Dubai Private School Parent Guide: Pick the Right SAT Prep Plan by Curriculum

TLDR

• Dubai private schools follow August–June calendars; SAT prep must fit around exam terms.

• British, IB, and American tracks all have peak exam seasons where SAT prep should be lighter.

• Parents can think in terms of three conceptual prep plans: Fast-Track (6–8 weeks), Standard (12–16 weeks), and Comprehensive (20–24 weeks).

• Download our Dubai SAT Calendar to see exam blackout weeks and test windows.

Why Curriculum Matters for SAT Timing in Dubai

Dubai’s private schools run August to June with winter and spring breaks in between. The challenge is not just finding a good SAT date but avoiding collisions with major exam terms:

• British (IGCSE, AS, A2): Heavy exam blocks in May–June and Oct–Nov.

• IB Diploma: Final exams in May or November, with major IA deadlines sprinkled throughout.

• American/AP: AP exams every May, plus GPA-critical finals.

The SAT is offered multiple times a year internationally, including August, October, December, March, May, and June. The trick is choosing the right window based on your child’s school calendar.

When Should My Child Take the SAT?

British Curriculum

• Ideal first SAT: August or October of Year 12 (AS year).

• Backup option: Spring of Year 12 or August of Year 13.

• Avoid: May–June and Oct–Nov exam periods.

IB Curriculum

• Best windows: August or October of DP1 to secure an early score.

• Alternative: Spring of DP1 if workload allows.

• Last chance: August or October of DP2 before IA and exam crunch.

American Curriculum

• Best windows: Spring of Grade 11 or August before Grade 12.

• Backup: October or December of Grade 12.

• Avoid: May AP exam season.

Tutor Tip: Families often underestimate how draining May exams are. Even high achievers should avoid SAT prep during AP, IB, or A-Level season. The smartest path is to test before the storm.

Three Conceptual SAT Prep Plans

These are examples, not fixed packages. Every student’s plan at NAT is customized based on baseline scores, target universities, and school workload.

A) Fast-Track Plan (6–8 weeks, 20–30 tutoring hours)

Best for: Students with a strong baseline or a near-term SAT date.

• Weeks 1–2: Diagnostic + strategy foundations

• Weeks 3–6: Focused tutoring on weaknesses + 2 full practice tests

• Weeks 7–8 (optional): Polishing and retake bridge

B) Standard Plan (12–16 weeks, 40–60 tutoring hours)

Best for: Balanced prep during a lighter school term.

• Phase 1: Core skills + 1 full test

• Phase 2: Targeted tutoring (math, reading, grammar, timing) + 2 full tests

• Phase 3: Mixed practice, data analysis, final polish + 2 full tests

C) Comprehensive Plan (20–24 weeks, 70–100 tutoring hours)

Best for: Students seeking a major score jump or with heavy school loads.

• Phase 1: Skill rebuilding, steady tutoring pace

• Phase 2: Deep-dive strategies, stamina training, 3–4 full tests

• Phase 3: Flexible buffer weeks around mocks and major exams

How to Align These Plans With School Calendars

• British: Use lighter terms for Standard prep; keep maintenance during May–June.

• IB: Front-load tutoring before IA deadlines; pause close to May/Nov papers.

• American: Ramp up prep in Grade 11 spring, sharpen over summer, retake in August.

What Score Improvement to Expect

• Standard plan: +70 to +150 points

• Comprehensive plan: +150 to +250 points

• Improvement depends on practice test completion and consistent homework.

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