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University planning in Dubai often starts much earlier than Grade 12. Discover how families use career counseling for high school students in Dubai to choose the right subjects, explore academic interests, and build a strategic path to international universities.

Planning for US universities from Dubai? As testing policies shift, discover why the SAT and ACT remain vital for the 2026 admissions cycle. This guide covers competitive score ranges, local UAE test dates, and strategic SAT and ACT preparation in Dubai to help your child stand out.

Many students are in the process of selecting their courses for the coming academic year. When deciding which classes to take to maximize your college prospects, it’s important to understand your goals in terms of the country systems you are interested in, the competitiveness of your target universities, and your intended major. However, several principles apply universally across most universities. What Most Colleges Expect Most colleges expect students to take 4 years of E

Graduating this spring with a UC Berkeley-Sciences Po dual degree, Theo is thrilled and relieved that he has secured a job at an AI startup in Manhattan, New York. The French native who grew up in Dubai urges international students aspiring to an American college education to be intentional and realistic from the beginning, noting that careful planning is now essential in navigating the shifting US study and work visa policies. IO: Congratulations on your pending graduation f

US universities care about recommendation letters, ranking them just behind grades, test scores, and essays. These letters should highlight both your academic strengths and your character. You’ll undoubtedly get better letters if you choose the right people to write for you and give them smart, targeted information. WHO WILL WRITE FOR YOU? There are three categories of references requested on Common App (and most other applications): Counselor (mandatory) Teachers (mandatory)

Targeting Fall 2027? See how the best university admissions consultants in Dubai navigate competitive cycles with early planning and authentic strategy.

With the start of each new year, students and parents approach the college admissions process with renewed energy. New calendars, new goals, and a sense of urgency often fuel motivation, but also misconceptions. While understandable, they can detract from what’s truly important during this critical period. Here are three common college admissions myths we’ve encountered: Myth #1: “We’ll fix everything in Grade 12.” This is one of the most persistent and harmful assumptions in

As high school students and their parents start the college application process, they may feel pressure to sign up for expensive SAT and ACT tutoring. It’s understandable that they want any possible edge, given the competitive nature of college admissions and the growing number of schools that are no longer test-optional. Most recently, McGill University announced it will require test scores for most majors from American curriculum applicants, while Princeton will mandate the

For younger students, summer programs at universities can be a fantastic way to explore and deepen academic interests. Whether you opt for a program in the US, the UK, Canada or Europe, these opportunities can help you experience higher-level learning and university life. For students in Grades 8-10 (Years 9-11), attending these programs can be beneficial as long as the topic or topics you will study excite you. Look for a university that offers a good-fit program at a time a

By focusing on his interest in the environment and the sport of rowing, Zaidan received a coveted Early Decision acceptance to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. The British American, who grew up in Dubai and now lives in London, shares how he got to this point. IO: Congratulations on your ED acceptance to Dartmouth College! What was it like getting the news, and how are you feeling? Zaidan: Quite surreal and happy! My dread on decision day was awful, but I tried to stay c