Which U.S. private school entrance exams are most relevant for international students in Dubai?

If you’re applying to a top U.S. private school from Dubai, the names to know are SSAT and ISEE. These are the big players in admissions testing, and most elite schools will ask for one or the other. The SSAT is popular among boarding schools, while the ISEE is common with independent day schools.

Some schools accept both, so it’s not about picking the “better” test. Rather, it’s about choosing the right fit for your child’s strengths. You might also come across the STAR Assessment, often used for placement or benchmarking. Bottom line? These tests are your child’s academic handshake to U.S. schools. Let’s make sure it’s a strong one.