Experts in the UAE believe that competitive debating, alongside academics, can significantly enhance students' chances of gaining admission to top colleges worldwide. “Competitive debating plays a crucial role in college applications, as most universities prioritize a diverse range of extracurricular activities over academic performance alone,” stated Aryaan Asad, debate coordinator at the Cambridge International School (CIS) Dubai. “Many of my debate students have pursued degrees in law, political science, and economics at prestigious institutions such as UCLA and King's College, London. Feedback from their application processes indicates that a broad spectrum of extracurriculars is a common factor among successful applicants, with debate being highly valued,” he added.
Another expert, Bhavani Kriplani, founder and lead coach at Vocalize, views debate as a “mental sport” that imparts essential skills. “Participating in competitive debating showcases a student’s commitment to intellectual development and their dedication to honing analytical and rhetorical abilities, giving them a competitive edge,” she explained. Kriplani further noted that numerous students engage in debating as a core extracurricular activity from middle school. “This dedication has facilitated their admission to leading universities like Cornell, Stanford, UCLA, Duke, King’s College London, and the London School of Economics, where they continue to debate at the university level,” she said.
The impact of debating on students' lives is profound. Resat Demiral, who initially attended a trial class for debating, discovered its transformative power. “It not only enhanced my public speaking and focus but also significantly influenced my school life by teaching me to argue respectfully and remain composed under pressure, even with complex issues,” he recounted. “This skill has broadened my appreciation for diverse viewpoints, improving my relationships and communication. I also attribute my selection as the primary head boy at my school last year to my debating experience.” Demiral plans to highlight his debating achievements in his college applications, emphasizing that it reflects more than academic performance, showcasing his determination and ability to address intricate issues.
Erin O’Reilly, a student at Dubai Jumeirah College, credits debating for boosting her confidence and eloquence, which positively impacted other areas of her life, such as modeling for Emirates Fashion Week. “Debating has been a cornerstone of my personal growth and will feature prominently in my college applications,” she said. “Receiving guidance from International Champion debaters has improved my performance, and coaching younger students has allowed me to share my knowledge. I’m eager to join the debate society at university upon graduation.”
Anoushcka Bhat, a former Dubai student now studying law at King’s College London, describes debating as a “strategic game of chess with words.” “Debating has bolstered my confidence and adaptability, making it easier to form friendships through engaging with strangers and traveling for competitions,” she said. “The debate frameworks are also aiding me in university, teaching me how to refine my case research, essay analysis, and argument formulation.”
For Aryaan, his journey culminated when he became the debate coordinator at CIS. A former student at CIS, debating paved the way for his law degree. “Debating exposed me to topics I had never encountered before,” he said. “Without debating, I would never have discovered my aptitude for law in university.” After completing his degree, Aryaan returned to his alma mater as a law teacher. He noted that students engage in debating for various reasons, including aspiring to be lawyers, business owners, and entrepreneurs, all of whom benefit from skills like public speaking, argumentation, and persuasion. “On the other hand, some students take up competitive debating as a respite from challenging subjects like further math, chemistry, and physics, finding it a refreshing activity,” he concluded.
