In the UAE, many students aspire to study in the West, particularly in the UK, Canada, and the US, with hopes of getting into Ivy League schools. To prepare for this, parents often start planning for their children’s admissions well in advance, with some spending up to Dh250,000 to build their profiles with the help of professional education consultants. These consultants help students navigate the college application process and provide guidance on subjects to choose, extracurricular activities, and university selection.
Students like Aanya Rajput start seeking assistance from consulting firms as early as Grade 10, with sessions conducted both in-person and online to guide them through the process. Starting early in Grade 9 is considered cost-effective, with expenses spread out over four years. Education consultants also advise students on summer programs, internships, and important associations to join to enhance their portfolios and increase their chances of admission to top universities.
Personalized advice from education consultants helps students like Jacob George, an Aerospace Engineering major at UC Berkeley, navigate the US university application process. By categorizing universities into reach, target, and safety schools, students can increase their chances of acceptance. Even non-UAE residents, like Mohammed Saoud, who was accepted at Brown University, are turning to education service providers in the UAE for assistance with the college application process. Non-profit organizations also assist Syrian students with scholarship programs for foreign universities.
While the financial commitment for profile building can range from Dh50,000 to Dh250,000 over the high school years, with tailored advice and experiences playing a crucial role in the process. Parents are advised to start discussions early on, as location and competition play a significant factor, especially for international students. Some parents, like Indian expat Sheetal Sebal, are considering hiring counseling services to guide their children through the college application process, with individual and big companies like Hale and Crimson charging varying fees for their services. Despite the costs and competition, the personalized guidance provided by education consultants is seen as a valuable investment in securing opportunities for higher education abroad.
