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LSE Blacklist

2

If your fourth AS subject is on the LSE 'blacklist' how much does it effect your chances of getting in? I know in their prospectus it says it doesn't really matter but is this really the case?

Reply 1

Jump

18

Pegasus

If your fourth AS subject is on the LSE 'blacklist' how much does it effect your chances of getting in? I know in their prospectus it says it doesn't really matter but is this really the case?

I doubt one subject would make a difference, its when you have 3/4 like me that you will have problems.

Reply 2

HammaL

11

heh one of my three a-levels was on the black list but that didn't cause any problem for me.

Reply 3

NDGAARONDI

16

HamaL

heh one of my three a-levels was on the black list but that didn't cause any problem for me.

I have not read the blacklist but it seems that if it is only one A level it won't matter too much. If it's a fourth AS subject then it should matter even less surely.

I'm sure a student of LSE will reply soon :biggrin:

Reply 4

Pegasus

OP

2

Thanks for the replies. I think I was just getting a little paranoid :rolleyes:

Reply 5

BazTheMoney

You're allowed 1 out of 3 A-Levels. So, for example, Maths, Economics and Media is fine. But Maths, Business and Media isn't.

Reply 6

Krim

1

What do you think LSE's opinion is on the Economics and Business A-level course by Edexcel? I do it and from what I know of straight economics a-level its very very similar.

Reply 7

PhiPhi

From my experience i think they would prefer you to have straight economics though it isnt a must. I got into LSE with only AS economics so it is worth having a go.

Reply 8

Sophdoph

1

What is on their blacklist? I never even looked at LSE so have no idea. I would imagine if it was your forth AS and you had good A Level predicted grades it wouldn't be too much of a problem, but for the *really* competitive courses it may affect your chances more.

It's a good rationing device for them to use..oh she's doing Business not Economics, oh he's doing blah blah..we'll get rid of them and we'll have less applications to look through.

Reply 9

HammaL

11

Sophdoph

What is on their blacklist?...

From LSE's website:

A level subjects

The School considers not only the subjects offered by applicants at A level (A2) and AS level, but also the combination of them. The School generally prefers certain subjects because it considers they are more likely to serve as effective preparation for studying at LSE. Admissions Tutors will normally consider one of the following subjects only if it is offered in combination with subjects that are not included in the list. For example, Mathematics, French and Economics would be a suitable combination for almost any of our degrees. Mathematics, French and Business would be acceptable, but we would prefer the first example. On the other hand, Mathematics, Accounting and Media Studies would not normally be considered as suitable as this combination includes two subjects on the list. You should also note that we are less concerned with subject combinations at AS level.

Each application received is carefully considered on an individual basis, taking into account the full range of information presented on the UCAS form including personal statement, academic achievement and references before a final decision is made.

Applicants normally offer three A levels (A2s) in our generally preferred subjects, or two generally preferred subjects and one from the following list: (this list is regularly reviewed by Admissions Tutors and is comprehensive at the time of going to press)

* Accounting
* Art and Design
* Business Studies
* Communication Studies
* Dance
* Design and Technology
* Drama/Theatre Studies
* Home Economics
* Information and Communication Technology
* Law
* Media Studies
* Sports Studies

Some departments also require specific subjects. Please check the advice on entry requirements for each of the degree programmes you are considering.

If you are taking General Studies at A level, your grade in this subject will not normally be counted towards the requirements of any conditional offer we might make. Similarly, an A level or equivalent in your first language may not be counted. However, if we make you a conditional offer and you don't quite achieve the grades we have asked for, we might then take a good grade in such a subject into account.

The conditions of individual offers may be varied if the Admissions Tutor considers this appropriate.

Reply 10

Sophdoph

1

Thankyou for that :smile:

Interesting that Accounting is on there..I guess it is a more vocational A Level but it is extremely relevent and provides useful skills for degrees involving economics and finance.

Reply 11

Drogue

19

Sounds surprisingly sensible. Thumbs up to LSE :biggrin:

Accountancy is useful as a vocational field, but like business studies, isn't the most taxing of A levels.

Reply 12

thirdchill

Drogue, i did both Business Studies and Accounting A-level subjects, and though I think it is fair for business to be included on the list (it was an A-level in common sense), it is hardly fair for accounting to be found on that list, as it is way way harder than Business Studies. In fact I found it almost as tough as maths. The papers are very difficult and require a lot of in-depth knowledge. You ahve to be able to lay out certain types of accounts with perfection, and the slightest figure wrong can completely throw your answer. I had a 105 mark paper to do in 75 mins for two papers, and the exams happened to be back to back (i.e. you did one paper followed by the next paper in a row on the same morning!)

Personally I think LSE could end up missing out on some of the talent, I mean Cambridge and Oxford are more lenient with those subjects than LSE, although admittedly the interviews they do probably mean they get to see how good candidates really are, rather than what is on a UCAS form.

Reply 13

Drogue

19

Exactly. LSE have too many applicants to interview, so have to go more on A levels. That's why they have to be stricter to reduce the number. I understand that accountancy is harder than BS, although having that and economics seems very close together. It could seem to much as all eggs in one basket - that's why many universities that accept business and economics won't count them as two seperate A levels.

Is writing perfect accounts that difficult? I don't take accountancy, but I worked the last summer as an accountant for our County Council, wrote their cashflow and balance sheet and audited their accounts. It didn't seem that difficult to me, but I've kind of grown up with that sort of thing when doing stock investments.

Reply 14

Sophdoph

1

I was gonna say I thought they must have viewed the accounting A Level exams/syllabus as not rigorous enough otherwise I didn't think it would be included..interesting to hear what people say about its difficulty.

Fair enough they use this idea, at least they're honest, it's a good rationing device to use.

Reply 15

faa

has anyone heard of the old rumours about you must have atleast 5A*'s at GCSE to get an offer from LSE??? I havent- but i have a letter from my doctor that is being sent with my UCAS............. any advice?

Reply 16

NDGAARONDI

16

faa

has anyone heard of the old rumours about you must have atleast 5A*'s at GCSE to get an offer from LSE??? I havent- but i have a letter from my doctor that is being sent with my UCAS............. any advice?

You don't need 5A* at GCSE for Oxford, even for law.

Reply 17

faa

cambridge said at the open day- their average student has atleast a couple of A*'s- but even that doesnt mean they dont takeppl without A*'s

Do LSE do entrance tests for economics??

Reply 18

Traum

faa

cambridge said at the open day- their average student has atleast a couple of A*'s- but even that doesnt mean they dont takeppl without A*'s

Do LSE do entrance tests for economics??

hmmm... from what you guys are saying i get the impression that LSE is harder to get in than Oxbridge?

I have always thought its the other way around... and although Cambridge does't require a min of 5A* but due to the fact so many people apply those without the A* grades are likely to be brushed out (right?)...

Reply 19

Pegasus

OP

2

Traum

hmmm... from what you guys are saying i get the impression that LSE is harder to get in than Oxbridge?

Well LSE is more competative as it has more applicants to place than oxbridge. Also as they don't interview they make offers entirly based on your grades so have to be quite harsh sometimes. As Oxbridge interview, they can afford to make lower offers to applicant they are particularly impressed by.

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