Brief
UAE experts urge students to build holistic university profiles at Edufair Dubai
Dr. Mauli Mahajan stresses the need for UAE students to highlight extracurricular achievements and personal growth in university applications.
By Felo News Desk · Published
During the opening day of Gulf News Edufair Dubai, Dr. Mauli Mahajan, founder of MyCompassToday and 3E Worldwide, told attendees that good grades remain important but are insufficient for competitive university admissions.
What happened
Mahajan addressed a crowd of students and parents, explaining that universities now evaluate a broader set of criteria, including extracurricular activities, leadership roles and demonstrable impact. She noted that "90 percent of competitive universities today consider extracurriculars very important in admission decisions." The session emphasized that students should curate a "profile"—a deliberate collection of experiences, achievements, skills and contributions—that differentiates them from peers.
What the reports add
The Gulf News article reports Mahajan’s specific advice to ask oneself, "How are you different? How do you stand out from your classmates?" She cautioned against merely amassing certificates, urging instead for genuine interests and sustained growth. The piece also links profile building to scholarship and financial‑aid prospects, noting that impact and achievements can strengthen those applications.
What was said
"Marks are important but students need to tell their story through their application to get accepted into the university," Mahajan told Gulf News. She added that holistic admissions are becoming the norm, shifting focus from marks toward skills and future readiness.
How it came about
The Edufair, part of Gulf News' annual education showcase, follows earlier Felo News coverage of the Dubai UniExpo 2026, where more than 35 universities presented AI and other programmes to prospective students. Both events highlight a growing emphasis on helping UAE youth navigate increasingly competitive admissions landscapes.
Key facts
- Dr. Mauli Mahajan said grades are important but not enough for university admission. (gulfnews.com)
- She stated that 90% of competitive universities consider extracurriculars very important. (gulfnews.com)
- Mahajan defined a student profile as a collection of experiences, achievements, skills and contributions. (gulfnews.com)
- The advice was given at the opening day of Gulf News Edufair Dubai. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “How UAE students can build a standout university application with profile building tips”
