How UAE students can crack Harvard and Ivy League admissions: Insights from Gulf News Edufair Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Are you dreaming of studying at an Ivy League school like Harvard or Yale, or a prestigious university in the UK? Start preparing early, explore your passions, and build an impressive profile that reflects both academic and personal growth, a leading expert said.

As the much-anticipated Gulf News Edufair made its debut in Abu Dhabi, Shivani Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Partnerships at UniHawk Global, laid out a comprehensive roadmap for higher education.

In her session titled ‘Roadmap to Higher Education’, she highlighted the importance of self-discovery during the school years.

“School offers amazing opportunities not just through subjects, but through activities that build skill, knowledge and perspective, and allows you to explore things that you are good at,” she said to a packed audience of students and parents at the exhibition hall of Gulf News Edufair, which concludes today at the Millennium Downtown Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
Kumar urged students to use this time to figure out what they are good at and equally important, what they are not. “It’s a very good process of elimination.”

She noted that preparation for university should ideally begin years in advance.
“It could be as early as two years before graduating from high school. It's never too late either,” she said, pointing out the varying requirements across global education systems. From Scholastic Assessment Tests for US Ivy League colleges to Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) for UK law programmes and portfolios for creative fields, Kumar outlined the diverse expectations of universities.

She addressed the shift in student preferences from traditional study destinations like the US, UK, Canada and Australia to a broader range of countries, as well as flexible options like dual degrees and student transfers. “There’s a lot more on offer now. It depends on what you want for yourself, what work for you, the ones that are best fit for you.”

Kumar stressed that a successful application goes beyond grades. She noted that leadership roles, internships, shadowing professionals, online courses and community service all play a role in building a strong profile. She encouraged students to take psychometric tests to understand their strengths and aptitudes, especially if they are unsure about what career path to pursue.

With universities expecting students to submit essays, letters of recommendation and prepare for possible interviews, Kumar advised students to lean on school counsellors and mentors for support.
“Don't forget this is your voice,” she said, pointing out that through essays and interviews, students can tell their story and show how their goals align with the university’s programme.

“There is no one perfect profile,” she said and stressed that students must focus on learning from experiences.

With expert-led panel discussions and many other surprises in store, this is an event not to be missed.

Venue: Millennium Downtown Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Note: Entry is free