Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)’s decision to accept Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)-I and SAT-II instead of the varsity’s own LUMS College Admission Test (LCAT) for admission to its undergraduate programs in 2015 has created uproar among prospective students and their parents, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Many prospective students expressed their reservations on the recently announced decision, which they believe has put them at a disadvantage.
Earlier, LUMS used to start the application process in January, conduct LCAT in February and start the academic session in August.
Per details, the only available SAT test slots for admissions in the upcoming session will be in December 2014, and January and May 2015.
“December is scratched out as students have internal exams before the board exams, leaving only January and May. Most students take SAT twice, and hence will not be left with a slot for taking the SAT-II exams which are a requirement for those applying in LUMS School of Science and Engineering (SSE) program,” said the parent of a prospective student.
An official, seeking anonymity, said that based on the number of students who applied to LUMS last year, “there is no chance that every prospective applicant will be able to sit for the SAT exam due to limited number of SAT seats available in the country”.
Moreover, SAT currently has a 66.7-33.3 Verbal-Math split compared to the 50-50 split of LCAT.
“English is not our mother tongue, Pakistanis by default will be at a significant disadvantage if SAT is a criterion to judge by,” a prospective student said.
Another major concern is about finances. The SAT exam costs close to $100.
“This is a large amount of money for anyone to pay for, regardless of which school he/she is currently studying at,” another parent said.
Arif Paracha who heads SmartPrep – a coaching centre in Lahore, said that the pattern of SAT is going to change in 2016 and will be a 50-50 split between Verbal and Math.
“This would be a perfect time for LUMS to ensure quality as the SAT is highly standardised. This would also give students ample time to both mentally and academically prepare themselves,” he said.
However, he added that the timing for implementation of such a decision must be such that the students are not inconvenienced.
“Implementing the decision at present will inconvenience all prospective students applying for 2015,” said Paracha.
Assistant Manager Communications at LUMS Mehr Tiwana said SAT I is globally recognised and most students preparing for LCAT used to study SAT books so they will not be troubled.
“LUMS has a policy that the SAT fee and even application fee will be refunded and waived for needy students if they secure admission,” she said, adding that LUMS never advertised anything about the test details or the split in Verbal and Maths and hence cannot comment on the issue.
To a question, she said the deadline for October test had passed but students can register from November onwards.
“LUMS has an internal mechanism to decide on policy matters, and it’s a disclaimer that our policy can change anytime,” she added.
Admissions to LUMS were previously done on the basis of SAT..so its not a new thing which should cause an uproar. A good step i would say
It's good
When are masters admissions going to be opened?
First of all only that student can take admission in LUMS who obtained at least 60% marks both in intermediate and matriculation.
i failed to get 60% marks in intermediate.can i apply for LUMs with hope certificate????
i can marks improve in 2015 annual exams
Yes you can
I am doing my inter part 2 classes. Should I apply for sat now or after my final exams?????. please guide if any one can.
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