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LSE's Acceptance Rate At Lowest in Recent Years
2023-03-27•19 minute read
LSE has always been highly selective in its admissions process, and recent data suggests that LSE's acceptance rate has hit a historic low, with an acceptance rate of just 12.2% for the 2021-2022 academic year. Despite this being the lowest acceptance rate LSE has seen in years, Crimson students have had amazing success in admissions!
Crimson’s Incoming Class of London School of Economics
Our students have smashed admission records for the latest LSE Class!
Despite the decrease in acceptance rates, 9 students (and counting) have already received offers to LSE! Students, their families, and Crimson tutors and mentors worked together to create stellar admissions-worthy applications.
Here is a breakdown of the offers by department:
- 2 offers to competitive law programmes
- 2 offers to history and economic history programmes
- 2 offers to social and public policy programmes
…and more offers to other departments like Psychology, Finance and more.
We are so excited for Crimson’s LSE-bound students and can’t wait to share their success stories with you! Keep an eye on our blog and website for more regular round admission results.
What is LSE's Acceptance Rate?
Overall Acceptance Rate
Generally, LSE has an acceptance rate of approximately 12.2% for undergraduate programs, the lowest in recent years. In 2021, LSE received around 26,000 applications for only 1,700 places, which means that because of the fierce competition, meeting or even exceeding the admission requirements does not guarantee an offer, and students have to go above and beyond to make sure their applications stand out!
LSE Acceptance Rate (Undergraduate)
| Year | Applications | Offers | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 26,184 | 3,204 | 12.2% |
| 2020-2021 | 22,366 | 4,990 | 22.3% |
| 2019-2020 | 21,462 | 4,788 | 22.3% |
| 2018-2019 | 19,991 | 4,431 | 22.1% |
| 2017-2018 | 18,371 | 4,026 | 21.9% |
Source: LSE Freedom of Information
Course-Based Acceptance Rate
Nevertheless, acceptance rates can change depending on the program or school you're applying for. Here are some statistics for the most competitive programmes in LSE.
Most Competitive Programmes at LSE
| Programme | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| BSc in Economics and Economic History | 5.6% |
| BSc in Politics and International Relations | 6.7% |
| BSc in Intl. Social and Public Policy & Economics | 6.8% |
| BSc in Economics | 7.3% |
| BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics | 7.5% |
| BSc in Politics and Economics | 9.1% |
| BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics | 9.2% |
| BSc in Accounting and Finance | 9.2% |
| BSc in Intl. Social & Public Policy with Politics | 9.6% |
| BSc in Management | 9.7% |
LSE Admissions Data 2021-2022
For a complete breakdown of admission statistics at LSE, check out their Admissions Data Report for 2021-2022 on their Freedom of Information page.
What do you need to get into LSE?
You need stellar academic qualifications to meet the entry requirements of LSE. All applicants must meet the entry requirements to take up an offer of a place to study at LSE, and because of the limited number of places, we highly recommend you exceed these requirements.
Generally, here are the expected academic qualifications needed:
International Baccalaureate
- A total score of 37 points (three higher level subjects at grades 6 6 6) or 38 points (three higher level subjects at grades 7 6 6) depending on the program.
European Baccalaureate
- An average score range of 80-88 is required, depending on the programme.
Course Specific Requirements
For certain courses, you may also need to pass specific entrance tests. For example, the TMUA (Mathematics Admissions Test) is required for courses offered by the department of mathematics. While the test isn't compulsory, it's highly recommended students sit the test due to the competitiveness of the application process to LSE.
The LNAT (Law National Admissions Test) is needed for admission to the law course, as it provides additional information about the a student's aptitude for the study of law.
To learn more about the complete process of applying to top UK universities, check out our free eBook below!
3 Tips To Help Your Application To LSE Stand Out
1. Show enthusiasm for the subject
It is important to start thinking of which subject you would want to apply for university early on in your high school career so that you can begin to prepare your application early. Importantly, to develop your interest and enthusiasm for a subject, you may want to consider taking part in relevant extra-curricular activities. For example, if you are interested in the humanities courses (e.g. English, History, Politics), it would help to join clubs such as Debating or Model United Nations to hone your argumentative skills and grasp knowledge of the relevant subject matter. This will also help when you are writing your UCAS statement, given that participating in these activities can show a demonstrated interest in the academic subject.
2. Wider Reading
Given that LSE courses are known to be very academic in nature, academic tutors tend to look out for potential students who have genuine academic interest through the books that they read. They would want to see students who have read widely and beyond their high school academic syllabus. In part, this shows potential that the potential student would be able to handle the heavy independent reading required for surviving and thriving in the LSE academic setting.
3. Showcase your academic achievements
LSE is highly competitive, and admissions officers want to see evidence that you are capable of handling the rigorous coursework. Highlight any academic achievements such as high grades, awards, or honors. You may also want to consider including letters of recommendation from teachers or professors who can speak to your academic abilities and potential for success .
How can Crimson help you?
If you need additional help with the application process, book a free consultation with one of our expert UK admission strategists. They can provide individualized and highly informed support in every aspect of your applications.
Our support includes:
- Matching every student with a team of supporters who are graduates from Oxbridge and other top UK universities
- Addressing every part of the UCAS application in detail - from test prep to personal statements, extracurriculars to interview prep.
- Providing oversight by former Oxbridge admissions officers
- Sharing years of inside UK admissions consulting knowledge unavailable elsewhere
FAQs
Can you visit LSE?
LSE organises undergraduate open days and virtual tours. Find out more here.
Where is LSE located in London?
LSE is located in the heart of London, in the neighborhood of Holborn.
Can you apply to LSE twice?
You can apply to LSE twice, but you should carefully check the admission requirements and deadlines for each application cycle, and make sure to submit a strong and competitive application.
Can you transfer to LSE?
Transferring to LSE may be possible, but extremely rare - LSE generally does not accept transfer students from other universities or colleges. If you're interested in transferring to LSE, find out more here or speak with us.
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