Al Adab Iranian Private School for Girls vs Gulf Indian High School
Al Adab Iranian Private School for Girls and Gulf Indian High School are both in Dubai, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Indian programmes. Al Adab Iranian Private School for Girls also offers IB, American, Italian, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge (Secondary), and Gulf Indian High School also offers CBSE. Published annual fees are AED 8,960 - 19,197 at Al Adab Iranian Private School for Girls and AED 4,989 - 9,434 at Gulf Indian High School, which puts Al Adab Iranian Private School for Girls roughly 95% higher. Al Adab Iranian Private School for Girls takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Gulf Indian High School from 3 to 18.
IB (DP), American Curriculum, Indian Curriculum, Italian Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge (Secondary)
Curriculum
Indian Curriculum, CBSE Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
2,375
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Persian
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
1979
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In the Al Qusais 1 area, behind the Al Bustan Center. The address is Adab Iranian Private School, Behind Al-Bustan Center, Al Qusais 1, Dubai, UAE.
Location
GIHS is located in Al Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The postal address is P.O. Box 646, Dubai. The campus is accessible by road and the school provides transport services to multiple areas. Contact: gihs@gihsdubai.com; Tel: +971-46119400.
Stages
Stages
KG-Grade 12
Stages
Divisions are Primary School (Kindergarten to Grade 2); Secondary School (Grades 3 to 10); Senior Secondary School (Grades 11 and 12).
School type
School type
Private, co-educational (for boys & girls)
School type
Co-educational.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Inclusion Policy is in place to support students with learning needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Iran
Country affiliation
CBSE (Central Board of Education), India.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
No official religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
Monday through Friday (7:15 am - 1:00 pm)
School day structure
KG1 and KG2 use two shifts: first shift 7:30 AM–10:00 AM, second shift 10:20 AM–12:50 PM. Grades 1–12 follow a two-session day: Morning 7:30 AM–12:50 PM, Afternoon 12:50 PM–6:05 PM. On Fridays, online sessions run 7:30 AM–11:30 AM and onsite sessions run 7:30 AM–11:25 AM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
GIHS operates a fleet of 24 air-conditioned buses. Routes include Al-Garhoud (near Choithram); Karama/Rashidiya; Satwa/Bur Dubai/Deira/Al-Shab Al-Ghusais; and Sharjah City up to Rolla.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and enrolment fees
- Application (assessment) fee: AED 500. - Enrolment fee: up to 10% of the tuition fee; non‑refundable and deductible from the first term fees. - Re‑enrolment fee for existing students: up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher); non‑refundable and deductible from the first term fees.
Tuition and total fees by year group (Iranian section) — annual and per term
Note: the school issues fees per academic year. The school operates a three‑instalment billing pattern (example instalment dates shown in the registration form: 23 Aug, 1 Nov and 1 Feb); the per‑term figures below are the annual total divided by three to match that three‑payment schedule.
- KG1 - Tuition (school fee) per year: AED 8,960. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year (includes tuition, administration, health card, insurance, books and KG snack): AED 12,695. Per term: AED 4,232.
- KG2 - Tuition per year: AED 8,960. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 12,695. Per term: AED 4,232.
- Grade 1 - Tuition per year: AED 11,518. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 14,206. Per term: AED 4,735.
- Grade 2 - Tuition per year: AED 11,518. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 15,226. Per term: AED 5,075.
- Grade 3 - Tuition per year: AED 11,518. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 15,328. Per term: AED 5,109.
- Grade 4 - Tuition per year: AED 11,518. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 15,328. Per term: AED 5,109.
- Grade 5 - Tuition per year: AED 11,518. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 17,941. Per term: AED 5,980.
- Grade 6 - Tuition per year: AED 14,077. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 18,533. Per term: AED 6,178.
- Grade 7 - Tuition per year: AED 14,077. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 18,533. Per term: AED 6,178.
- Grade 8 - Tuition per year: AED 14,077. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 18,533. Per term: AED 6,178.
- Grade 9 - Tuition per year: AED 16,637. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 21,473. Per term: AED 7,158.
- Grade 10 - Tuition per year: AED 16,637. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 21,473. Per term: AED 7,158.
- Grade 11 - Tuition per year: AED 19,197. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 23,984. Per term: AED 7,995.
- Grade 12 - Tuition per year: AED 19,197. - Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 23,984. Per term: AED 7,995.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school bills in three instalments during the academic year; the registration form shows a three‑payment schedule (example dates listed: 23 August, 1 November and 1 February). In the event of a returned cheque a penalty of AED 500 is charged and only cash will be accepted for the returned cheque. Parents must ensure sufficient funds for submitted cheques.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed for the Iranian section.
Other costs and optional fees
- Uniform: AED 150 to AED 500. - Books: range shown AED 1,350 to AED 3,000 (KHDA range for required education supplies); the school's registration documentation lists book charges by section/grade as separate line items that are included in the total fees when applicable. - Stationery: AED 100 to AED 250. - Laptop / digital device: AED 500 to AED 1,800. - School ID card replacement: AED 20 to AED 50. - Optional services (examples and typical ranges): transport AED 5,500 to AED 7,000 (transport charges vary by route/area), extracurricular activities AED 1,200 to AED 6,000, medical AED 100 to AED 200, school trips AED 20 to AED 800, annual day AED 50 to AED 300, class photograph AED 100 to AED 500, club activities AED 100 to AED 1,000. Specific transport fees by area (as listed): Al‑Qusais AED 6,000; Deira AED 6,000; Bur Dubai AED 6,500; Dubai Marina AED 6,500; National City AED 6,500; Mirdif AED 6,500; Sharjah AED 6,500; Ajman AED 7,000.
Refunds and penalties
- Enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Re‑enrolment fees are non‑refundable (up to 5% of tuition or AED 500). A returned cheque is subject to a AED 500 charge and returned‑cheque payments thereafter must be made in cash.
Fee payment methods
- The school's registration form documents payment by cheque and references cash acceptance in the event of a returned cheque; the form includes the returned‑cheque penalty and instructions to keep sufficient funds. No credit card or bank‑transfer methods are specified in the published registration form or KHDA fact sheet. Only the payment methods shown in the school documentation should be relied on when preparing payment.
Equivalent instalment amounts (standard school schedule)
- The school collects tuition across ten monthly instalments (fees are not collected for July and August). The equivalent instalment (monthly) amounts, calculated by dividing the annual tuition by 10, are: - KG 1 / KG 2: AED 499 per instalment. - Grade 1–3: AED 526 per instalment. - Grade 4–5: AED 581 per instalment. - Grade 6–8: AED 635 per instalment. - Grade 9–10: AED 735 per instalment. - Grade 11–12: AED 943 per instalment.
Application / admission fees
- Admission fee: AED 500 due at the time of registration. This admission fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-deductible.
Mandatory additional fees and one-off charges
- Stationery fee: AED 200 (annual). - Medical fee: AED 50 (annual). - ICT fee: AED 150 (annual). - CBSE affiliation/examination fee: AED 400 (as listed). - Note: Any additional payments for special facilities will be advised to parents by notice.
Transport (bus) fees
- Transport fees depend on route/location and are quoted as a monthly range: AED 370 to AED 550 per month. - Transport fees are paid on the same 10-month basis as tuition (monthly instalments across the 10 chargeable months).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is payable across ten instalments (monthly) for the academic year; there are no fees collected for July and August. Fees may also be paid in advance. - Fees must be cleared to permit students to sit school examinations; academic reports and certificates are withheld until all outstanding fees are cleared. - Post-dated cheques are not accepted.
Refund information (school policy as published)
- The admission fee (AED 500) is non-refundable. The school's published statement indicates that fees once paid are non-refundable.
Fee payment options and practical details
- Online fee payment (school portal/payment gateway) is available. - School fee counter accepts cash, credit card and cheques. Cheques must be made payable to 'Gulf Indian High School-Dubai'. - Fee counter timings: 8:00 am–4:00 pm Sunday to Thursday during school working days; Saturday 9:30 am–12:30 pm (timings vary seasonally and the school publishes updated hours).
Consequences for non-payment and other notes on collection
- Students with outstanding fees are not permitted to appear for school examinations and reports are withheld until dues are settled. - The school collects tuition and transport fees on the 10-month basis outlined above; any special facility charges are communicated separately.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
GIHS uniform is grade- and gender-specific. Girls wear pinafores or skirts with yellow shirts; Boys wear trousers or shorts with yellow shirts; all uniforms bear the GIHS logo. Winter wear is a navy blue pullover, and sports uniforms use house colours with grey pants for Grades IV–XII.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
The school has a canteen on campus.
House system
House system
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House system
The school has a house system; house colours are used in sports uniforms (Grades IV–XII).
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is part of Regent Middle East and operates under the One Regent network.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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Curriculum details
GIHS Dubai follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. English is the medium of instruction; Arabic is compulsory from Grades 1 to 10. Second language options include Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil. Islamic Education is taught as part of the curriculum for Muslim students and Moral Science for non-Muslim students. The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) format is used for Grades 1–10, and Senior Secondary School (Grades 11–12) follows CBSE with Science and Commerce streams.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Three-year Grade 12 results show year-by-year distributions. 2023: 83 students; 51–60: 2; 61–74: 19; 75–89: 45; 90–100: 17. 2024: 96 students; 61–74: 16; 75–89: 65; 90–100: 15. 2025: 106 students; 61–74: 11; 75–89: 67; 90–100: 28. There were no students in the <33, 33–50, or 51–60 bands in any of these years.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
The Student Success Team guides students to explore academic goals and assists in course selection for their educational progression. Grade 12 graduates are prepared to pursue higher education and future opportunities as they transition from GIHS.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school emphasizes social and emotional learning with a focus on happiness and well-being.
Social & emotional learning
GIHS fosters a culture of respect, empathy, and integrity and promotes teamwork and collaboration. Co-scholastic areas include Life-Skills, Attitudes and Values as part of the CBSE Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation. The school emphasizes ongoing personal growth and value-based learning as part of its educational ethos. Life-skills and values are integrated into the co-scholastic assessment.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
GIHS includes an Inclusion Policy (2023-2024) indicating inclusive education. A Gifted and Talented Policy (2023) shows provision for advanced learners. The policy suite also includes a Wellbeing Policy and other safeguarding documents that support student needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Persian/Farsi classes for guest students.
English as an additional language
English is the medium of instruction with Arabic as a compulsory subject for Grades 1–10. Second language options include Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, French, Bengali, and Tamil.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school prioritizes mental well-being as part of student life.
Mental wellbeing
GIHS has a Wellbeing Policy (2023-2024) addressing student wellbeing, with a separate Staff Wellbeing Policy (2023-2024).
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (2023-2024) is in place. Anti-Bullying & Cyberbullying Policy (2023-2024) exists. Health and Safety Policy (2023-2024) is in place.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school provides facilities on campus that offer students the chance to get involved and participate in a range of activities and learning environments.
Facilities overview
GIHS has a modern campus in Al Garhoud with energy-saving measures aligned to Dubai's Green Vision. The campus is well maintained with gardens and lawns and has centralized air conditioning in the corridors. There is a large playground and volleyball and other game courts for physical activity. Laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Home Science and Computer Science are state-of-the-art, with interactive whiteboards in some classrooms. An e-learning system supports online assignments, progress reports, examinations and attendance management, while the library is well stocked and an on-site e-library is available. The campus also includes a canteen, activity room, book store and prayer room, and a health clinic with two doctors and two full-time nurses.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
The playground is well equipped for football, basketball, badminton, volleyball and cricket. Special coaching in these games is available after school and on Saturdays. School teams participate in inter-school and zonal matches. The volleyball team has been recognized as the best team in the UAE.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
Gulf Indian High School has state-of-the-art laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Home Science and Computer Science. Some classrooms feature interactive whiteboards. An e-software system supports online assignments, progress reports, examinations and attendance management. The library houses more than 30,000 books and an on-site e-library is available. Centralized air conditioning runs through the corridors, and the campus includes a canteen, book store and prayer room.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
GIHS offers seven core clubs: Stellar Seekers (Astronomy), Thrive Tribe (Health and Wellbeing), Akhlaq and Adab (Arabic and Islamic), Roots and Rhythm (Art, Heritage and Culture), Creative Catalyst (STREAMS – Innovation), Word Weavers (Language), and Nature Nurturers (Environmental). Club activities provide opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom and develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Each club focuses on specific themes such as astronomy, health and wellness, Arabic and Islamic culture, arts and heritage, STREAMS, language, and environmental stewardship. Extracurricular activities are designed to connect learning with real-world contexts and to foster holistic development.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
GIHS is part of Regent Group (One Regent) led by Group Chairman and Group CEO, Prof. Dr. Selva Pankaj and Dr. Tharshiny Pankaj. The school has a rich history of 45 years. The Thinking into Character (TiC) learning programme, developed by Dr. Selva Pankaj, guides its approach to education. GIHS blends academic excellence with a strong value system and offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award to students.
Community
Community
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Community
GIHS has wonderful students, supportive parents and community members, dedicated staff and leaders who work together daily to ensure safety, innovation, happiness and positivity. The school aims to develop responsible global citizens, lifelong learners and innovative leaders. Community engagement is reflected in school news and events that celebrate student achievements and activities. Notable events include the Investiture Ceremony (2025), World Cup Fever at Gulf Indian High School and KG Day of Discovery at Children's City, illustrating a vibrant school culture.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
International and bilingual programmes for boys & girls aged 4-18. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is offered.
Academic & intellectual
The school offers clubs to support academic and intellectual growth. For Grades 5–12, Literary Club, Oratory Club, STEM Club, and Quiz Club are available; for Grades 1–4, Budding Explorers provides early engagement. The school participates in interschool competitions and cultural fests in the UAE, and students go on educational tours in the UAE and to other countries to broaden knowledge and global awareness. Activities are scheduled during school hours on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
GIHS fosters arts and creative growth through clubs and events. The Art and Craft club provides hands-on creative work for students. The school is committed to bringing out the creative abilities of students and actively engages them in arts and cultural activities. Student leadership is encouraged in arts and culture.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Persian/Farsi classes for guest students.
Cultural & language
Arabic & Islamic is offered for Grades 5–12. The school promotes cultural engagement through clubs and events, including interschool competitions and cultural fests in the UAE. The GIHS community emphasizes UAE culture and heritage as part of school life.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Budding Explorers provides a social/hobby club for Grade 1–4. Health & Wellbeing is a club for Grades 5–12. The school supports sports and games—Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Cricket and Badminton, plus Track and Field, Chess and Carroms—with after-school coaching. Clubs foster social life beyond the classroom through shared interests and teamwork.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
GIHS engages students in community initiatives such as Sustainable Development, Recycling Campaigns, Energy Conservation, Healthy Eating Habits and Health and Hygiene Campaigns. They volunteer with Al Noor Training Centre and participate in Dubai Cares and the Million Book Challenge. Charity work and awareness events like Pink Day are also part of community activity.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Student leadership is the backbone of GIHS. Students are encouraged to take leadership roles within clubs and school life. The school emphasizes developing leadership and professional skills through participation in clubs and events.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
GIHS provides sports facilities for Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Cricket and Badminton. Students also participate in track and field events as well as Chess and Carroms. Special coaching is offered after school hours by a team of Physical Education teachers. Health & Wellbeing is a club that supports wellness.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
Language of instruction is English. Arabic is taught as a First Language. Arabic is taught as an Additional Language.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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Admissions
1. Admissions are open for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grades 9 and 11 are full. Limited seats are available in other grades. Applicants are advised to apply promptly to secure a place before enrolment closes.
2. Applications are submitted online through the admissions portal. The Apply Online link is available on the site and the Apply Now button directs to the online portal gihs.ethdigitalcampus.com. Applicants initiate the process by selecting the appropriate grade and completing the form online. The online application collects required information to begin the admissions process.
3. For inquiries, contact the admissions team by email at gihs@gihsdubai.com. In addition, phone numbers are +971-46119400, +971-509361283, and +971-542475594. The school provides these contact options to assist applicants with the admissions process.