For a number of students in the UAE, especially when planning for university admission, taking entrance examinations as well as other standardized test is one of the key activities. In particular, these exams are needed to determine the student’s eligibility for the subsequent stage of education and his or her potential to succeed at the university level. 

Let’s take a look at entrance examinations that are taken by students, on strategies for preparing for these tests.

Overview of Common Entrance Exams

There are several entrance examinations that are often S that are in demand by universities in the UAE and each examination has its own role to play in the admission process. 

Here’s a look at some of the most recognized exams:Here’s a look at some of the most recognized exams:

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

The SAT is accepted in UAE and in universities all over the globe as a tool in determining a student’s preparedness for college. The test comprises reading, writing and mathematics with an essay section which is however optional. SAT is an essential academic test for admissions in many undergraduate colleges and is commonly employed in coordination with the other academic records.

ACT (American College Testing)

Another standardised test that is also accepted in some of the universities in the UAE is the ACT commonly known as American College Test. This one consists of several parts: English,mathematics, reading, writing (optional) and science. The ACT is also known to cover a longer test period and is favoured by learners who perform well in the sciences.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

For the students that have English as their second language generally, IELTS is an important test for showing English proficiency. Most of the universities in UAE use IELTS score when admitting students particularly, those studying in English medium. The test concerns listening, reading linear and multichannel writing, and speaking competencies.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The other widely recognized English proficiency test is TOEFL which is also recognized by the majority of the UAE universities. It evaluates a student’s employability and proficiency in English especially in an academic context; it features on comprehension, reading, speaking, and writing.

EmSAT (Emirates Standardised Test)

The EmSAT is a test for learners in the UAE since it focuses on admission to the government universities as well as some private colleges. They are such subjects as English, mathematics, physics and computer science among others. The EmSAT is also developed to reflect the existing educational requirements of the UAE and is intended for determining the student’s readiness to the university program.

Preparing for Standardised Tests

These entrance exams entail a lot of preparation and thus appropriate study should be observed during the preparations. Here are some tips to help students excel in their standardised tests.

Understand the Test Format

It is important to learn the rules of the game: what kind of questions and format are used in the test; time allocated for the test; ways of scoring. This is very true since experience relieves anxiety especially when one knows what to expect on the test-taking day.

Create a Study Plan

Start early and the best way to achieve this is to come up with a study timetable which will include all the subjects that are tested. It is recommended to divide the material into sections and be consistent with the time designated for its study.

Use Practice Tests

A lot has been said and written how taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare. They allow you to become familiar with the format and time table of the exam while at the same time realising your weaknesses.

Review Weak Areas

Spend more of your time and efforts on areas in which you experience challenges particularly in subjects or areas of questions. This implies that you should supplement your preparation with study guides, online material or with the assistance of teachers/ tutors to improve these areas.

Stay Healthy and Rested

Fitness has a role to play in the overall health of an individual so as to achieve the best out of his or her efforts. So always utilise a healthy diet, take regular rest while studying, and also get sufficient sleep at night.

Understanding Test Scores and Requirements

It is therefore imperative that the students taking tests in the UAE learn how to interpret scores and how they are used in the university system.

Score Ranges and Percentiles

All the most known standardised tests offer scores on a certain scale (e. g., SAT scores vary from 400 to 1600 points). Minimum scores are set and are often stated alongside each university so understanding the position of the score one is seeking to achieve within the minimum score range of a particular university will be of great benefit. Percentiles give you the description of your standing in relation to the rest of the test takers that can be helpful for your understanding.

University Requirements

Score requirements also vary from one university and program to another. Some universities assign definite cut-off scores as a means of evaluation whereas others use them as a gauge among other factors. Make sure to learn the particular standards of the universities which you are applying to and try to achieve or overachieve them.

Superscoring and Test Retakes

The best scoring system used by some universities is known as ‘superscore’, whereby universities use the highest section scores from various test dates to form the high overall composite score. If you are unsatisfied with the results that you initially get then maybe retake the test in order to get better results.

Score Reporting

It is also important that your test scores be sent to the universities as preferred by them. In most of the tests, you are allowed to select the number of universities you wish to send your scores to free of charge with further reports that would attract a fee.

University entrance exams and other standardised assessments are very significant for the process of enrollment in universities in the UAE. As such, learning about the common exam, how best to prepare for it, and how best to use your scores will go a long way in helping you to increase your chances of getting admission into your preferred University. However, when done properly and systematically, a student can get through this process to realise his/her academic dreams.