Experts say post-exam period is critical for university decisions as academic advisers help students navigate admissions, majors and career choices
Dubai: As Grade 12 students await their final results, educators and university admissions officials are warning that the weeks following exams can be just as important as the examinations themselves, with a series of common mistakes potentially affecting university admissions and future career paths.
Academic experts identified 10 common errors that could lead students to miss admission opportunities or choose unsuitable academic pathways. These include selecting a major under the influence of family, friends or society, choosing a field that does not match personal abilities, delaying university applications, failing to monitor university communications, missing document submission deadlines, assuming grades alone guarantee admission, comparing results with others, changing majors before fully understanding their requirements, neglecting skills development and underestimating the importance of the post-exam period.
Advisers become strategic partners
Education specialists said academic advisers play a pivotal role once exams conclude, helping students navigate admission procedures, career planning and university selection.
Dr Gary Fernandez, Prospective Students Officer at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said many admission-related problems stem from procedural oversights that can be avoided through preparation and regular communication with universities.
“The most common mistakes involve delayed applications, failure to follow university communications, and choosing programmes based on reputation rather than a clear understanding of future opportunities and personal suitability,” he said.
Fernandez advised students to regularly check emails and admissions portals, complete documentation requirements on time and become familiar with registration procedures, visa requirements and certificate equivalency processes where applicable.
Students seek guidance
Grade 12 student Omar Abdulhai Al Hassan said the period after exams can be more stressful than the examinations themselves because of the number of decisions students must make regarding universities and majors.
He said academic counselling helps students prioritise goals, understand admission requirements and make more informed choices.
Student Fatina Hamidin echoed those concerns, noting that uncertainty about results initially made it difficult for her to decide on a university major.
She said academic guidance helped her understand programme options, career prospects and admission criteria, reducing uncertainty and improving confidence in her decisions.
Parents highlight importance of planning
Parents interviewed by Emirates Today described the post-exam period as a critical stage in a student’s educational journey.
They said academic advisers provide families with reliable information about admission options, scholarship opportunities and university requirements, helping students avoid rushed decisions that could affect their futures.
Beyond grades
Noura Al Muhairi, an education specialist, said the role of the academic adviser extends beyond admissions support.
“The adviser helps students ask the right questions, understand available options and make decisions that align with their interests, strengths and aspirations,” she said.
According to Al Muhairi, advisers help students avoid common mistakes such as allowing external influences to determine their major, delaying applications or assuming that strong grades alone guarantee admission.
Psychological support
Dr Marwa Amara, an academic counselling consultant, stressed that students require emotional as well as academic support during this period.
“The student’s future should not be linked to a single grade or one examination result,” she said.
Amara noted that advisers help students interpret results objectively, explore appropriate study options and develop academic and career plans based on their abilities and interests.
Family influence
Family and educational consultant Omaima Hussein described families as a key part of the guidance process.
She said some parents help students identify pathways that match their strengths and ambitions, while others unintentionally create pressure by encouraging choices that may not align with the student’s interests.
Hussein urged families to focus conversations on future aspirations rather than examination scores alone.
“Building a successful future depends not only on academic results, but on choosing a path that matches the student’s abilities, interests and ambitions,” she said.
Seven questions students should ask
Educators recommend that students discuss several key issues with academic advisers before selecting a university major, including:
- Does the major align with my abilities and interests?
- What career opportunities does it offer?
- How relevant is it to labour market needs?
- Which universities offer the strongest programmes?
- What are the admission requirements?
- How does the major support my long-term career goals?
- How can I use the summer break to develop language, digital and professional skills?
Experts said thoughtful planning, early preparation and professional guidance can help students make informed decisions and avoid mistakes that could affect their university and career prospects.
