Welcome to your ultimate guide to admissions at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

In this article, we’ll explore the key facts and statistics surrounding LSE admissions (and how hard it is to gain a place), including the LSE acceptance rate, academic requirements and how LSE compares to other prestigious universities like UCL and Oxford.

We’ll also dissect what LSE admissions tutors are searching for and how to maximise your chances of securing a place.

So if you’re hoping to join this elite institution, here’s how to get into LSE.

Admissions and Acceptance Rate

Is LSE hard to get into?

Let’s cut straight to the chase. LSE is a challenging university to get into. With a global reputation for excellence and rigorous academic standards, it attracts top candidates from around the world. But with careful planning and a strong application, it is possible to stand out among a strong pool of applicants.

But how?

Well, one of the first things you should know is that LSE never interviews potential students. Unlike Oxbridge admissions (where interviews form a key part of the decision-making process), everything comes down to your grades and application.

This means your academic history is vitally important for securing a place at LSE. They also consider the “full range” of information on your UCAS form, including:

• Personal statement
• Grades – both achieved and predicted
• Subject combinations
• Contextual information – like the school you attended, or whether you’ve spent time in care
• UCAS references

This means even top grades don’t automatically secure a place. LSE states that due to “fierce competition” they “unfortunately have to disappoint many applicants.”

So what is the LSE acceptance rate?

What is the LSE acceptance rate?

In 2023, LSE received roughly 26,000 applications for 1,800 places.

This gives an acceptance rate of 6.9%.

So for every 100 LSE applicants, only six or seven will secure a place.

This low acceptance rate shows how much demand there is for places, and how competitive the university’s application process is. Because LSE is a relatively small university (catering to around 5,500 undergraduate students), it has fewer places to offer than larger institutions like UCL.

You should also remember this is just the average acceptance rate across the whole university. As a rule of thumb, the more popular the course is (for instance, Economics), there will be greater competition for places and lower admissions rates.

How prestigious is LSE?

LSE is an incredibly prestigious university.

It holds a strong position globally, particularly in the fields of social sciences, economics and politics. Its faculty comprises world-renowned scholars and experts who contribute to cutting-edge research and academic discourse.

In the QS World University Rankings, it ranks 45 globally.

LSE is also one of 24 Russell Group universities in the UK. This exclusive club of higher education institutions prioritises high-quality research standards and rigorous academic standards.

Indeed, in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) over 58% of LSE’s research output was assessed as “world-leading” and 35% as “internationally excellent”. This makes it the top university in the UK for production of world-leading research.

GCSE and A Level Results

Do GCSEs matter for LSE?

Yes, GCSE results matter for LSE admissions.

Strong performance in GCSEs, particularly in core subjects like Mathematics, English and the sciences, demonstrates a solid academic foundation and readiness for higher-level study.

Because LSE doesn’t interview candidates, they pay more attention to “historic grades”. This demonstrates a consistent track record of academic performance throughout your school career.

As a key part of your UCAS application, admissions officers consider GCSE grades (alongside other more recent qualifications like AS Levels and A Levels) when assessing your academic potential and suitability.

Can you get into LSE with average GCSEs?

While exceptional GCSE results can bolster your application, LSE adopts a holistic approach to admissions.

In 2023, the average GCSE grade was 4.78.

Applicants with “average” GCSE grades can still be considered for LSE if they demonstrate improvement and excel in relevant subjects at A Level. It’s also a good idea to build your knowledge and showcase your passion and commitment through extracurricular activities, independent research, work experience and of course, your personal statement.

LSE decisions are based on a combination of academic achievement, potential and personal qualities. So you’ve still got a chance!

A word of caution: If you’re applying for an Economics degree (for example), you’ll want top grades in subjects like Maths or Further Maths. If you haven’t hit your targets in key subjects, it could be worth resitting your exams.

Do I need four A Levels for LSE?

An offer from LSE will typically ask for three A Levels. Generally speaking, these range from A*AA to AAB, depending on the course you’re applying for.

The emphasis is much more on the quality of your qualifications rather than the quantity. So while four A Levels could potentially help you gain a place, this isn’t guaranteed. As LSE explains, even applicants with grades that “exceed the standard offer” won’t necessarily secure a place.

Admissions officers look for high grades, especially those related to your chosen degree. They “reserve the right” to specify “particular grades should be achieved in particular subjects”.

With this in mind, it’s essential to research entry requirements and desired subject combinations for your course and ensure your A Levels align with those expectations.

Reputation and Rankings

Is LSE or UCL more prestigious?

Both LSE and UCL are prestigious universities with distinct strengths and areas of expertise.

LSE is renowned for its focus on social sciences, economics and politics, while UCL offers a broader range of disciplines across various faculties.

In terms of league tables, both universities are consistently placed among the top ten in the country. Their current rankings are:

The Complete University Guide

• LSE: 3rd
• UCL: 9th

The Guardian University Guide

• LSE: 4th
• UCL: 9th

The Times Higher Education Guide

• LSE: 7th
• UCL: 4th

So although LSE beats UCL in the Guardian and Complete University Guide rankings, UCL comes out on top for The Times.

In terms of subject specialisms (ranked by the Complete University Guide), LSE is ranked highest in the country for Accounting and Finance and Social Policy, with 13 top ten subjects. On the other hand, UCL bags the number one spot for American Studies, with 37 top ten subjects.

For more information on LSE and UCL, check out our admissions guide to UCL as well as LSE vs UCL, your ultimate university comparison.

Is UCL or LSE harder to get into?

Both UCL and LSE have challenging admissions processes, but the level of competitiveness differs based on the program and the strength of applicants each year.

However, LSE’s specialism in certain disciplines (such as economics, finance and social sciences) results in higher competition within those areas compared to UCL.

We’ve already seen that LSE has an acceptance rate of 6.9%. According to the latest data from UCAS (covering 2022), the UCL acceptance rate was 63%.

So in terms of acceptance rate alone, you’ve got a better chance at UCL than LSE. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easier though!

Ultimately, the difficulty of admission depends on various factors, including the program’s popularity, entrance requirements, your qualifications, personal statement and available spaces. Standard UCL offers range from A*A*A to ABB.

To understand university offers in more detail, read our guides to Is A*AB the same as AAA? and What does AAB mean for University?

Is it easier to get into LSE or Oxford?

Securing admission to either LSE or Oxford is challenging due to their prestigious reputations and selective admissions criteria.

Oxford’s rigorous academic standards and traditional interview process may present unique challenges for applicants, while LSE’s focus on academic excellence and passion for social sciences requires a strong academic background and a compelling application.

In 2022, 23,891 students applied to Oxford, with 3,271 places awarded. This means Oxford had an acceptance rate of 13.7%.

Although higher than LSE’s acceptance rate of 6.9%, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easier. Oxford applicants are expected to secure the best grades, with many courses requiring at least one A* at A Level. Indeed, over 91% of Oxford students achieved A*AA at A Level. Over 60% secured straight A*s.

In short, both universities attract top talent from around the world, making admission to either institution highly competitive.

Aiming for the top A Level grades? Don’t miss our guide to getting all A*s at A Level as well as ten tips for acing your exams.

How can I increase my chances of getting into LSE?

So to round off, what are the best ways of maximising your chances of admission to LSE?

Here are the key aspects to bear in mind.

• Grades: Yes, they really are important. Make sure you’re putting in the work to ensure your predicted (and actual!) grades are the best they can be.
• Skills: How can you improve your skills and knowledge relating to your field of study? Could you look for summer courses, online learning, reading lists or essay competitions? It all helps build a great personal statement.
• Experience: LSE values real-world experience, so get out there! This could involve a traditional work experience placement, shadowing, internships or summer jobs that help you stand out from the crowd.
• Dedication: Success at university requires consistent hard work and determination. So how can you show this? Think about sports excellence, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, scholarships, class prizes, leadership roles or academic competitions.
• Personal Statement: Invest plenty of time in crafting a well-written personal statement highlighting your academic interests, achievements and aspirations. Remember, there’s no interview process at LSE, so let your personality, motivations and suitability for your chosen course shine!
• Academic References: Choose referees who can provide strong, detailed references that attest to your academic abilities, personal qualities and potential for success at LSE. Teachers who’ve known and supported you for a long time are a great option.

If you’d like help with your university applications, get in touch with our expert team of academic coaches today. As well as exam preparation and study strategies, we offer personalised university coaching services, including help with personal statements, admissions processes and more.