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Dubai Student's Guide to Standardized Testing: IB, AP, SAT, ACT

Schedule smarter for 2026: dates, scoring, timelines, and calculators tailored to Dubai students

SAT (International): Dates, Format, Scoring

Test months (weekend): Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, May, Jun for 2025–2026; register and manage accommodations via your College Board account.

  • Dates & Deadlines: Aug 23; Sept 13; Oct 4; Nov 8; Dec 6 (2025) • Mar 14; May 2; Jun 6 (2026).
  • Registration: Online; late registration available globally (additional fees). Bring acceptable ID and approved device if borrowing.
  • Format: Digital, section-adaptive modules in Reading & Writing and Math. Total testing time ~2h14m (excludes admin time).
  • Scoring: ERW 200–800 + Math 200–800 → Total 400–1600. Formula: \( \text{SAT Total} = \text{ERW} + \text{Math} \).
Action: Create/confirm your College Board account early, choose Dubai-area centers, and register 4–6 weeks ahead of your target date to avoid capacity issues.

ACT (International): Dates, Format, Scoring

International test weekends typically fall in Sept, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul. Choose a Friday or Saturday session where available.

  • Dates 2025–2026 (international): Sept 5–6; Oct 17–18; Dec 12–13; Feb 6–7; Apr 10–11; Jun 12–13; Jul 10–11.
  • Format: English, Math, Reading, Science (+ optional Writing). Faster pacing than SAT; separate science literacy section.
  • Scoring: Section scores 1–36. Composite is rounded average: \( \text{Composite} = \frac{E+M+R+S}{4} \).
Tip: Take an official ACT practice test to assess pacing comfort. If you excel at quick reading/data interpretation, ACT may be a better fit than SAT.

AP (Advanced Placement): Weeks, Subjects, Credits

AP Exams run in schools across two weeks in May 2026: Week 1 May 4–8; Week 2 May 11–15, with late-testing windows for approved conflicts.

  • Subjects: 30+ exams across STEM, humanities, languages, arts; school AP Coordinator sets local start times.
  • Scoring: 1–5; many universities grant credit/placement for 4s/5s depending on policy.
  • Strategy: Prioritize APs aligned with your intended major and with clear credit value at your target universities.
Action: Confirm your school’s AP ordering deadlines in the fall, plan coursework pacing, and use official Course & Exam Descriptions (CEDs) for targeted prep.

IB (International Baccalaureate): Scoring, Core, Sessions

IB Diploma scoring combines six subjects and the core (TOK/EE/CAS). Exam sessions run in May and November; schools share your exact timetable and zone.

  • IB Total Formula: \( \text{IB Total} = \sum_{i=1}^{6} \text{Subject}_i \;(\text{max 42}) + \text{TOK/EE bonus} \;(\text{max 3}) \Rightarrow \text{max 45} \).
  • Core: TOK & EE award up to 3 bonus points; CAS is required for diploma award (no points).
  • Subject grading: 1–7; HL and SL share descriptors, HL expects deeper coverage.
Tip: For competitive majors, secure 6–7s in relevant HLs, and aim for A/A in TOK/EE to maximize the bonus 3 points.

Dubai Timeline Planner (EA/ED and Regular)

Grade 11 (Term 2–3)

  • Diagnostics: Take official SAT and ACT practice. Pick one test to specialize.
  • Register SAT/ACT for late Grade 11 (May/June) or early Grade 12 (Aug/Sept).
  • AP selection: lock target APs for spring of Grade 12; IB: align HL focus.

Summer before Grade 12

  • Intensive SAT/ACT prep; finalize college list; draft essays.
  • Plan AP/IB revision schedule; gather teacher recs timeline.

Grade 12 (Term 1)

  • SAT/ACT primary sitting: Aug/Sept/Oct; backup in Oct/Dec if needed.
  • EA/ED applications: submit strong scores by October (US).
  • UK/EU: finalize subject-focused rigor (IB HL/AP) and testing plan.

Grade 12 (Term 2–3)

  • AP: May weeks 1 & 2; IB: May/Nov sessions per school calendar.
  • Send official scores; update portals as final results release.

Quick Calculators (Inline)

SAT Total

Total: —

Formula: \( \text{SAT Total} = \text{ERW} + \text{Math} \)

ACT Composite

Composite: —

Formula: \( \text{Composite} = \frac{E + M + R + S}{4} \) (rounded)

IB Total (Subjects + Core)

IB Total: —

Formula: \( \text{IB Total} = \sum_{i=1}^{6} \text{Subject}_i + \text{TOK/EE} \)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US universities prefer SAT or ACT?

Neither is preferred; both are accepted widely. Choose the test that fits your strengths and maximize that score.

How many times should I take SAT/ACT?

Most students sit 1–2 times. Plan one primary date and one backup to improve superscore without over-testing.

How do APs help if I’m doing IB?

APs can showcase depth or let you earn credit at US universities. Prioritize APs that align with your intended major and where your school supports exam administration.

What is a competitive IB score?

Strong candidates often present 36–42+, with relevant HL 6–7s. The TOK/EE bonus up to 3 points can push you over critical thresholds.

How early should Dubai students register?

Register 4–6 weeks in advance for SAT/ACT to secure Dubai-area seats. AP/IB run through schools—follow your coordinator’s internal timelines closely.

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