What’s UPP? NYU Abu Dhabi’s University Prep Program

UPP started as a four-day on-campus program. A small cohort of preselected local junior and senior high school students attended. The event ran every summer, sometimes twice.

These dedicated UPP sessions aimed to help participants:

• Understand their options within the higher education landscape
• Find the right “fit” in their college search
• Think about how to put their best application forward

“Thank you for this great opportunity and for the immense amount of help that you have given us through this stressful time in our lives. Thank you so much for your time and as well as the other admissions council members. I could have never asked for better hosts and guides.” —Haifa, UPP Participant

In 2020 and 2021, UPP was offered remotely, which extended its reach to international students. Still as successful as ever, it is now held over two busy days. The programming focuses on supporting rising high school seniors and students taking a gap year. UPP helps them find the right college fit and gather all tools and resources to put together the best college application possible.

UPP lead Hanan Abed tells me, “The best part [of UPP] is to see the lightbulb turn on. For some students, it’s the first time they are thinking about university. They are motivated enough to give up part of their summer to do this. They’re on the right track!”

“Besides all the useful sessions and tips offered, I got to meet some amazing people. You have made this daunting process seem a lot more manageable than I had thought it was. It’s now more like ticking off boxes on a checklist instead of not even knowing where to start.” —Nashwa, UPP Participant

To apply to UPP, you need to be a high school student or a recent graduate. You should also be in good academic standing. Beyond your usual biographic details, the application asks you to write a couple of short essays about your interest in UPP and where you see yourself in the future. Sessions offered in 2022 should include: Finding Your Fit; Discover What’s Important; holistic admissions, Common Application, and essay workshops; and an NYU Abu Dhabi student panel.

Abed says, “The holistic admissions discussion blows students’ minds. They come in thinking their test score is all that matters [in college admissions]. We help them understand fit and consider class size, student diversity, climate, and geography—many things beyond rankings.”

“I just wanted to extend my gratitude for you giving your time and effort to us over the past week. Your program was not only enlightening but enjoyable and a memory I will never forget. I look forward to seeing you all in the future and becoming a part of the NYU Abu Dhabi family. Inshallah!” —Christian, UPP Participant