The University of Dubai (UD) recently hosted a seminar for student counselors and college advisors representing more than a dozen high schools in Dubai on how to better prepare their students for university.

The event was hosted at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Score Plus, the Middle East arm of the Princeton Review – a leading test preparation service provider for university entrance exams such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS since 1981.

US president Dr Omar Hefni said the university thought it would be a good idea to get the three groups together because they all have the same mission – getting students graduating from high school the best in higher education.

“Students shouldn't be forced to take up a major because of demand in the market or parental interest, but should be made aware of the different options for higher education,” said Seema Krishna, an admissions consultant from Score Plus.

"Students need guidance to help them towards college eligibility and the readiness for the same."

Dennis Ortiz, a Master Trainer from the Princeton Review, spoke about what it means to be ‘eligible’ for college and what it means to be ‘ready’ for college. Most of the students are eligible for college but sadly few are ready. The difference between a student being able to get into college and being prepared for the serious commitment it demands is a big one, he said.

Sulakshana Divekar, high school advisor for Raffles World Academy, said, “I learned a lot about quality education and enhancing my role as counselor in preparing my students with skills important for college readiness.”

University of Dubai chief academic officer Dr Ananth Rao spoke about quality education and university’s AACSB accreditation – the AACSB accreditation is considered the gold standard for business schools worldwide and there are only three universities in the UAE that have obtained it.

“The average parent or student in the UAE does not know what the accreditation is, what it means,” Dr Rao said. “If you go abroad, everyone knows what AACSB is and the significance of it.”

The AACSB accreditation ensures high standards in the curriculum of the programs and requires top-notch faculty members, he added. – TradeArabia News Service