Comparison of FAST and LSE Entry Tests

Guest Post by: Tymur Malik

Lahore School of Economics:

On Sunday 11th July, 2010 entrance test for MBA program held in Lahore School of Economics in the Barki Road campus. Their campus is very far away from the city which must have been a problem for those coming from different parts of the city, because there is no route of local transport towards that area. But the good thing was that they were very punctual,  test started exact on time which was 9 a.m. As we all know that unfortunately we are not safe from terrorism, to prevent any such thing, the security arrangements were very good and students can feel safe while they are inside the campus. 

Other arrangements were also very good, like they had already displayed the auditorium’s number on the boards to help students to know their rooms and their employees were also there to guide them towards classes. Test itself was a bit lengthy as at this age most of the students are not used to of 3 hours tests, which would have been a concern for many. But test in comparison with other universities was quite easy, as it didn’t had a lot of in depth mathematics questions and the English portion was also not of a high standard , which I feel was a good thing in students perspective. Again the test was very lengthy and it was a bit hectic to sit there for 3 hours. Mathematics section had 50 questions, sentence correction was 10 in number, comprehension had 30 questions in total and students had to right an essay from 3 given topics. 

FAST National University:

Today on July 12, 2010, entrance test for MS, MBA, BBA, etc held in national university fast. The tests were held on three different timings, the test that held in afternoon was supposed to start at 3 p.m. and the reporting time was given 2:30 p.m. but due to poor management it couldn't start at the right time. They don’t even facilitate their visiting students with car parking. There was not a very foolproof arrangements of security. The test was delayed by almost 30 minutes.

Test was computer based. There were four sections of the test, English, I.Q, Quantitative and General Knowledge. Each section had different number of questions and time was also different for every section . The test was very difficult, keeping in view that the students coming for the test are from different fields of study, their main focus was on use of English, as almost every question had one or two English words whose meaning must not be known to the majority. The priority should have been to test the students, whereas their emphasis was more on testing the English of students. Allover this test was a difficult one in comparison with the Lahore school of economics test.

Top MBA In Pakistan

Lahore University of Management Sciences: The most Prestigious university of Pakistan, LUMS, is ranked at the top for its MBA. It has touched the reputation for its MBA, that every organization, either national or multinational hires the graduates of LUMS. In 1986 LUMS launched its Business School with a world-class MBA programme (recently the School has been renamed as the Suleman Dawood School of Business). To be a LUMS graduate is a remarkable achievement. LUMS produces professionals, who can compete in the market and have significance and intellectual of their own. LUMS’s MBA is recognized throughout the world. It has gain such repute through hard working, competent, dedicated and highly professional faculty. The level of studies, contents of courses, kinds of courses and the way all these things are integrated, is the key to such promising institute’s success. Students are assessed, brain stormed, and given such activities which enhance their skills and abilities. Culture at LUMS is more towards modernism, western and lavish. Usually students belonging to upper class are found at LUMS.

To be at LUMS for Masters in Business Administration, they require GMAT, and if you get yourself cleared in the test then interview and after that admission. Though to be at LUMS requires a lot of money, but students can also get financial assistance to carry on their studies.

Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi: Institute of Business Administration, Karachi; a giant among the institutes for MBA. It’s a dream of almost every student with business background to get its Masters in Business Administration done from IBA Karachi. It is ranked after LUMS in HEC ranking. It was established in 1955 with initial technical support provided by the world famous Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania; later, the University of Southern California set up various facilities at the Institute and several prominent American professors were assigned to the IBA. It holds ultimate market worth for its degree. IBA has produced about 8000 graduates to-date as outstanding professionals holding Chief Executives and top management positions in leading listed companies, corporations and banks. To get admission at IBA Karachi for its MBA, you need to clear its test with required marks and then you are being called for an interview and if your interview works then you are at IBA (Karachi). MBA program consists of two years (4 semesters) at Institute of Business Administration, Karachi. Students are also facilitated with scholarships, stipend and financial assistance so no student remains deprived of quality education.

The professional attitude students of IBA (Karachi), shines them out. Their interpersonal skills and charismatic personality is developed through quality studies and challenging experiences of projects, case studies, tutorials, presentations, quizzes and participation in different business competitions at national and international level. They have rigorous faculty who perfectly complement the blend of courses at IBA and are well aware that how to inculcate the professionalism in students.

Lahore School of Economics: Lahore School of Economics, another name in the race, has also achieved enough fame, repute and market value. Masters in Business Administration at LSE is ranked at 3rd number but in Lahore, it comes after LUMS.

In LSE, MBA students are given challenging case studies and tutorials to equip them with proficient skills in their long hour classes.. Life at LSE is quite hectic when it comes to study. Students have to stay in the university for long hours till evening. And even after going home they have loads of work to be done either regarding quiz or projects or assignments. Students face quite tough studies. But besides all this, there is fun and enjoyment as well. Students get quite chilling, friendly, social and open environment. Lots of events, gigs, parties held at LSE. LSE is also famous for certain notorious events and stuff at it. Culture is quite liberal and out of limits.

Graduates at LSE are quite blunt, confident and bold. LSE hold very good market value. Students get jobs in national and multinational jobs and hired as trainees in top ranked banks and institutions, after completion of their Masters’ degree at LSE. For admission at Lahore School of Economics, you have to clear an entry test that is conducted by LSE it self.

Institute of Business Management, Karachi: For me the main features of IBM's MBA is that they offer MBA in so many disciplines from 1 year MBA to 3 year and from general MBA to specialized in Finance, Marketing and HRM etc. Another plus which IBM got over other institutes is their faculty, they have so many foreign PhDs with vast teaching experience and unique teaching style.

Although MBA from IBM didn't got nation wide recognition in the sense like top two institute LUMS and IBA got this much recognition that students from all over the Pakistan apply to get admission in them. But still IBM Finished at number four in Eduinn's ratings.