I am starting it early so that this thread is also able to reach 3500 like the thread 5 years ago. All Pakistani hopefuls for the class of 2020 are invited to comment.
good to see
Yo yo yo. Hopeful to see you lot succeed in the future 
Alright, we’re off to a start! Albeit an excruciatingly slow one. Hopefully this thread will catch some action during and after summer hols’. Speaking of, can someone tell me exactly when one should start working on their CommonApp essaay? And when are the prompts released? (Though I’ve heard that most often, they remain the same.)
The prompts are probably already out. They will most likely be the same. I started in May and I recommend that you start taking a look at it soon too. Earlier is ALWAYS better.
Right, better get on it then. Another thing, I’ve often seen people applying to as many colleges as they can, 20 being the limit of course. I was thinking about limiting myself to around 10 or 11. Wouldn’t that help me focus on turning in better supplements and thus increasing my chances slightly? Then again, applying to more universities automatically increases your chances. Which approach would you suggest? And if I do choose the former, how many safeties should I have in the lot?
The fact is that experimentation has shown both methods to yield results. While Aitchison promotes the 9-11 school approach, JT has a 20 school environment and both schools are obviously very successful. Which one is better? Hmm, I’d argue that the latter is since that allows more room for schools and thus, greater likelihood of at least one (acceptable) acceptance. However, I also think that 20 schools is a bit too much. How about aim for 13-15 schools and be a rebel of sorts. The ultimate choice is yours. I’ve just laid out the possible approaches for you.
Well, Al(truistic)tamash. If you recognize me, I am the ACT giver, Cornellie boy from the City School on fb. The guy who got one grade better than you in O levels, (7As and 3As compared to 7As, 2As and 1B 
) And yeah I have compiled a raw essay for the commonapp, of about 850 words and Im really facing a difficulty in cutting it down to 650.
I am kind of stumped between which university is the best in CS. Any ideas? Most people say go to LUMS or NUST, then some say FAST, then one said COMSATS.
@MarcoReus FAST without a doubt, LUMS is good, but not as amazing is FAST.(FAST has more specific course matter)
@am291x, what about NUST?
I am also thinking about mechatronic since my parents believe CS isn’t a great field for Pakistan. Though I think it is. I need to prove it to them.
FAST is the answer with regards to your specific question but I’d recommend that you still try to aim for LUMS. LUMS’ Compsci department is still great and it has more to offer in general with regards to exposure and experiences. Good luck!
@AltoLime, One argument by a friend was that LUMS/NUST gives you a better chance of applying abroad for masters (which is my plan - if I don’t find a good financial aid package in undergrad). Any thoughts on that?
@MarcoReus Well, I can see why someone would think that but I feel this has more to do with LUMS’ students being typically smarter.
Hey,
What are you guys going to do in the Summers? And have you taken the SATs?
I’ll be chilling in JT’s counseling department. If you’re there, say hi 
Anyone taking the ACT this september? 
Which universities do you intend to apply? List them down.
knock knock This place is dead. 
I’d disagree.