What is SAT? How to get into LUMS?

"Sir what is LCAT?" 

"Can I get a scholarship to LUMS"

"LUMS is very expensive, I cannot afford it so how can I apply?"

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Here's a deal before we begin. 

By giving SAT, you can also get admission into Lahore Schools of Economics (LSE), IBA Karachi, and LUMS of course. Cool Right?

Note: Admissions in LUMS are now open however, IBA and LSE will open their admissions in January and February for Fall 2023. 

So let's begin by answering some of your questions regarding SAT and LUMS admissions and make your way easier to enter the top universities of Pakistan. 

1. What is SAT?

SAT is a Scholastic Assessment Test that is conducted by the college board in order to test the aptitude of the students. Most Universities worldwide require SAT as their admission entry test. 

2. Do we have to give both SATs to apply for both rounds?

No, you just have to give one SAT and you can apply for only one round, either round 1 or round 2. However, if you gave December SAT and scored less, you can give another SAT attempt and send those scores.  

But here is a little caution

If you think you will score the same or less than your previous SAT attempt then there is no need to give (because your money used for the registration fee for SAT will go to waste). 

Only give it another shot if you feel you can score better. 

3. What is LCAT (LUMS Common Admission Test) ?

LCAT (LUMS Common Admission Test) is a substitute for SAT for application to LUMS. 

SAT, LCAT, and ACT are admissible tests for different programs at LUMS.

You can also have a look at the given video regarding LUMS admissions.

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4. Can we get a Scholarship at LUMS?

Yes, you can get a scholarship. So there are 3 kinds of scholarships.

1. Need-based Scholarship/Financial Aid: Need-based scholarship is also referred to as “Financial Aid”. If you are unable to pay but you have good scores in matric/intermediate/SAT then you can apply for Financial Aid or you can also apply nevertheless. 
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3. Merit Scholarship: Merit scholarship is given to those candidates who have extraordinary marks in matric-Intermediate/O-A levels. 

National Outreach Program Scholarship:

This scholarship program focuses on identifying bright students with exceptional Matriculation and FA/FSc results and inducting them into the LUMS Undergraduate Programs. The scholars that qualify for NOP are given full financial assistance.

5. How can I apply for financial aid?

To apply for financial aid, you have to give your consent in an online admission application. Applicants who will be shortlisted for admission and have given prior consent in the online admission application will be required to fill out the financial aid form, and send the required document within the stipulated deadline. 

6. What are round 1 and round 2 of admissions? Can we apply for both?

There is an option in the online application form about which round you want to apply, so you can tick on either one you want to apply for. But if you didn't get to hear either rejection or acceptance in the first round then you will hear about it in the second round. So do not worry if you didn't get any update on your admission in the first round. 

For online LUMS Applications, you apply here.

7. What are LUMS Admission Criteria? Which marks matter the most?

Short Answer: We do not know.

Long Answer: There are no set admission criteria. For example, there was a candidate who got a 1000/1600 score on SAT, and one got 1300/1600 the former candidate got the admission while the latter one didn’t. So even if you have good marks in FSc/matric or SAT, you can never know about your admission. The only trick here is that you should get good scores in all the domains be it matric/O-levels, intermediate/A-Levels, and SAT.

8. I am in 2^nd year of intermediate, can I apply?

Yes, you can apply even if you are in your 2^nd year. Just give SAT and apply for admission and till the LUMS admission will be out, you will be done with your FSc. Along with that, you will have to send your FSc scores to the LUMS later when your board result will be out.

9. How much SAT score is required to get admission to LUMS? 

There is no benchmark for that, but you should always aim for higher. For example, you should get scores between 1300-1600. 

Because of course the better the scores, the better the chances to get into LUMS. 

10. How much scholarships can I get?

It depends. 

Yes, it depends how much scholarships you will get. LUMS do not disclose this criterion on which they grant scholarship, so we cannot say anything for sure about this. But you can get a scholarship from 10%-100% and even more than 100% in form of a stipend. 

11. When should I apply for SAT test?

You should apply for any SAT that is before December 05, 2020, in order to be eligible for round one of the LUMS admission. While for the second round, you can apply for SAT that would be taken before March 13, 2021. 

For SAT registrations, you have to apply at the college board website. 

12. If someone gives LCAT then does he need to take the SBASSE test? ​

You have to give both LCAT/SAT and SBASSE tests only if you want to enter the Sciences School of LUMS. Similarly, if you want to go into LAW school then you would have to give SAT/LCAT along with LAT (additional test) which is LAW specific test. However, if you want admission to Business Schools or Social Sciences schools then you would have to give only the LCAT/SAT and no additional school-specific tests. 

13. If I apply for Financial Aid/Scholarship then will it affect my admissions chances?

Applying for financial aid does not affect your chances of getting into LUMS. So you do not have to worry about that, if you are financially unstable and want admission to LUMS, then you should apply for it regardless of anything. 

14. How much time is required to prepare SAT? Where can I prepare it from?

So for good SAT preparation, you should give at least 3 months to SAT (and if you can give more then what's better than that?)

You can prepare SAT easily and get good scores no matter if you are a pre-medical/pre-engineering student or an O/A-level student. For SAT preparation, you can take SAT course and complete guidance from the Nearpeer SAT program for LUMS. 

In addition to that, go through the LUMS Admission Policy as well to get a clear idea of what LUMS requires. 

If you have more questions regarding LUMS/LSE/IBA Admission or SAT, feel free to comment below.

And do not forget to give the author a clap, if these answers cleared your confusion. 

Cheers!