Guiding Students
to Their Dream
Universities since 2008

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Years of combined experience

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Students served 1-on-1

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Acceptance to at least one of a student's chosen universities

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Founded in 2008, Arbor Strategy Consulting is the UAE's oldest boutique university admissions consulting practice. Our unique approach means that each student works solely with one of our highly experienced partners throughout the whole high school journey. 100% of our students have been successfully placed at Top 100 universities in the US, UK, Canada or Europe. 

Students smiling

Why work with Arbor?

We know that navigating the right academic and extracurricular path on the journey to university can be overwhelming, with countless options and critical decisions at every turn. Arbor simplifies this journey by providing expert support and clear guidance, empowering our students and families to make well-informed decisions with confidence.

  • Reduce the significant effort and time required to gain admission to top universities
  • Evaluate the greater choices faced by students today, both inside and outside the classroom
  • Work directly with a highly-experienced and committed partner, rather than with young college graduates who lack expertise and dedication
  • Work directly with a highly-experienced and committed partner, rather than with young college graduates who lack expertise and dedication
  • Leverage our vast experience to fully understand the university landscape and the range of majors and subsequent career paths available

See our university placements

Arbor Strategy Consulting has worked with over 600 students from all backgrounds.

MIT

United States of America

Princeton University

United States of America

Stanford University

United States of America

Columbia University

United States of America

Yale University

United States of America

University of Pennsylvania

United States of America

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

Imperial College

United Kingdom

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

London School of Economics

United Kingdom

"Not only did Arbor excel in its role as a consulting partner, but the support I received went far beyond expectations. I felt that my opinions were treated with respect, and the feedback provided was concise and insightful. Arbor’s dedicated approach, strategic expertise, and deep understanding of the process helped me find my niche and approach each application in exactly the right way."

Mohamed A.
University of Pennsylvania, BS Wharton class of 2022

"Arbor services were instrumental in directing the focus of my applications. He effectively helped me in picking universities to apply to that fit my intellectual aspirations and that would enable me to channel my passion for economics and the social sciences. My acceptances to Cornell University and the University of Michigan were, in large part, the result of his deep involvement in my understanding of those institutions' academic ethos and the typical profile of their successful applicants. Highly recommended...and Go Blue!"

Alexander T.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics, class of 2020

"Arbor truly cushioned the rigor and intimidation of the college application process by walking me through each step. With deep knowledge of university culture, they helped me choose schools that matched my interests, personality, and grades. Arbor guided me through written applications, reviewed my essays thoroughly, and helped me perfect them. When decisions arrived, they helped me identify my priorities and choose where to spend the next four years. A one-of-a-kind, supportive college counseling experience."

Alexander AJ.
Northwestern University, BS Mechanical Engineering class of 2020

"Arbor was my counselor during my senior year of high school in Dubai. Coming from the French Lycée with little guidance on U.S. applications, their help was invaluable. Despite average grades, I was admitted to the University of Miami, a top school in my field. Arbor was a great mentor and diligent essay editor. Four years later, they still supported me—this time for grad school. Thanks in large part to their guidance, I was admitted to journalism programs at Columbia and Northwestern."

Natacha L.
University of Miami, BA Journalism class of 2017, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism class of 2019

"Arbor was a huge help in my late-start U.S. college applications. They broke down the process clearly, helped me shape my Common App essay, and brought focus and structure to every session. Their approachable and encouraging style made a stressful time much easier. Arbor also supported my ACT prep, which strengthened my application. Their guidance helped me refine my university list and choose my top option. I’m very glad I worked with them and highly recommend Arbor to others."

Aizere T.
New York University, Class starting 2018

"Arbor’s commitment and support as a University Admissions Counsellor and Test Prep Mentor were excellent. They were always approachable, friendly, and attentive to both my daughter and me. Arbor kept us on track with deadlines and was quick to offer helpful suggestions when issues arose. Their teaching style is patient, focused, and honest, with strong professional communication. Arbor truly understands student needs, and we look forward to working with them again for our son."

Natalie M.
University of Oxford, Class starting 2019

"Living in Switzerland and attending a national school, I had little support for applying to U.S. universities. Arbor gave me clarity and helped me plan key deadlines from as early as 10th grade. They guided my summer plans, suggested impactful activities, and kept me focused on academics. I appreciated Arbor’s organization, precision, and contextual availability. We met regularly to review essays in detail, and they always helped turn big ideas into strong writing. Their support made all the difference."

Caterina Z.
Stanford University, Class starting 2020

"Arbor supported me with both US and UK university applications, as well as SAT prep. Coming from the UK, I was unfamiliar with the US system, but Arbor helped me narrow down my choices and guided me through every step. Their essay support helped my voice shine, and their UCAS guidance was just as strong. My SAT scores improved thanks to their clear strategies and constant encouragement. With Arbor’s help, I was admitted to my dream school, Northwestern University. I highly recommend them."

Konyinsola O.
Northwestern University, Class starting 2019

"One of Arbor’s greatest strengths is their kind heart and understanding nature. Like an older sibling, they guided me with warmth and humor, easing any stress. Arbor opened my eyes to opportunities I’d overlooked—one became my intended major. Their expertise often corrected my missteps, and their flexibility gave me the space to reflect and grow. I’m forever grateful for their role in shaping me into an Ivy Leaguer!"

Saqer N
University of Pennsylvania, BA College of Arts and Sciences class of 2022

"Arbor went above and beyond their role as a counselor. They treated my opinions with respect and offered concise, accurate feedback. Their dedication, sharp insight, and guidance helped me find my niche and approach each application the right way!"

Mohamed A.
University of Pennsylvania, BS Wharton class of 2022

"Arbor was instrumental in my US and UK university applications. Their insight, strategy, and understanding of how to highlight my strengths made them an invaluable counselor. I always felt comfortable reaching out, and they were generous with their time. Arbor’s humor and realistic outlook brought much-needed lightness during one of the most stressful times in high school. I’m truly grateful to have worked with them."

Victoire H.
Princeton University, B.S.E. Computer Science, Class of 2019
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Our Proven 4-Step Admissions Process

Phase 1

Student Evaluation and Compatibility

Introductory meeting with student and parents to align goals, expectations, and assess fit.

Phase 2

Building Student Profile & University Exploration

Establishing a trusted relationship and providing mentorship and guidance on key activities to build the ideal, tailored profile and helping students explore key universities and majors.

Phase 3

Application Execution

Weekly collaboration to craft compelling applications and meet all deadlines with confidence - there is a particular focus on rigorous essay drafting to build the strongest narratives possible.

Phase 4

Post-Submission Follow-Up

Ensuring all documents are received and applications are up-to-date, as well as preparing for any interviews and making final decisions on which university offers to accept.

Pick Your Perfect Package

Explore our tailored packages to support your university application journey.

Package 1

US Premium
  • Support on applications to top universities in the US with the lowest acceptance rates, targeting between 12-15 US universities and colleges in total.
  • This package is aimed at students with very good to excellent academic performance records.

Package 2

US Standard
  • Support on applications to less selective schools in the US, targeting between 12-15 US universities and colleges in total.
  • This package is aimed at students with average to good academic performance records.

Package 3

UK
  • Support on applications to UK universities.
  • Through UCAS, applications to up to 5 universities are allowed.

Package 4

Bespoke
  • Tailored package that includes any combination of applications to US, UK, European and Canadian universities.

The People Behind Arbor Strategy Consulting

Passionate professionals with years of experience in helping students unlock their full potential.

Alexandre Tabet
Alexandre Tabet

Founder, Managing Director and Educational Consultant

Alexandre grew up in Abu Dhabi and earned his BS in Economics from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor in 1996, followed by a graduate degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 2001. With 20 years of university admissions consulting experience, Alex has an unrivalled understanding of the admissions process and what it takes to gain admission to top universities.
Talal Al-Nawab
Talal Al-Nawab

Partner and Educational Consultant

With over 8 years of experience as a university admissions consultant and SAT/ACT test prep expert, Talal has a deep understanding of university admissions practices at top universities in the US, UK, Europe and Canada. He is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and also gained admission to Stanford, Princeton and Columbia.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers

We approach each student individually and assign them each to either Alex or Talal, both of whom are partners and highly experienced. Our work is thus 1-on-1 in nature from start to finish.

Not at all! Part of our process is helping you explore your options. We guide you through identifying universities that align with your goals, strengths, and interests. Our mission is to help you discover and gain admission to the best-fit schools.

We work with students from as early as Year 10 (9th Grade) and would recommend starting as early as possible, although many families do come to us later on in the journey. This is so we can have as much impact as possible in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for our families.

Absolutely not. We have worked with students based all over the globe, from the Americas to East Asia. As we are based in the UAE, we would naturally be working on a purely virtual basis with students abroad, however we have many years of experience with this and have found identical quality of work and results through working on this basis compared with in-person.

We work with students of all academic backgrounds and abilities. Our ultimate goal is always to find the best-fit universities and programs for each of our students.