Transitioning to university or starting the college application process can be nerve-racking in the best of times, but it is particularly fraught now given the current conflict in the Middle East. With service disruptions at embassies and the cancellation or rescheduling of external academic tests, many families in the region are uncertain about what lies ahead. However, history shows that even in times of crisis, the international education system is remarkably adaptable. D

“Thank you for your application. After careful consideration, our selection committee is unable to make you an offer of admission at this time, but we would like to offer you a place on our Waitlist.” Ahh, the dreaded waitlist! After months of anticipation, eagerly waiting to hear back from your dream school, you’re still in limbo. While you may feel frustrated and disappointed, don’t be disheartened! Contrary to popular belief, the waitlist is not just a “nice” rejection – c

Growing up in the UAE, Wynona never considered being an entrepreneur. She perceived it as a male-dominated field. But her empowering education from Barnard College inspired a change of heart. Earlier this year, she partnered with her mother to launch Gunaa, a company that produces custom-made women’s clothing from the distinctive, heirloom silks woven in Assam, a region in Northeast India. She talked to us recently about her evolution and the challenge of starting a new busin

Personalized university counseling for families in the UAE with Ivy Options If you have tried figuring out study abroad planning just by Googling things, you probably already know how confusing it gets. One place says start early. Another says focus on test scores. Someone else says essays matter the most. And after a point, it all starts to blur together. That’s usually where things go in circles. It’s not a lack of information. It’s too much of it, and most of it isn’t spec

Wondering how to get SAT test preparation help in the United Arab Emirates? This 2026 guide covers everything UAE students need to know, from choosing between coaching centres and private tutors to mastering the Digital SAT and strategic admissions planning with Ivy Options.

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)