United Arab Emirates: Students are waiting for new admission criteria due to the cancellation of EmSAT exams – News

Students across the United Arab Emirates are waiting for details on revised university admission criteria following the country’s education authorities’ cancellation Emirates Standard Tests (EmSAT) for students of class 12. While some students are happy to see the pressure eased, others are demanding clarity on the new procedures.

EmSAT was previously a requirement for admission to universities in the country and scholarships. According to the Ministry of National Education, its repeal will provide universities with flexibility in setting admission criteria.

Reacting to the news, Yousef Hussam Yassin, a 17-year-old student at a school in Sharjah, expressed relief at the reduced stress levels and new opportunities this change brings. “I feel like the pressure on me as a senior has eased and I have more options now.”

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When the news broke, he was still considering taking the EmSAT tests. “It depends on the university requirements and admission requirements, but I can take tests to improve my skills.”

Sixteen-year-old Jana Aburady said the cancellation was a relief. “I’m honestly relieved that the EmSAT test requirement has been canceled. “I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” she admitted.

Although Jana took the time to study for the test, she now plans to change her focus. “I will definitely focus on studying for other important exams like the SAT and preparing for university applications. I could also use the extra time to prepare for the IELTS exam,” she said.

Jana noticed that many of her classmates were happy with this decision, seeing it as a way to relieve stress.

However, Omar Ahmed El-Shabasy, also 17, from another private school, said EmSAT could test students equally.

Having spent a lot of time preparing for his exams and having already achieved the results needed for university, he is now reassessing his options. “First I will check what the new requirements are for the university, and then I will try to work harder than the first time, because we don’t have much time left.”

According to Omar, reactions in his senior group chat were mixed. “One group is nervous because they have done most of the testing, while another is happy because they haven’t started yet. Some students were not worried because they would continue their studies abroad.”

Ghala Alhajeri, a 16-year-old student from the United Arab Emirates, felt a mixture of relief and uncertainty. “I’m relieved, but a little confused about what new rules will be introduced,” she said. Although she did not spend much time preparing for the EmSAT, she completed several practice tests and continues to pursue her academic goals. “In this free time, I will definitely focus on various preparations,” she added.

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