business Schools in India | The Red Pen

    Business Schools in India | The Red Pen

    Business schools in India are evolving as the country’s education sector experiences significant growth, with projections indicating that the market will reach US$102.29 billion by 2029. This growth signals an increasing appetite for high-quality, future-ready education, particularly in business. In response, a new generation of undergraduate business programmes is reshaping the academic landscape. These institutions extend beyond traditional theory by incorporating real-world exposure, entrepreneurial thinking, and global insights. This blog explores four emerging business schools in India that are leading this shift.

    Institution Location Degree Awarded Global Exposure Key Distinction
    Tetr College of Business Multiple global campuses BSc from Illinois Tech; BSc (Hons) from a UK-accredited university 7-country rotation model Industry-designed, hands-on curriculum
    Mesa School of Business Bengaluru Professional certificate (not a degree) 3-month Silicon Valley immersion Build 3 real businesses + 3 internships
    Master’s Union School of Business Gurugram Bachelor’s degree (final year optional at Illinois Tech) Optional 4th year in the US Faculty of 60+ CXOs and a high placement rate
    Bower School of Entrepreneurship Hyderabad BBA from Manipal University Hyderabad startup hub Venture-building curriculum + VC access

    1) Tetr College of Business

    Tetr College of Business is a future-focused institution offering a four-year, mentor-led undergraduate business programme designed to develop real-world skills through immersive, hands-on learning. Unlike traditional models, Tetr follows a global rotation format. Each term takes place in a different country across seven international destinations. Its industry-aligned curriculum, created with input from global business leaders, prioritises problem-solving, venture building, and applied knowledge over passive theory. Students learn directly from Ivy League faculty and seasoned professionals, including founders, CXOs, and venture capitalists. This exposure builds practical, high-level insight. With a cohort drawn from over 45 countries, the programme fosters a collaborative, cross-cultural learning environment integrated into every project and challenge.

    Tetr offers two undergraduate degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, delivered in partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology, includes immersive projects such as building tech platforms and launching startups, alongside global business and cultural experiences. Students graduate with a degree from Illinois Tech and benefit from paid internships, research opportunities with leading companies, and scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition. The Bachelor’s Programme in Management & Technology combines entrepreneurial learning with academic rigour across locations like IIT in India, NUS in Singapore, and INSEAD in Europe. Students engage in real-world projects, including launching e-commerce ventures and sustainable brands, while faculty assess performance against clear business metrics. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from a UK-accredited university, with the option to major in International Business, Management, or AI/ML.

    What makes this Indian business school unique?
    • Global rotation model with each term in a new international study destination
    • Strong industry partnerships enabling live project work
    • “Learn By Doing” approach that blends academics and real-world learning

    2) Mesa School of Business

    Located in Bengaluru, India, The Mesa School of Business offers a cutting-edge, four-year, full-time, residential Undergraduate Program in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. This programme is carefully designed with a hands-on, practical teaching approach, aiming to foster future leaders and job creators by embedding students deeply within the startup community.

    The programme combines academic rigour with practical application. It covers core business management principles alongside modern topics such as technology, AI, and product development. A key part of the curriculum involves students establishing three actual businesses with genuine customers, real revenue, and tangible products during their studies, offering unparalleled practical experience.

    Students learn from professors at leading universities, such as IIM, ISB, and Kellogg, as well as industry leaders, and participate in expert-run societies for drama, debate, public speaking, performing arts, and sports. 

    Additionally, Students complete three internships, spanning four months directly within the “founder’s office” of rapidly growing early-stage startups, providing invaluable practical work experience. These internships ensure students are immersed in the operational realities of dynamic businesses. Students also spend three months in Mountain View, USA, learning entrepreneurship directly from top Silicon Valley founders and operators. The internships and international exposure prepare graduates for immediate, impactful roles in businesses, product management, and other high-growth sectors, nurturing their development as effective entrepreneurs and business leaders.

    What defines this business school in India? 
    • Students launch three real businesses to gain hands-on startup experience.
    • Three internships at various founders’ offices provide exposure to startups. 
    • A Silicon Valley module provides direct access to top innovators.

    Note – Mesa School of Business is not a UGC-accredited higher education institution and does not offer degrees or diplomas. Students who complete all program requirements will earn a professional certificate. 

    3) Master’s Union School of Business

    Located in Gurugram (Gurgaon), Haryana, Master’s Union School of Business was founded by a collective of business stalwarts, academics, and bureaucrats who aimed to redefine business education. 

    The institution offers comprehensive four-year, full-time undergraduate programmes that emphasise experiential learning to gain practical skills by engaging in real-world challenges and projects rather than solely theoretical study. The faculty comprises over 60 active CXOs, MDs, and industry leaders from leading companies, ensuring that students learn directly from those who shape the business world. Master’s Union offers three distinct undergraduate programmes: 

    • Undergraduate Programme in Technology & Business Management: This programme equips students with a robust understanding of both core business principles and cutting-edge technological advancements. It focuses on preparing students for dynamic roles at the intersection of business and technology. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through real-world projects and industry-aligned challenges.
    • Undergraduate Programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: This programme equips students with the analytical skills and technical expertise necessary for success in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence. Students learn to master data interpretation, develop AI-driven solutions, and understand the ethical dimensions of these powerful technologies. 
    • Undergraduate Programme in Psychology and Marketing: This unique interdisciplinary programme explores the fascinating synergy between human behaviour and effective marketing strategies. Students gain in-depth knowledge of psychological theories, consumer insights, and contemporary marketing practices, including digital and brand management. 

    Students can choose a “Global Track,” which allows them to spend their fourth year at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, graduating with a B.S. degree from Illinois Tech. This unique structure ensures students are exposed to both domestic and international business practices. The business school also boasts a 92% placement rate, with graduates securing roles at top global firms, including Microsoft, Zomato, Accenture, BCG, EY, Google, Razorpay, and Bain. 

    What makes this business school in India different?
    • Practitioner-led learning with a faculty comprising industry leaders
    • Industry exposure and an experiential curriculum, ensuring practical application of knowledge. 
    • Global Pathways culminating in a degree from an international university

    4) Bower School of Entrepreneurship

    Located in Knowledge City, Hyderabad, the Bower School of Entrepreneurship offers an undergraduate programme in Business Entrepreneurship, with a major in Emerging Technologies. Designed for future entrepreneurs, this business school offers a highly immersive and hands-on learning experience. The core philosophy centres on students being actively engaged in building and launching real-world startups from the outset, culminating in a BBA degree from Manipal University. The programme blends structured academic content with boot camps and direct exposure to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    Students typically undergo a journey from idea to venture through structured phases, including ideation, market validation, prototyping, pitching, and scaling, all while immersed in real-world startup environments. They are mentored by domain experts and business leaders, with access to angel and VC networks for potential funding. 

    The curriculum emphasises experiential learning with live projects, accelerator-style sprints, and ongoing collaboration with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and CXOs. It is structured over three years, with each year focusing on critical stages of venture development. 

    • Year 1: Foundations of entrepreneurship introduces students to core business concepts, innovation methodologies, and essential analytical tools. This includes coursework in Design Thinking, Business Analytics and Technology Foundations, Accounting Information and Decision Making, and Financial Management and Planning. Students also gain an early insight into the entrepreneurial journey through a “Startup Lab” focused on “Experiencing the Life of a Founder.” 
    • Year 2: Growth and partnerships deepen this practical engagement with a “Startup Lab 360” and dedicated modules on “Venture Creation,” guiding students through the intricacies of growing their businesses and forging strategic alliances. 
    • Year 3: Scale and Impact focuses on strategies for expanding ventures and maximising their influence, though further detailed curriculum specifics for this year were not explicitly outlined.
    What makes this business school in India stand out?
    • Tailored specifically for future entrepreneurs
    • Expert mentorship from entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and industry leaders 
    • Strategically located within Hyderabad’s technology, business, and finance hub

    Real-world learning and start-up exposure at business schools in India

    The table below compares how these institutions integrate real-world learning and start-up exposure across leading business schools in India.

    Institutions Real-World Projects Internships Startup Experience Industry Mentorship
    Tetr College of Business Global business projects Paid internships with top firms E-commerce and AI venture building Ivy League faculty + business leaders
    Mesa School of Business Build 3 businesses with real customers 3 founders’ office internships Deep integration in the startup lifecycle Founders, VCs, and top academics
    Master’s Union School of Business CXO-led real-world projects Practicum-based learning Optional capstone ventures 60+ active industry leaders
    Bower School of Entrepreneurship Live projects + accelerator-style sprints Not standardised internships Structured startup labs every year Direct mentorship + VC network

    Institutions like Tetr, Mesa, Master’s Union, and Bower reflect how business schools in India are responding to industry needs through experiential, application-led undergraduate programmes. For prospective students seeking dynamic, future-ready business education in India, these breakthrough institutions are certainly worth exploring. For assistance with the application process, connect with us today. Meanwhile, read our blogs, The Revival of Liberal Arts Education in India and The Ultimate Guide to 16 Exceptional Summer Programmes in India. 

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  • Master’s with a Low GPA: Application Strategy

    Master’s with a Low GPA: Application Strategy

    At The Red Pen, we frequently encounter applicants who are uncertain about pursuing a master’s with a low GPA. It’s important to remember that the GPA alone does not define an applicant’s capabilities, potential, or future success. Additionally, it is a myth that applicants with a low GPA can only seek admission to unranked or less popular universities. According to the Council of Graduate Schools, many institutions follow holistic admissions practices, evaluating candidates on academic metrics alongside non-cognitive traits such as resilience, leadership, and creativity. For applicants considering a master’s with a low GPA, admissions committees often look beyond transcripts, particularly at progressive programmes that assess essays, recommendations, professional experience, and test scores with contextual sensitivity. Based on our expertise supporting postgraduate applicants, the following strategies can help you build a compelling application, even with a less-than-ideal academic record.

    Begin with an honest self-assessment before applying for a master’s with a low GPA

    Before applying, take a step back and evaluate your academic strengths and weaknesses with objectivity. For applicants pursuing a master’s with a low GPA, this self-assessment becomes especially important. If you are aiming for a master’s in computer science, highlight your strengths in programming, software development, or applied projects. At the same time, acknowledge weaker areas, including calculus or advanced mathematics, and outline how you plan to address them through targeted coursework, certifications, or professional experience. This level of self-awareness signals maturity, a growth mindset, and academic intent, qualities that postgraduate admissions committees consistently value.

    Holistically shortlist programmes when applying for a master’s with a low GPA

    Not all universities assign the same weight to academic grades. For applicants considering a master’s with a low GPA, it is essential to research how institutions evaluate candidates beyond transcripts. Universities such as Northeastern University, Lund University, and the University of Manchester often place strong emphasis on work experience, personal statements, and references alongside academic performance. Applicants should also reflect on their career stage, whether they are entering the workforce, changing fields, or building more profound subject expertise. Shortlisting programmes that align with current strengths and long-term goals increases the likelihood of success and ensures a stronger academic and professional fit. The best-fit programme is not always the highest-ranked; it is the one that recognises potential in context.

    Craft programme-specific narratives that put context first

    Avoid generic applications, particularly when applying for a master’s with a low GPA. Take time to understand each programme’s academic focus, teaching approach, and graduate outcomes, then tailor your narrative accordingly. One applicant targeting urban planning programmes across the US and the UK had a lower GPA but adopted a focused strategy. For data-intensive programmes, he highlighted his GIS expertise and analytical work. In sustainability-led courses, he foregrounded his experience in climate-impact projects. This approach helped contextualise academic performance within a broader profile of skills, knowledge, and long-term intent, allowing admissions committees to assess readiness beyond grades alone.

    Strengthen academic readiness with additional coursework

    Retaking challenging subjects or completing relevant coursework can significantly strengthen the academic readiness of applicants pursuing a master’s with a low GPA. Short, project-based courses with defined learning outcomes allow applicants to demonstrate mastery of the subject beyond their earlier grades. Certifications and bridge courses that emphasise applied learning are particularly effective in addressing gaps in foundational knowledge. Applicants should implement this learning in professional or research contexts and reference these outcomes in their statements or interviews. This signals initiative, discipline, and the ability to translate theory into practice, qualities that admissions committees value strongly at the postgraduate level.

    Emphasise professional experience

    In many cases, professional experience can carry significant weight in postgraduate admissions, particularly for applicants pursuing a master’s with a low GPA. Admissions committees often look for evidence of applied learning, responsibility, and progression that may not be reflected fully in academic transcripts. Whether through leading a project, managing operational challenges, or contributing across teams, professional achievements help demonstrate readiness for advanced study. One applicant to a project management master’s programme highlighted her role in developing a scheduling tool that reduced delays by 30 percent. This outcome illustrated leadership, initiative, and relevance, helping balance a modest academic record.

    Excel in standardised tests

    Strong performance on standardised tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) can help reinforce academic preparedness, particularly for applicants with a low GPA pursuing a master’s. Competitive scores provide admissions committees with recent, comparable evidence of quantitative ability, analytical thinking, and subject readiness. We have worked with applicants who secured offers from selective postgraduate programmes despite lower academic averages, supported by strong test results that reassured committees of their capacity to manage rigorous coursework.

    Use references strategically

    References, or Letters of Recommendation, can add critical depth to an application, particularly for candidates pursuing a master’s with a low GPA. Strong referees provide context that transcripts cannot, offering insight into academic growth, intellectual curiosity, and professional maturity. Applicants should choose recommenders who are familiar with their journey and can speak credibly about progress over time. In one case, a professor described how an applicant retook a demanding course, achieved stronger results the second time, and later applied that knowledge in a professional co-op. Such detail lends credibility and reinforces evidence of readiness beyond grades.

    Address the GPA tactfully

    Applicants should avoid leaving a low GPA unexplained, particularly when applying for a master’s with a low GPA. If academic performance was affected by personal, financial, or health-related challenges, use the optional statement rather than the Statement of Purpose to provide a concise and factual context. The emphasis should remain on accountability, learning, and progression rather than justification. Admissions committees value applicants who demonstrate self-awareness and maturity in addressing setbacks. When framed thoughtfully, a lower GPA becomes one part of a broader academic journey rather than a defining limitation.

    How to approach a master’s with a low GPA

    What to Do How it helps
    Self-assess honestly Demonstrates self-awareness, a growth mindset, and a readiness to address academic gaps proactively.
    Holistically shortlist programmes Seek universities that value your overall profile, not just academic scores.
    Craft programme-specific narratives Highlights alignment with each programme’s unique focus, reframing your GPA within a broader context.
    Showcase additional coursework Proves academic readiness and ability to grasp new concepts through recent, relevant learning.
    Emphasis on professional experience Reveals leadership qualities, problem-solving, and real-world impact, which may outweigh grades.
    Excel in standardised tests like the GRE and GMAT Compensates for a low GPA and reassures admissions committees of your academic capabilities.
    Use references strategically Adds credibility and depth by having mentors vouch for your resilience and progress.
    Address low GPA tactfully Builds trust by providing mature, honest context without making excuses, showing how you’ve grown.

    If you are considering a master’s with a low GPA, the strength of your application will depend on how clearly you present your academic journey, professional experience, and progression. Grades are one part of the evaluation, but they are not the only factor admissions committees consider. Contact us if you need tailored guidance. At The Red Pen, we help applicants assess gaps, position strengths in context, and approach postgraduate applications with clarity and intent. Meanwhile, read our blogs: The Ultimate Checklist to Craft a Stellar Master’s Application Five Months Before the Deadline or Master’s vs PhD: Everything You Need to Know. 

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