EXAMINATION AND TEST PREPARATION CENTRES

SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021

EXAMINATION AND TEST PREPARATION CENTRES Exceptional knowledge in your hands Be future-ready by signing up for important tests and courses that guarantee you success Mitchelle D’Souza

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hether you are looking to immigrate or study abroad, preparing for competitive engineering and medical exams, or wish to build your resume, there are a tonne of centres that can get you primed for a bright future. These institutes are designed to help you plan your college years, and provide you with all the support you need at the right time. They come with vast

experience in their respective domains, disseminating valuable knowledge to those embarking on a new course. These centres offer an assortment of courses and tuition classes to choose from.

One of the most in-demand tests in recent years has been the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. Scoring high points in the IELTS exam can open a window of opportunities for a skilled worker or student migrating to a country where English is the main language of communication.

The British Council recently launched the IELTS Counselling Service, a practical and personalised approach that helps exam candidates improve their IELTS score. The programme first assesses each candidate’s current English level and provides customised feedback and resources to focus on areas of improvement.

Another institute that is helping individuals ace IELTS is IDP Education. The centre disrupts the traditional landscape with its cutting-edge computer-delivered IELTS. A global leader in international education services and a co-owner of IELTS, IDP provides IELTS testing services in the UAE through a large network of test centres and venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Ain, Dibba, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.

As a customary practice, high school students getting into colleges are asked for their resumes. While school records can tell a students’ academic story, it is the activities beyond the classroom — the ‘extracurricular activities’ that speak about their talent, character and contribution. Inner Universe, Dubai-based educational consultants, come to the aid of students enroll-

ing into colleges, by offering sound advice on the resume building process.

The UAE being home to a large number of Indian expatriates, there are many Indian students studying within the country following the Indian board system of education. For such students, getting the requisite training needed to prepare for engineering and medical exams in India had been an uphill task until Ascentria entered the market. An eight-year-old institution, Ascentria was founded solely to provide Gulf students with the same level of competition as their peers in India, for the extremely competitive engineering and medical exams.

Another noteworthy centre, Score Plus specialises in test preparation and admissions counselling for higher education, helping aspiring students of all levels of academic qualifications.

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EXAMINATION AND TEST PREPARATION CENTRES

Ace your resume for college Shyamala Elango Director Inner Universe

Extracurricular activities can help you get better placements than you think.

To create the perfect one, join Inner Universe’s boot camp

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aying on the beach, having ice cream, catching up on reading, or attending family reunions are indeed fun activities for the summer. But did you know that developing your extracurricular activities and creating your CV could also be fun and fulfilling at the same time?

Most students in high school scour through endless lists of opportunities and possibilities to craft the perfect résumé.

And the most obvious reason to do so is that they shall soon be applying to colleges, and colleges will want to see what they have done outside of their classrooms as much as within them.

But do you know why colleges want a résumé? While your school record can tell your academic story, it is the activities beyond the classroom — the ‘extracurricular activities’ that can tell about your talent, character, and contribution. These elements along with your curricular performance, define the student, the star, and the citizen in you.

Inner Universe, the Dubai-based educational consultancy, offers sound advice for the résumé-building process.

What are the first things one should keep in mind while building a résumé Debunking myths: “I don’t have sports, or I have not done any service” – these are worries that students sometimes have. But remember, colleges do not have a prepared checklist that they want every applicant to follow blindly. The activities you are engaged in must be because you want to do them, not because you have to do them. There is a difference.

No clutter: Your résumé is your chance to show your growth, your contribution, and what you have learned through these activities.

So, include activities that you really want to be part of – those that can hone your talents and help you create a legacy.

Less is more: The fewer activities you are engaged in, the deeper your commitment and contribution are likely to be. Therefore, you should pick activities that you can manage comfortably within your schedule yet allow you to make profound impacts.

Create a theme: The résumé must blend in with the scholar you are, the person you are, and must highlight your defining characteristics and accomplishments. In addition, as you move through high school, it might be worthwhile to include activities that can help with your plans for colleges- say, your choice of major.

And through our unique “Profile Building Bootcamp 2021”, we attempt to do exactly that.

What is the Boot Camp about: It is a summer workshop that helps identify your strengths and create a plan for an extracurricular profile that melds with your personality, your expectations, and your aspirations.

Through a series of exercises and activities, you will be able to create themes that can allow you to showcase your voice and your goals clearly.

Who is it for: It is designed for students in the firstthree years of high school (grades 9 through 11) How does it work: Over five days, students meet with the counsellors to identify their gaps and strengths. The CV is accordingly rearranged with clear plans and targets. Resources are provided to fill gaps. The targets and the plans ensure that you use your time most productively to create a specialist out of you.

There will be follow-up sessions to evaluate and reassess plans.

What does ‘test-optional’ mean?

Offering personalised test prep to ensure that each student excels in standardised tests, even though some universities have made them optional Nisthula Nagarajan

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his year, many universities are going test-optional, which means that students can decide whether to submit their SAT or ACT scores or not. If submitted, the school will take the scores into consideration but may focus on other parts of the application more. This has resulted in students wondering if they should really even take these tests.

Even though a university is test-optional it is better to take the exam and submit a good score. It is an opportunity for students to present the best version of themselves to each college. Test scores can be the feather in an application’s cap and tip the scales in a student’s favour in a highly competitive applicant pool. Additionally, many colleges, including test-op-

tional schools, use standardised test scores to award merit scholarships for incoming freshmen.

Summer is the optimal time for students to get their heads in the game and build strong applications to increase admission and scholarship opportunities. Without the pressure of school, homework and examinations, students can hunker down, pick up a prep book, find an online prep course, or a test prep tutor to help them manage their time. This also keeps students’ brains active, so they aren’t slacking when they return to class in September.

Score Plus, a trusted name in the Middle East for high-quality educa-

tional services, has shaped the lives and careers of thousands of students at learning centres across the region since 2002.

Score Plus specialises in test preparation and admissions counselling for higher education to aspiring students of all levels of academic qualification, tutoring for school students and language training for individuals across various ages.

Adapting to this year’s educational requirements, Score Plus is offering multiple live webinars covering various topics, including standardised test prep, higher education and scholarships.

The test centre has a qualified team of teachers, counsellors and administrators ready to help and answer any questions that students and their parents might have on standardised testtaking or universities.

Score Plus offers test prep services personalised to every student to help them achieve a high score on their standardised tests, ensuring a better chance at college admissions and scholarships.

Leader in JEE and NEET prep Ascentria is the regional leader in preparing Gulf students for the highly competitive JEE and NEET exams while ensuring success in board exams and school preparations. Alka Malik, Founder and MD, explains

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scentria is an eight-year-old institution founded solely to provide Gulf students with the same level of competition as their peers in India, for the extremely competitive Indian engineering and medical exams. Prior to our operations, Gulf students rarely attained any success in these, due to the inadequate preparation they received here. However, our students have consistently gained admission to various Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), and All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS) other premier government colleges on merit. Students sitting these exams have also gained admission to leading colleges internationally such as Imperial College in the UK, Berkeley in the US, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, as all these colleges accord great value to scores in these highly competitive exams.

Ascentria-PACE is different from its competitors Ascentria currently does not have any competitors, simply because our track record and success of our students remains unparalleled, which is rooted in the rigour of our programme. All our results are 100 per cent genuine and

cation (CBSE) curriculum schools.

Ascentria has been the provider of choice for specialised courses delivered over the last six years to GEMS Modern Academy. We have recently entered into an association with the oldest and largest CBSE school in the country.

Alka Malik Founder and MD of students who have studied with us here. Many institutes claim high ranks of students who have either been with them in Grade 9 or 10 and subsequently prepared for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) by relocating to India. Others showcase high results of their Indian operations, which is completely irrelevant here.

Tell us about your faculty We are of the firm belief that students are what teachers make them.

We select our faculty with extreme care and are remove those who do not meet up to our high standards.

Often such teachers are welcomed by other institutes in a bid to replicate our teaching standards.

Ascentria working closely with local Indian schools Based on our excellent results and track record, all leading school groups have entered into continuing associations with us to prepare their students after school hours. We are the only institute with all leading Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and Central Board of Secondary Edu-

Changes the pandemic has brought We were the first institute to transform our classroom teaching overnight to online in March last year. We are also the first to welcome students back in person this year. Our entire team is vaccinated and the premises are sanitised daily. We offer a hybrid learning experience where students can opt to attend classes either at the centre or online. The same class recording is also embedded in our customised app for students to revisit and revise later too.

What lies ahead We are launching our fully online JEE and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) course, for students who are commencing on this journey now. There are several other new courses that we will be launching in September as well as some more school associations that are under finalisation.

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EXAMINATION AND TEST PREPARATION CENTRES

Prepare for success The British Council helps individuals master the IELTS exam with a specially curated counselling service

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coring high points in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam can open a window of opportunities for a skilled worker or student migrating to a country where English is the main language of communication. There are ways one can enhance their application to help realise their dream of living abroad. Students whp are looking to study in the UAE as well can polish their English language skillset by taking the test.

A little practice and some personalised coaching, for example, can raise your score on Englishlanguage assessment tests and correspondingly improve your overall chances.

Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam as evidence of English language proficiency for study, work and migration. The four-part test evaluates your ability to read, write, listen and speak, and a high score on all fronts can make the difference between a successful visa application or not receiving an immigration permit at all.

As the world’s most popular test, IELTS can also improve your chances of finding a job in your target country — more than 10,000 organisations accept its results.

Deep Adhikari, Director Exams Gulf South Cluster at the British Council says, “The aim is to achieve a high score to enhance the overall points on your application. Scoring well in each component of the IELTS test can cause quite a difference in the points you achieve.”

He offers some examples of how a high score affects individual cases. The minimum IELTS score required to immigrate to Canada is 6, while it is 7 for Australia. “However, this minimum score will not contribute effectively to your overall Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). Applicants must aim anywhere between the Canadian Level Benchmark score of 7-9. While 7 is easily achievable and 9 is more difficult, with constant practice we believe anyone can secure the CLB Level 8 at least,” Adhikari says.

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Deep Adhikari Director Exams Gulf South Cluster British Council “To increase your chances at receiving an invitation, it is crucial that you practice for your IELTS test in advance and get training to obtain the ideal IELTS score on your first attempt.”

Similarly, 65 points is the minimum overall qualifying score for immigration to Australia. However, Adhikari explains, invitations are being issued to candidates who score between 70 and 80 points on the assessment grid.

Counselling effectiveness The British Council recently launched the IELTS Counselling Service, a practical and personalised approach that helps exam candidates improve their IELTS score. The programme first assesses each candidate’s current English level and provides customised feedback and resources to focus on areas of improvement.

“With IELTS counselling service, our customers get personalised support from IELTS experts who guide and advise on how to best prepare for the IELTS test to achieve the desired score,” Adhikari says.

For a package of Dh310, test candidates get the online assessment and personalised learning plan, as well as regular check-in calls with a dedicated counsellor and guidance on the exam and results process. For those who book an IELTS test with the British Council, the IELTS Plus package offers the same benefits for Dh160 in addition to an advance test booking and a free test date transfer worth Dh315.

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How the British Council’s newly launched counselling service has helped UAE students improve their IELTS scores

Dr B Neethu “The British Council’s online assessments and services helped me achieve an overall band 8 in the IELTS test. Howaida Mohamed Osman, an IELTS Counsellor at the British Council, arranged for my language assessment and also provided me all the resources and guidance I needed. The assessment feedback that I received from her also helped me identify my mistakes and improve my language skills. The British Council provides great resources and practice tests that helped me plan and study well.”

Hashmi Salan Shameer “I am extremely happy with the British Council’s IELTS counselling service. I was hesitant to book a test date until I received a call from the counselling service. The diagnostic test clearly explained to me my strengths and weaknesses. With less than two weeks of preparation, I was able to achieve my required score.”

Mahmoud Magdy “The evaluation programme before the exam at the British Council was excellent and well-coordinated to fit my busy schedule. It helped me better understand the layout of the exam and how it would be conducted, as well as motivated me to improve my language skills. I truly commend the IELTS staff at the British Council and hope the pre-test evaluation programme continues to stay and help all test candidates in the future.”

several free resources for anyone who wants to do the IELTS exam, including practice tests, a massive online open course, preparation videos, a webinar, and mobile apps.

While many students worry about the IELTS exam, Adhikari says it’s easier than most people think. “The questions in the IELTS test are straightforward and designed to assess how well you can use your English. As with

any test, IELTS requires thorough preparation.”

As a final tip, he suggests that IELTS candidates use English daily. “To improve your English, you need to use it in everyday contexts, whether it’s speaking with your friends in English, writing notes and emails, reading newspapers or listening to the radio. If you feel you need help with your English, you can also consider taking an English course.”

https://qrco.de/bbHlXP To book an IELTS test visit https://bit.ly/3qmb5NO For IELTS Counselling Service visit https://bit.ly/3gKuofc

EXAMINATION AND TEST PREPARATION CENTRES

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One gateway to all exam preparations Prep for 11 different fields under one roof

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nowledge Point Institute aims at providing the students with high quality training to prepare them for the industry. Backed by superior teaching staff and state-of-the-art facilities, every student gets industryrelated training. The students receive the necessary guidance and attention to attain their desired goals — from achieving good IELTS score to completing their CPC examination.

Knowledge Point Institute is one of the renowned education training institutions in the Middle East, headquartered in Dubai and approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

It has a long legacy of 24 years in the field of medical and healthcare courses, language courses, exam preparation training, school-based training and many more.

The institute is recognised for its qualified staff, best-in-class amenities as well as

the willingness to help students progress.

It regularly incorporates feedback from the students to connect better with them. Only with the revolutionary ideas and courses that it offers today that it has quickly became recognised as one of the finest examination training institute in Dubai.

Today’s world requires practical thinkers and creative minds. The world has progressed, and we need people who can break

the chains of traditional stereotype. This can only be achieved by adopting innovative methods of learning. At Knowledge Point, the same is promoted. It aspires to make its students think creatively, innovatively, and independently in order to prepare them better for real-life scenarios and proactive education is the Motto followed by all their trainers.

In the era of customisation, why leave

education behind? Knowledge Point offers personalised training courses for 11 different fields.

Exam preparation courses such as IELTS, OET, PTE, SAT, EMSAT, NATA, JEE and NEET, CFPS, CPHQ, CPMA, Nursing Licensing Exam for DHA and HAAD. Knowledge Point ensures the training courses help every student shine academically, besides training them to be industry-ready.

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EXAMINATION AND TEST PREPARATION CENTRES

Better testing for better results

The computer-delivered IELTS test from IDP Education is the gateway to achieving applicants’ study, work and migration dreams

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f you are planning to study, work or live abroad, it is likely you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability as part of your application. The most popular way to do this is by taking an IELTS test.

What is IELTS International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most trusted English language test for work, study and migration. The IELTS test assesses your English language proficiency across listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.

Globally trusted and accepted More than 10,000 organisations trust IELTS as a reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English. The test is accepted in over 140 countries and results are recognised by more government agencies, educational institutions, and professional bodies than any other high-stakes English language test.

Human-focused testing aided by the speed of computers You can choose to take your IELTS test on paper or on computer. Both are the same in terms of content, timing, and structure.

In both cases, your speaking test takes place face-to-face with a trained examiner.

Rashi Bhattacharya, country director, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and Kazakhstan, of IDP Education, said: “Many people prefer IELTS on computer instead of paper. Part of the reason may be the faster results. Results come in three to five days and there are more dates available for test takers to choose from.

Group sizes are also smaller, which may also make people feel more comfortable.”

IDP Education is a global leader in international education services and a co-owner of IELTS. IDP provides IELTS testing services in the UAE through a large network of test centres and venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Ain, Dibba, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.

MahPara Akbar, head of language training at Future Target Institute, also high-

lights the surge in the numbers of computerdelivered IELTS test takers, indicating that the user-friendly computer option suits a growing number of test takers.

“Computer-delivered IELTS offers flexibility in timings and faster results, which may help people who have urgent application deadlines. We’ve heard great feedback from students and candidates who opt to take IELTS on computer,” Akbar revealed.

Getting ready for your test IELTS offers an Academic or General Training version of the test. In both cases, preparation is key to success. IDP offers a wide range of official IELTS preparation resources, including free practice tests, preparation courses and support tools, to help individuals understand their test and achieve the score they need.

To book your computer-delivered IELTS test, visit https://ielts.idp.com/uae or idpielts.me/oncomputer

Our human-focused testing is now aided by the speed of computers.

Better testing for better results You now have the choice between taking IELTS on paper or on computer.

The test content, timing and structure remain the same in both options and, importantly, the Speaking test remains face-to-face with a certified IELTS Examiner.

Results in 3-5 days Face-to-face Speaking test Academic or General Training More test dates

Book now: idpielts.me/oncomputer