Economics at Cambridge and LSE

Or why not continue all 5 subjects to A2? As you'll know, compared to the Economics Tripos, 5 A2s is a doss.

I agree that taking 5 A levels is no doubt easier than Tripos, but I disagree that just because of this the OP should take 5 A-levels.

4 subjects is more than enough and taking 5 is unlikely to improve the chance of his application being successful. Why do more work than you need to, for no extra gain? If he wants to drop Physics, he should.

I disagree. If you achieve a very strong UMS for AS Physics this clearly indicates you are not dropping it because it is too difficult or too much work.

The Cambridge admissions director, and countless colleges, clearly state their policy on this issue. Take a look here, for example, - http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/responses/alevelnos.doc - it's a little dated, but sets out clearly that "For Arts and Social Sciences courses, therefore, we are much keener that applicants show broader and deeper knowledge of their chosen subject (or those closest to it if a 'new' subject) rather than accumulating extra A levels".

Obviously different DoS's have different preferences, and some may prefer their applicants to have extra A-levels. But if the OP does drop Physics and apply - and then get rejected - I don't think they can blame the fact they "only" did 4 A-levels as the reason. Four is more than enough and if they like him at interview, he should be successful.

But yeah, generally I agree - just change it to "Physics is inexplicably considered a tough A-level" and you've got it about right.

I would suggest that keeping Physics on to A2 would help your application. Other than that, your grades are good enough. Do you have any long-term ambitions to work in finance?

Or why not continue all 5 subjects to A2? As you'll know, compared to the Economics Tripos, 5 A2s is a doss.


This is a good point - I got my school to include my UMS in my reference so all the other unis could see them as well.


Agreed.


A bit off-topic, but anyway: I'm just about to go into 3rd year - do you have any suggestions for useful preparatory reading for Papers 1, 2, 4 and 10?

For micro read some stuff by Newbery - that'll help for the SCBA and AWE stuff. Krugman & Obstfeld for Trade. Dasgupta's papers for Soc Cap.

For macro Carlin and Soskice for the policy stuff. Business cycles I used lecture notes. Economic Growth I used lecture notes. I think there are some decent grad level textbooks though. I didn't use them.

Didn't do ETA or metrics so I can't help you there but take a look at the course outlines and the relevant lecturers' websites for what to read.

Tbh, I did no pre-reading over summer as I was working and got a decent 2.1.

How many A level students nationwide do 5 A2s - 2/3%? It's not even an option at most schools unless you self teach.

And come on, 87 in a semi-important subject is not even close to a killer.

Average UMS scores for successful Cam applicants is around 90%, perhaps a touch higher for a more competitive subjet like Econ.

There are plenty of other factors to consider - the 2 subjs you got As in at GCSE, your full AS levels of course, your personal statement and your interview for Cambridge. You seem well on track just keep going and make yourself stand out etc.

I'm not saying that 4 is not enough, I'm saying that starting out with 5 then dropping one sends a poor signal, especially if against other candidates who continued all 5, or even started with 4 and continued 4.

The two gcse subject I got A's in were Geography and English Language. I'm thinking of doing an Extended Project rather than continuing Physics to A2 to show depth in my economic interest (any opinions on this?). Having been to both the open days I enjoyed Cambridge a lot more and I am now considering not applying to LSE.

I struggle to see how this is the case considering the policy of my school and the majority in the UK is to commence with 4 AS levels (at my school 5 if further maths is taken) the drop 1 subject at the end of the year. Maybe it is different abroad? (I notice you are a foreign student).

Ok out of interest did you go to a state or private school?

The thing about LSE is that i like the idea of the community atmosphere which I understand is not so stong there.
I think I will look at other campus type unis such as Durham as alternatives to Cambridge.

Do you have any reading recomendations to help prepare me (I am currently reading 'The Truth about Markets')?

Hmm, I haven't seen any stats recently but I'd say that 90% is probably closer to the average score for all Cambridge Economics applicants, rather than successful ones.

I have been told by Cambridge admissions departments that 4A2s is not necessary, let alone 5. Doing 4 is pretty normal but it is better to do 3 than do something you don't want to and don't need, when you could just do some extra research instead.