Q&A for How to Get Into the London School of Economics

Yes, London School of Economics, or LSE, is one of the most prestigious schools for economics studies and one of the most difficult universities to get into. But, that doesn't mean it's impossible. With focus and determination, you can get into LSE. Work to get the highest grades you can in high school and try to participate in as many activities that will help you stand out as an applicant, such as clubs and student government. Spend time crafting a great personal statement and try to form connections with teachers who are affiliated with LSE so you have references that can help you get in.

No, LSE doesn't require either the SAT or the ACT in order for you to apply. However, if you have taken the SAT, you can submit your scores as part of your application, which may help demonstrate your academic ability. Along with an excellent academic record, a well-written personal statement, and qualified references, you can submit your application to LSE without taking the SATs.

LSE generally doesn't admit average students. LSE requires an excellent academic record in order to be considered for admission. That means you need to earn all As on the General Certificate of Education A-level or the Baccalaureate Diploma Program. On top of excellent grades, you should have a record of participating in leadership roles in extracurricular activities such as clubs or student government. Both of these require a commitment to excellence from an exceptional student.

An EPQ is an effective way of demonstrating your commitment to and academic interest in your subject, so mention your EPQ project in your personal statement. LSE generally will not make offers which are conditional on a particular EPQ grade.

Yes, these results meet LSE's IELTS requirements. LSE requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in speaking and writing and a minimum of 6.5 in listening and reading.

You should contact LSE directly with the query as the university lists the requirements for the International Relations MSc course as being 'a 2:1 in politics, history, international relations, or similar disciplines'.

Most taught masters programmes at LSE require that applicants have a minimum of a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a discipline related to the postgraduate programme they are applying to.

LSE offers a number of masters programmes within the economic discipline, including pure economics and economics combined with other subjects, such as finance.

It is, unfortunately, unlikely that you would be qualified to undertake an MSc at the LSE. LSE requires a minimum GPA of 3.5/4 to access any of its taught masters programmes with some courses requiring a higher GPA. It would also typically be expected that you demonstrate a strong academic grounding in the subject you intend to study - as the LSE only offers courses in the social sciences, it is unlikely that experience in civil engineering and retail would meet this requirement.

Depending on your son's interests, future career plans, and past academic performance, he may be eligible to apply for an MPhil/PhD in economics. This would be particularly suitable if your son is interested in entering research or academia. Alternatively, LSE also offers a number of short courses and executive programmes which may be useful if your son wishes to pursue a career outside of academia.

For taught master's course where the programme requires a 2:1 (upper second-class) degree classification in a relevant undergraduate course, LSE requires a GPA of 3.5/4, 3.5/4.3, 4.3/5, 10/12, or 85% overall or, if only letter grades are provided, an average of a B+. For taught master's programmes requiring a first class degree classification at undergraduate level, LSE requires a GPA of 3.7/4, 3.7/4.3, 11/12, or 90% or, if only letter grades are provided, an A- average. For research postgraduate courses (MPhil/PhD), LSE normally requires a two year master's degree with a GPA of 3.5/4, 4.3/5, or 85% overall or a B+ average if only letter grading is in place.

Whilst there may be independent organisations or advisors who can provide guidance on the general UCAS admissions process or on LSE specifically, these aren't endorsed by LSE. If you have questions about the admissions process, you can always reach out to undergraduate or postgraduate admissions or consult the relevant sections of the LSE website.