u/Critical_Kale7574

I have the option of joining FAST FinTech, but I'm not sure if it's the right decision. My end goal is to study law, and I only applied to FAST as a backup after a system error prevented my LUMS application from being properly assessed (the admissions office later told me I likely would've gotten into their Law School). I'm considering taking a gap year to improve my SAT score, intern at a law firm, and strengthen my application. However, I've heard FAST's workload is so intense that transferring or preparing a stronger application while studying there would be difficult. Is joining FAST FinTech for a year just to avoid a gap year worth it, or would taking a well-spent gap year be the better choice?

I recently finished Intermediate and am applying to universities. I scored 85% in Matric (Bio) and 75% in ICS Part 1 from Kinnaird. Considering nearly 50% of students failed, I feel I did reasonably well.

I applied to LUMS, but due to a system error, my application wasn't properly assessed. The admissions office later called to tell me that, had the error not occurred, I likely would have been admitted to the Law School, which was my first choice. Needless to say, I was devastated.

As a backup, I've applied to FAST because I don't want to sit at home. However, I'm wondering if taking a gap year would be a better option. I'd like to improve my SAT score, intern at a law firm, and continue building my extracurriculars. I already have 20+ MUNs, management experience at 15+ events, and volunteer work at underprivileged schools and old-age homes.

My biggest concern is that I've heard gap years are difficult to justify and that some universities don't view them favorably. On the other hand, I've also heard FAST's workload is intense, and I'm worried I won't have enough time to strengthen my profile if I enroll.