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2019-2020 SAT Subject Test Dates in Dubai

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2019-2020 SAT Subject Test Dates in Dubai

What are the SAT Subject Tests? They are subject specific 1 hour exams designed to test your knowledge of a subject. Although they are called SAT tests, they don’t really have that much in common with the SAT from a test perspective. These tests actually measure what you have learned in school in the subject. Should you take the 2020 SAT Subject Tests?

If a university you are applying to requires subject tests (usually they ask for 2), be sure to plan ahead. The SAT Subject Tests are offered at the same time as the SAT and you can’t take them both on the same day.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2019-2020 SAT Subject Test dates in Dubai to get your calendar together.

WAIT: Looking for the 2020-2021 SAT Subject Test Dates in Dubai? Click here.

2019-2020 SAT Subject Test Dates and Deadlines

Subject tests are offered 5 times a year outside of the US and specific tests may be given on specific dates. Click here to register on the College Board’s site.

SAT Date: October 5, 2019
Registration Deadline: September 6, 2019

Tests Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French
  • Spanish

SAT Date: November 2, 2019
Registration Deadline: October 3, 2019

Tests Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French with Listening
  • German with Listening
  • Spanish with Listening
  • Chinese with Listening
  • Japanese with Listening
  • Korean with Listening

SAT Date: December 7, 2019
Registration Deadline: November 8, 2019

Test Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Latin​

SAT Date: May 2, 2020 (cancelled because of coronavirus)
Registration Deadline: April 3, 2020

Tests Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French
  • Spanish

SAT Date: June 6, 2020 (cancelled because of coronavirus)
Registration Deadline: May 8, 2020

Tests Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Modern Hebrew
  • Italian
  • Latin

Tips for Your 2019-2020 SAT Subject Test Schedule

  1. The SAT Subject Tests are offered in November but there is no SAT given in this month. If you are taking the SAT Subject Tests, November is the month to take them.
  2. You can take up to 3 SAT Subject Tests at the same session. Take the 2 you need on the same day and get it over with.
  3. Take the regular SAT in October and then again in December if you are not happy with your score or did not take the SAT in 11th grade.
  4. If plan to take a Subject Test for a subject you took before, take it in the 11th grade. For example, if you had chemistry in the 10th grade and you plan to take the SAT Subject Test Chemistry, get it out of the way in the 11th grade. Don’t wait until the 12th grade to take it.

2019-2020 SAT Subject Test Guidelines for Outside the US

For SAT Subject test taking purposes only, any student taking the SAT Subject Tests in Dubai is a considered an international student living outside the US (it doesn’t matter which passport you have).

Here are a few things you need to know about the 2019-2020 SAT Subject Test dates in Dubai:

  • There is no late registration for international testing.
  • SAT Subject Tests are generally given 5 times in any given school year, on the same days and in the same test centers as the SAT — but not all 20 tests are offered on every SAT date.
  • The Language with Listening tests are only offered in November.
  • You can take one, two, or three Subject Tests on any test date.
  • You can’t take the SAT and an SAT Subject Test on the same day.
  • Some SAT Subject Tests require you to bring special equipment — for example, CD players for Language with Listening tests.
  • When you register, you must tell us which SAT Subject Test(s) you plan to take. You can change your mind on test day, with limits.
  • You can’t switch to a Language with Listening Test that you’re not registered for, because they require special equipment.
  • Take only one Biology Subject Test per test date. After the first 60 questions, you have to choose either Biology Ecological or Biology Molecular; you can’t take both.
  • You can use calculators only on the Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2 Subject Tests.
  • The Language with Listening tests are always given in the first hour of testing. You can take only one Language with Listening test per test date.

Need help preparing for Math Level 1 or 2?

Whatsapp us! We have prepared students for the SAT Subject Tests Math Level 1 and Level 2 for more than 10 years. These 2 exams are the tests most requested by universities in the US and Canada, so get a jump start on your preparation with our help.

2019-2020 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

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2019-2020 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

It’s that time of year again! Time for the SAT! If you are in the 11th and 12th grades, you’ll have to double time school studies and SAT prep. Here are the 2019-2020 SAT test dates and deadlines you need to know, so you can get your schedule together.

2019-2020 ​SAT Test Dates and Deadlines

The SAT is only offered 4 times a year now!
​
SAT Date: October 5, 2019
Registration Deadline: September 6, 2019

SAT Date: December 7, 2019
Registration Deadline: November 8, 2019

SAT Date: March 14, 2020 (cancelled because of coronavirus)
Registration Deadline: February 14, 2020

SAT Date: May 2, 2020 (cancelled because of coronavirus)
Registration Deadline: April 3, 2020

2019-2020 SAT Test Date Guidelines for Outside the US

For SAT test taking purposes only, any student taking the SAT in Dubai is a considered an international student living outside the US (it doesn’t matter which passport you have).
Here are a few things you need to know about the 2019-2020 SAT test dates in Dubai:
  • The SAT is NOT offered all the time. It’s only offered 4 TIMES A YEAR for students in Dubai. So…
  • ​International registration must be completed by 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (about 8 hours behind Dubai). Registration usually closes about 1 month before the next SAT.
  • There are no August, November, and June SATs for students in Dubai.
  • There’s no late registration for students in Dubai. You have to register online by the deadline. The deadline is about 1 month before the SAT you want to take.
  • SAT Subject Tests are available internationally in October, November, December, May, and June.
  • The SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same day as the SAT. If you need to take both tests, you have to take the SAT one month and the SAT Subject Tests another month.
  • The SAT costs about AED 375 to take.
Want even more information? Visit the College Board’s  International SAT Registration page for info on policies and other tests you might need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019-2020 SAT

Can I register for the SAT in May even if it’s only November?
Yes you can! As long as there is a register link on the College Board website under the date, you can register to take the SAT on that date.Where can I take the SAT in Dubai?
Too many places to mention. Many schools in Dubai offer the SAT, so you can search on the College Board website for the one closest to you with available seats.​

How many times can I take the SAT?
As many as you want. You have “Score Choice,” which means can send 1 or all your SAT scores to your chosen universities. They will only see the scores you send them, so they won’t know how many times you took the SAT. More than twice is kind of a waste of money though…

Do I need to take the SAT to apply to Canadian universities?
It depends on the university and the curriculum in which you are studying. In general, if you ware studying in an American curriculum school, you need to take the SAT. For example, McGill University requires an SAT score of 1150 minimum and 2 SAT Subject Test (like math and physics). Plan accordingly!

Let us help you prepare!

We’ve coached many, many students through the SAT and university admissions process. Whatsapp us to prepare with an experienced American SAT instructor so you can get YOUR BEST SCORE on the SAT.

5 Things You Need to Know About the GMAT in Dubai (2019 Edition)

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5 Things You Need to Know About the GMAT in Dubai (2019 Edition)

The GMAT in Dubai has to be one of the most feared admissions exams out there. Get a bad score on the GMAT and all your MBA hopes could evaporate. Get a good score and, all of a sudden, your low GPA or thin CV doesn’t matter as much.

For MBA applicants hoping to battle the GMAT in Dubai, we’ve outline 5 things you need to know about the GMAT in 2019.

1. There are 4 sections on the GMAT.

The GMAT has changed over the years and there’s lots of old information out there. Just to be clear, there are only 4 sections on the GMAT:

  • Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This is the essay
  • Integrated Reasoning (IR): A mix of math and reading with different types of questions
  • Verbal Reasoning: This is the reading and grammar part of the GMAT
  • Quantitative Reasoning: The math section

2. Two sections don’t count in your 200 to 800 score.

Many test takers don’t know that the Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning do not count in your 200 to 800 composite score on the GMAT. These 2 sections are scored separately and reported on the side.

What does this mean?

If London Business School says they want a minimum of 650, this score is WITHOUT the AWA and IR.

So couldn’t you just not do those sections?

You still have to do those sections of the test (and have a decent score) because business schools will still see your score. However, it makes preparing for the AWA and IR less important than preparing for the quant and verbal.

3. The GMAT changed (slightly) recently.

In 2018, the GMAT was shortened. The quant and verbal sections used to be 75 minutes long each. The makers of the GMAT reduced the number of questions in each section so that:

  • Quant has 31 questions in 62 minutes
  • Verbal has 36 questions in 65 minutes

You also know have 2 optional 8 minute breaks.

In total, the GMAT has gone from being a 3 and ½ hour test to taking just over 3 hours.

There was another big change as well:

4. You can choose the order of the GMAT sections.

In the past, everyone had to take the GMAT a certain way. Now, you can choose the order of the sections to help you maximize your score:

  • Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal (classic way to take the exam, NOT recommended)
  • Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (recommended for students strong in quant)
  • Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (recommended for students strong in verbal)

5. GMAT preparation is a part-time job.

We’ve all heard stories of people walking into the GMAT in Dubai, no preparation or thought about the test at all, and scoring a 700. In more than 10 years, we’ve never met one. This is a GMAT urban legend.

Don’t underestimate how long or how much preparation the GMAT takes. Expect to spend at least 10 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks preparing. Yup, that’s 80 to 120 hours of studying over 3 months.

Welcome to your part-time job!

Need help preparing for the GMAT in Dubai?

Whatsapp us! We offer affordable private tutoring so that you can prepare for the GMAT in your time, in your location, and in your way.

Do I have to take the SAT for Canada universities?

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Do I have to take the SAT for Canada universities?

Do you need to take the SAT for Canada? Many students assume that they only need to take the SAT if they are applying to universities in America. However, there are several universities in the UAE, and even Lebanon, that require a strong SAT score to be admitted.

Here’s a country that may require the SAT that you don’t expect: Canada.

There are specific instances when you need to take the SAT–and possibly even SAT Subject Tests–if you are applying to universities in Canada.
Here are the requirements for different students.

Students in American Curriculum Schools in Dubai

If you are a student in an American curriculum school in Dubai, most universities will require SAT scores.

To these universities, the SAT is like the International Baccalaureate for IB schools or A levels or British schools…

It’s just something you do before you graduate.

Not all universities in Canada require the SAT because your admission will be based almost solely on your grades.

It tends to be middle and top tier Canada universities that ask for the SAT. In addition, requirements will vary based on the major or program you are applying to. Here are a few examples for an engineering major:
​

 

Usually, the SAT essay is optional. However, University of Toronto DOES require the essay AND 2 SAT Subject Tests.

It’s so important to know where you want to go before you take the SAT!

Students in British Curriculum Schools in Dubai

Students in British curriculum schools in Dubai usually DO NOT have to take the SAT for universities in Canada. However, you should check the requirements of every program to which you want to apply.

 

Students in IB Schools in Dubai

Students in IB schools in Dubai usually DO NOT have to take the SAT for Canadian universities. However, you should check the requirements of every program to which you want to apply.

Need help preparing for the SAT for Canada universities? 

Whatsapp us so we can help you understand the requirements for applying to universities in Canada AND help you get an SAT score that will meet the requirements.

 

2018-2019 SAT Subject Test Dates in Dubai

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2018-2019 SAT Subject Test Dates in Dubai

More and more universities are requiring the SAT Subject Tests as part of your university application.

What are the SAT Subject Tests? They are subject specific 1 hour exams designed to test your knowledge of a subject. Although they are called SAT tests, they don’t really have that much in common with the SAT from a test perspective. These tests actually measure what you have learned in school in the subject.

If a university you are applying to requires subject tests (usually they ask for 2), be sure to plan ahead. The SAT Subject Tests are offered at the same time as the SAT and you can’t take them both on the same day.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2018-2019 SAT Subject Test dates in Dubai to get your calendar together.

WAIT: Looking for the 2020-2021 SAT Subject Test Dates in Dubai? Click here.

2018-2019 SAT Subject Test Dates and Deadlines

Subject tests are offered 5 times a year outside of the US and specific tests may be given on specific dates. Click here to register on the College Board’s site.
SAT Date: October 6, 2018
Registration Deadline: September 7, 2018

Tests Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French
  • Spanish
SAT Date: November 3, 2018
Registration Deadline: September 7, 2018

Tests Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French with Listening
  • German with Listening
  • Spanish with Listening
  • Chinese with Listening
  • Japanese with Listening
  • Korean with Listening
SAT Date: December 1, 2018
Registration Deadline: November 2, 2018

Test Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Latin
SAT Date: May 4, 2019
Registration Deadline: April 5, 2019

Tests Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French
  • Spanish
SAT Date: June 1, 2019
Registration Deadline: February 8, 2019

Tests Available

  • Literature
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Mathematics Level 1
  • Mathematics Level 2
  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Modern Hebrew
  • Italian
  • Latin

Tips for Your 2018-2019 SAT Subject Test Schedule

  1. The SAT Subject Tests are offered in November but there is no SAT given in this month. If you are taking the SAT Subject Tests, November is the month to take them.
  2. You can take up to 3 SAT Subject Tests at the same session. Take the 2 you need on the same day and get it over with.
  3. Take the regular SAT in October and then again in December if you are not happy with your score or did not take the SAT in 11th grade.
  4. If plan to take a Subject Test for a subject you took before, take it in the 11th grade. For example, if you had chemistry in the 10th grade and you plan to take the SAT Subject Test Chemistry, get it out of the way in the 11th grade. Don’t wait until the 12th grade to take it.

Subject Test Guidelines for Outside the US

For SAT Subject test taking purposes only, any student taking the SAT Subject Tests in Dubai is a considered an international student living outside the US (it doesn’t matter which passport you have).

Here are a few things you need to know about the 2018-2019 SAT Subject Test dates in Dubai:

  • There is no late registration for international testing.
  • SAT Subject Tests are generally given 5 times in any given school year, on the same days and in the same test centers as the SAT — but not all 20 tests are offered on every SAT date.
  • The Language with Listening tests are only offered in November.
  • You can take one, two, or three Subject Tests on any test date.
  • You can’t take the SAT and an SAT Subject Test on the same day.
  • Some SAT Subject Tests require you to bring special equipment — for example, CD players for Language with Listening tests.
  • When you register, you must tell us which SAT Subject Test(s) you plan to take. You can change your mind on test day, with limits.
  • You can’t switch to a Language with Listening Test that you’re not registered for, because they require special equipment.
  • Take only one Biology Subject Test per test date. After the first 60 questions, you have to choose either Biology Ecological or Biology Molecular; you can’t take both.
  • You can use calculators only on the Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2 Subject Tests.
  • The Language with Listening tests are always given in the first hour of testing. You can take only one Language with Listening test per test date.

Need help preparing for Math Level 1 or 2?

Whatsapp us! We have prepared students for the SAT Subject Tests Math Level 1 and Level 2 for more than 10 years. These 2 exams are the tests most requested by universities in the US and Canada, so get a jump start on your preparation with our help.

5 Things You Need to Know About the SAT in Dubai

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5 Things You Need to Know About the SAT in Dubai

Last Updated: October 19, 2021

Taking the SAT in Dubai doesn’t have to be a pain in the you-know-what…as long as you know how it works here.

A lot of the information you find about the SAT online is either:

  • Too old: The SAT changed in 2016/2017 and many websites weren’t updated to reflect the different number of sections or changed topics; OR
  • For US students: The SAT is administered a bit differently for international students and many websites only provide information targeting US students.

But, don’t worry…
​
We’ve outlined 5 things you need to know about taking the SAT in Dubai.

1. The SAT is only offered 5 times a year in Dubai.

Unfortunately, you can’t take the SAT whenever you want to. You can’t even take it 6 times a year like you used to be able to. The SAT is only offered 5 times a year in countries outside the US. You can take the SAT in:

  • August
  • October
  • December
  • March
  • May

The limited offering means you definitely need to plan ahead. The best month to take the SAT in your 12th grade year is October. You will have had all summer to prepare. If you aren’t happy with your score from the October SAT, you’ll be able to take the December SAT and still make your university deadlines. You also won’t have many (if any) exams because school will have only recently started.

​The worst month to take the SAT is in May. During May, you probably have end of the year exams and won’t have had lots of time to study. For 12th graders, almost all the university deadlines will have passed so the scores will be useless unless you are applying to universities in the UAE (they have later deadlines than US and Canada universities).

2. There is no late registration for the SAT in Dubai.

A change was made to late registration a few years ago. There is no late registration for students taking the SAT outside of the US.

Check out the registration deadlines for the 2020-2021 SAT.

Many students come to us with tales of a friend who graduated a couple of years ago getting on the waiting list and taking the SAT at the last minute.

That was years ago! The policy has changed since then.

You can’t walk up on the day with your registration booklet and take the SAT. It’s no longer allowed outside of the US.

3. There are 4 required sections on the SAT.

There used to be 10 sections on the SAT. Any information you see with that many sections is old and irrelevant.

Since the SAT was changed, there are 4 sections:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Math (no calculator)
  • Math (with calculator)

The reading and writing scores get combined for a composite score of 200 to 800.

The 2 math sections get combined for a composite score if 200 to 800.

Therefore, your total possible score on the SAT will be from 400 to 1600.

So what’s a good score?

In short, anything about 1,200 total is good. Above 1,300 total is great.

4. There’s NO essay.

There used to be an optional 5th section on the SAT…the essay.

However, in 2021, the makers of the SAT–the College Board–got rid of the essay as part of the test.

Thank goodness!

5. SAT preparation should take about 2 months.

Unfortunately, we meet students all the time who think the SAT is the kind of test you bunk, muck up, memorize, or cram for.

It’s not.

The SAT is specifically designed to test your long-range comprehension and math fluency skills. You need at least 6 weeks, preferably 2 months or more, to prepare for the SAT properly.

More and more universities are getting very specific about the SAT section and total scores they want as a minimum, so it’s very important that you give yourself adequate time to learn and understand how to apply the concepts.

Need help preparing for the SAT?

Whatsapp us and we’ll answer the rest of your questions about taking the SAT in Dubai and correct any old information you may have.

Last Updated: October 19, 2021

2018-2019 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

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2018-2019 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

Another school year starts and so does another SAT test season. Since the SAT is just one of those test you’ve got to take if you’re applying to universities in the US, Canada, or even the UAE, you better know the 2018-2019 SAT test dates in Dubai so you can get your schedule together.

Click here for the 2020-2021 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

2018-2019 SAT Test Dates and Deadlines

The SAT is only offered 4 times a year now!
SAT Date: October 6, 2018
Registration Deadline: September 7, 2018SAT Date: December 1, 2018
Registration Deadline: November 2, 2018

SAT Date: March 9, 2019
Registration Deadline: February 8, 2019

SAT Date: May 4, 2019
Registration Deadline: April 5, 2019

SAT Guidelines for Outside the US

For SAT test taking purposes only, any student taking the SAT in Dubai is a considered an international student living outside the US (it doesn’t matter which passport you have).
Here are a few things you need to know about the 2018-2019 SAT test dates in Dubai:

  • Most importantly, the SAT is NOT offered all the time. It’s only offered 4 TIMES A YEAR for students in Dubai. So…
  • ​International registration must be completed by 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (about 8 hours behind Dubai). Registration usually closes about 1 month before the next SAT.
  • Unfortunately, there are no August, November, and June SATs for students in Dubai.
  • There’s no late registration for students in Dubai. Therefore, you have to register online by the deadline. The deadline is about 1 month before the SAT you want to take.
  • SAT Subject Tests are available internationally in October, November, December, May, and June.
  • The SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same day as the SAT. If you need to take both tests, you have to take the SAT one month and the SAT Subject Tests another month.
  • Finally, the SAT costs about AED 147 to take.

 

Want even more information? Visit the College Board’s  International SAT Registration page for info on policies and other tests you might need to take.

Let us help you prepare!

We’ve coached many, many students through the SAT and university admissions process. Whatsapp us to prepare with an experienced American SAT instructor so you can get YOUR BEST SCORE on the SAT.

Last Updated: September 22, 2020

2017-2018 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

Eden
-
0
2017-2018 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

Another school year starts and so does another SAT test season. Since the SAT is just one of those test you’ve got to take if you’re applying to universities in the US, Canada, or even the UAE, you better know the 2018-2019 SAT test dates in Dubai so you can get your schedule together.

Click here for the 2020-2021 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

2017-2018 SAT Test Dates and Deadlines

The SAT is only offered 4 times a year now!

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Registration deadline: September 8, 2017

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Registration deadline: November 2, 2017

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Registration deadline: February 9, 2018

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Registration deadline: April 6, 2018

SAT Guidelines for Outside the US

For SAT test taking purposes only, any student taking the SAT in Dubai is a considered an international student living outside the US (it doesn’t matter which passport you have).

Here are a few things you need to know about the 2018-2019 SAT test dates in Dubai:

  • Most importantly, the SAT is NOT offered all the time. It’s only offered 4 TIMES A YEAR for students in Dubai. So…
  • ​International registration must be completed by 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (about 8 hours behind Dubai). Registration usually closes about 1 month before the next SAT.
  • Unfortunately, there are no August, November, and June SATs for students in Dubai.
  • There’s no late registration for students in Dubai. Therefore, you have to register online by the deadline. The deadline is about 1 month before the SAT you want to take.
  • SAT Subject Tests are available internationally in October, November, December, May, and June.
  • The SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same day as the SAT. If you need to take both tests, you have to take the SAT one month and the SAT Subject Tests another month.
  • Finally, the SAT costs about AED 147 to take.

 

Want even more information? Visit the College Board’s  International SAT Registration page for info on policies and other tests you might need to take.

Let us help you prepare!

We’ve coached many, many students through the SAT and university admissions process. Whatsapp us to prepare with an experienced American SAT instructor so you can get YOUR BEST SCORE on the SAT.

Last Updated: September 22, 2020

What to do during gap year in Dubai

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What to do during gap year in Dubai

One rarely talked about alternative to going directly to university after high school is taking a gap year. When you take a gap year, you take a year off before going to university to work, travel, or chill. More and more students are interested in taking them but there’s not a lot of information out there about how to take a gap year in Dubai.

If you are considering or are in the middle of a gap year in Dubai, you’ll appreciate our answer to this question:

Hello,
I’m taking a gap year in Dubai to eventually go to Canada. What can I do in my gap year to get better chances of admissions next year? Should I take admission in any of the unis in dubai and drop out after 1 year and then start in Canada or should I start with a job? If job, then how do I go about applying for it? – Aditya

Our Answer

One of the purposes of a gap year is to take a break from studying to learn about the world or gain perspective on what you want to do before going to study at university. So, our recommendation, is that you do just that: learn about the world AND yourself. There are many pathways to do that, and fortunately, many of them will look good on university applications.

If you’re in Dubai for a year, here are some ideas what you can do to have a productive gap year. We listed them in order of what seems most impressive to universities (in our opinion).

1. Get a job

One of the best ways to spend your gap year is working a job. You don’t have to work the entire year and you don’t have to work full-time. It’s ideal if your job relates to the career you’re interested in. Check out internsme.com for internships and traineeships in the UAE. ​

If you can’t find paid work, you can always work in your family’s business or find a company that does what you want to do and ask them to give you an unpaid internship. Making copies and getting coffee in an office might not seem impressive, but the experience will provide you exposure to environment of the career you’re considering.

2. ​Freelance or start your own mini-business

Can’t find a job, no family business, and no one interested in your offer to work for free? Start freelancing or start your own mini-business. This option is especially viable for someone interested in tech-related fields like web design or graphic design. Even if you are interested in teaching or some other field, you can always list yourself as a freelancer on different global websites and get paid by clients for work. You’ll learn about client service, meeting deadlines, and delivering services–all of which are universal job skills. Our favorite freelancer sites are Nabeesh, Myprivatetutor.ae, Fiverr, Upwork, and 99Designs.

3. ​Join an interesting program for part of the year

gap year in dubai photography
Image: Unsplash

A gap year can be the perfect time to do some of those extracurricular activities that you didn’t have time to do in high school. Depending on your intended major, you should be able to find classes to take in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here are some of our favorite places to learn:

Ductac: arts and crafts, drawing and painting, interior design, music, dance, jewelry design, comics, language, sculpture, drama, creative writing, fashion design, photography, printmaking, pottery, public speaking

SAE Institute: animation, digital comic illustration, drawing fundamentals, digital dj, electronic music production, filmmaking, game design, robotics, mobile apps development, graphic design, web design, social media

Drama Scene: Acting, musical theatre

4. ​Complete a foundation program

Rather than enrolling at a local university and dropping out, you can complete a foundation program at a university. Some educational systems, like the British system, are 3 years–rather than the US and Canada 4 years–so students have the option of completing a foundation year. During this year, you have general coursework intended to prepare you for future university coursework.

Here’s a quick list of some universities in Dubai with foundation programs:

  • Canadian University Dubai
  • ​Murdoch University
  • Heriot-Watt University
  • American College of Dubai
  • Amity University
  • Middlesex University Dubai

Keep in mind that if you are enrolled in the main part of the university program and receive a grade point average, you will count as a transfer student when you apply to another university, rather than a first year international student. There are different requirements for transfer students than first year students, so keep this fact in mind if you are taking university courses to improve your chances of getting into university. You many need to pay to take one or two classes in your major rather than taking an entire foundation year.

5. ​Start your own project

Passionate about something but not finding a job, group, or program to address your interests? Start your own! You can always start your own things like:

  • A blog or website
  • A club (use meetup.com)
  • An app
  • A volunteer cause

Universities like initiative so be sure to start it and keep doing it!

6. ​Volunteer in Dubai or Abroad

volunteer in dubai
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities you can do during your gap year that you might not have time to pursue once you start studying again. There are some great options for volunteering locally and even more if you’re willing to leave the UAE for awhile.

Volunteer Opportunities Locally

Al Noor Training Centre for Special Needs
Dubai Autism Centre
Feline Friends
K9 Friends

Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Volunteer Africa
​Habitat for Humanity International

See more opportunities here

7. ​Travel

Go travel and have an adventure! You can travel to any number of amazing places from Dubai, so get going.

  • Take a train ride through Europe
  • ​Backpack through southeast Asia
  • Take a safari
  • Do an extended road trip
  • Go on an expedition

If you want a more structured but still fun program, study a language in its native country. Check out TeensAbroad.com, which has safe language study programs for teens who want to go to:

  • Montreal, Canada
  • Biarritz, France
  • Nice, France
  • Paris, France
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Cuernavaca, Mexico
  • Benalmadena, Spain
  • Malaga, Spain
  • Salamanca, Spain
  • San Sebastian, Spain
  • Sevilla, Spain
  • Tarragona, Spain
  • Vienna, Austria
  • Berlin (Unsupervised), Germany
  • Berlin (Supervised), Germany

Our Advice

If you want to take a gap year, get your university admission BEFORE the gap year. Many universities will let you defer your admission, once you are accepted, by up to one year. You’ll have a lot more peace of mind if you know where you are going after your gap year. You’ll also be in the same rhythm with your friends, teachers, counselor, and family, which will make it easier to get transcripts and recommendations.

If you want to use the gap year to improve your profile before applying to university, be sure to keep good records of what you do and choose several activities for your gap year (a year is a long time after all). We recommend you do a combination of the above activities so that you will have a nice full schedule and lots to put on university applications. For example, you can work an unpaid internship 20 hours a week (4 hours a day), volunteer on Saturdays, and take a robotics class.

If you know of other activities you can do in Dubai during your gap year, leave them for other students in the comments!

2016-2017 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

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2016-2017 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

Another school year starts and so does another SAT test season. Since the SAT is just one of those test you’ve got to take if you’re applying to universities in the US, Canada, or even the UAE, you better know the 2018-2019 SAT test dates in Dubai so you can get your schedule together.

Click here for the 2020-2021 SAT Test Dates in Dubai

2016-2017 SAT Test Dates and Deadlines

October 1, 2016

November 5, 2016

December 3, 2016

January 21, 2017

May 6, 2017

June 3, 2017

SAT Guidelines for Outside the US

For SAT test taking purposes only, any student taking the SAT in Dubai is a considered an international student living outside the US (it doesn’t matter which passport you have).

Here are a few things you need to know about the 2016-2017 SAT test dates in Dubai:

  • Most importantly, the SAT is NOT offered all the time. It’s only offered 6 TIMES A YEAR for students in Dubai. So…
  • ​International registration must be completed by 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (about 8 hours behind Dubai). Registration usually closes about 1 month before the next SAT.
  • Unfortunately, there are no August, November, and June SATs for students in Dubai.
  • There’s no late registration for students in Dubai. Therefore, you have to register online by the deadline. The deadline is about 1 month before the SAT you want to take.
  • SAT Subject Tests are available internationally in October, November, December, May, and June.
  • The SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same day as the SAT. If you need to take both tests, you have to take the SAT one month and the SAT Subject Tests another month.
  • Finally, the SAT costs about AED 147 to take.

 

Want even more information? Visit the College Board’s  International SAT Registration page for info on policies and other tests you might need to take.

Let us help you prepare!

We’ve coached many, many students through the SAT and university admissions process. Whatsapp us to prepare with an experienced American SAT instructor so you can get YOUR BEST SCORE on the SAT.

Last Updated: September 22, 2020

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