An annual spot on the LUMS calendar, the Summer Coaching Session organised by the National Outreach Programme Centre took place from July 15 to 29, 2019. This year’s coaching session was all about trying new things and creating new experiences for the candidates.
The purpose of the session was to not only equip these bright students for the upcoming LUMS admission test but also to instil a sense of purpose, competitiveness and camaraderie among them. The University facilitated lodging and dining facilities for all of the shortlisted candidates, who also got to know what LUMS has to offer through various activities, faculty interactions, tutorials as well as presentations.
This year the Centre received 9,439 applications for the Coaching Session and after a gruelling and rigorous verification process, 770 students from all over the country were shortlisted and invited to the University.
Registration day saw 664 enthusiastic candidates enter the LUMS premises. This year’s Session boasted diversity with 399 males and 265 females hailing from cities such as Parachinar, Musakhel, Rajanpur, Ghotki, Rawalakot and Gahkuch. 578 candidates stayed on campus for the duration of the session, while the others were Day Scholars.
After a holistic orientation session, students were plunged into academic and extra-curricular activities spread over the next 15 days. Each of these were designed to stimulate their academic growth and enrich them with extra-curricular experiences. A specific curriculum based on English, Math, Basic Sciences and SAT preparation was followed to enable students to prepare for the admission testing requirements of LUMS. Additionally, classes for Critical Thinking and Presentation Skills were also incorporated to teach conceptual thinking and public speaking to the candidates. Simultaneously, lab sessions were organised to acquaint students with the basics of email management, web browsing, the Microsoft Office suite and the LUMS Admission and Financial Aid online applications. The ultimate aim of these activities was to not just prepare the students for SAT in a stand-alone manner but to also foster the development of vital skills they would require upon admission at LUMS.
A dynamic and experimental element added to this year’s session were ‘Energizers,’ a series of fun activities designed to focus on the key themes of teamwork, self-confidence, equality and diversity, and ethics. These Energizers allowed students to think outside the box and gave them the chance to engage in multi-faceted discussions and group work.
Interspersed between classes, candidates had the opportunity to listen to some of the brightest minds in and outside LUMS through various motivational talks. Dr. Tariq Jadoon from the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering informed the candidates about the various disciplines and majors offered at LUMS while Dr. Muhammad Tariq urged them to identify the skills and talent they possess. Well-known corporate trainer, Ahmed Fuad was also invited to give a motivational lecture. LUMS alumni, Haseeb Ashfaq, Muhammad Abu Bakar and Waqas Haider spoke of their journeys at LUMS and encouraged students to face their fears and be their own competition.
However, it was not all work and no play for the candidates. This year an array of extra-curricular activities were designed to give students a taste of the life at LUMS. The session’s first major event kicked off with the academic gameshow, ‘Challenge Your Talent’ whereby students engaged in academic and fun activities. Highlighting the importance of physical activity, the Sports Gala took place in the second week of the session, providing students the chance to engage in sports such as badminton, table tennis, cricket, volleyball, football and basketball. The ‘Scavenger Hunt’ saw multiple teams solving clues scattered across the campus to win a grand prize.
Candidates showed off their performance skills at the ‘Drama and Music Night.’ They presented a play based on the importance of taking paths less travelled and the Music Night showcased music from all provinces of Pakistan.
The two-week session, provided unparalleled academic coaching coupled with a diverse set of educational and extra-curricular activities, which not only set the foundation for applying to LUMS but has in fact equipped them with skills which they can utilise in all areas of their academic careers.
