Looking at the other threads on this board, I think I’m very much not alone on this.
So here’s the deal. When I applied to LUMS, I applied for CS as my first choice. Then I applied to Econ+Math (in the school of Humanities) as a joke (because people do that, I guess). Well, that and the fact that I had a soft spot for economics and math. The problem is that no matter how much I find economics to be a nice subject, I’ve never done it in high school and I really don’t intend on ever pursuing a career in it. It’s CS or bust.
But hey, as the title says I got rejected from CS but accepted into Econ+math. Yay me!! I should’ve taken the SBASSE entrance test more seriously. I’m such an idiot. But back to the present.
I’ve heard that you can transfer to SBASSE by the end of the first year, but it’s really tough due to how high demand CS is. Which begs the question…is it worth the risk? Because there will always be a chance that I’ll get rejected from CS and be forced to either undergo Econ+math (god no!) or transfer out of LUMS, after which I might have to go to other Pakistani universities which I’m really not a fan of. I could try the U.S, but it’s harder to get scholarships as an international transfer. (I have a freshman-only scholarship for an American university lined up, but the university is dedicatedly decent and only slightly above average. That’s why I’m considering LUMS)
I would advise you to go for LUMS. LUMS gives you exposure that other unis in Pakistan don’t. You can literally pick any course you want in the first year and choose your degree at the end of the first year. No other uni provides you with this kind of freedom.
Also, Econ maths is a really good degree in regards to job prospects. You could become an investment banker if you want to later. Its one of the highest paying jobs in the world. Or go for Actuary. Again, very tough to accomplish, but worth it.
Also, when did you get your offer? And what are your credentials? You might get a revised offer soon. I know someone who got into SDSB but then got a revised offer for SSE yesterday.
It’s quite evident you are interested in CS and don’t want to study Economics. Yet that contradicts with your statement about not working hard enough on your SSE test.
Anyways, first ask yourself if CS is really what you see a career in? If that’s true then forget about LUMS.
Also, I respectfully disagree with DaVinciCode. I don’t understand why people are so willing to abandon their priorities and subject choices just to get a LUMS tag. Earning money isn’t everything. Earning money by doing something you love IS everything.
Now about LUMS. Don’t do the mistake of doing Economics. Also, it doesn’t matter if you didn’t do it A Level. Undergrad degrees always start from basic courses.
Since you’re not a fan of other Pakistani universities, it doesn’t leave you with many options. You can either stay in LUMS and take your chances or you can think about taking a gap year (highly NOT recommended). Trust me, NUST and GIKI’s CS programme is equally good.
If you don’t want to take the risk, don’t want to study at any other Pakistani university then US it is. There’s nothing wrong if the university is just above average etc. You’re just joining LUMS for its culture, exposure and alumni network, right? Well, you can get ALL of that at any above-average university of US too! With tons more opportunities and prospects. You can do an internship at some cool startup/company. Work on your own idea. More options to improve your professional network etc. None of this can happen while you’re in Lahore.
It’s on you now. If you love CS, go for US and don’t take chances with LUMS. If CS is just meh for you because it’s the buzzword these days, again it’s on you.
I’m finishing my CS undergrad in next week from ITU so I know my stuff. 