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Applying for Economics A-Levels (Cambridge/LSE)

Hello. I’d like to apply to economics at a really top uni like Cambridge or LSE but i’m not sure if my a level choices would disadvantage me?

(I know entry requirements say that only maths is *required*, however i’d like to have the best chance :smile:

I’m currently doing Maths, Chemistry, Biology and French. (Since I originally wanted to apply for medicine). Are these good for economics?

Would I be better off changing the Biology to either Economics or Further Maths? (I like both of these subjects). Which is more useful, economics or further maths for a level?

Has anyone gone to similar unis for economics with these subjects/ if not what subjects did you study?

(I know that the french seems out of place but i’m fluent in french and am taking the A-Level in a year, so for year 13 i will only study 3 A-Levels)

Thanks for reading and replying/ for any advice!! :smile:)
Under consumer law, Universities must state their entry requirements clearly, including required subjects or 'preferred' subjects. There are therefore no 'secrets'. For Economics, Maths is usually the only essential subject.
Bristol : http://www.bristol.ac.uk/economics/study/undergraduate/
KCL : https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/economics-bsc
Birmingham : https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/econ/economics-bsc.aspx
PS. Economics and French : https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses-2021/frencheconomics/
(edited 3 years ago)
Reply 2
Original post by McGinger
Under consumer law, Universities must state their entry requirements clearly, including required subjects or 'preferred' subjects. There are therefore no 'secrets'. For Economics, Maths is usually the only essential subject.
Bristol : http://www.bristol.ac.uk/economics/study/undergraduate/
KCL : https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/economics-bsc
Birmingham : https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/econ/economics-bsc.aspx
PS. Economics and French : https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses-2021/frencheconomics/

Thanks for your reply!

I’ve seen that for most universities they say only maths is *required* and others (further maths/economics) would be “helpful” but not necessary.

I’ve just heard that some (top) unis like it when you have further maths or economics and with consider you more than if you don’t? (especially cambridge)

(I might look into the economics with french degrees, thanks for that! - i didn’t know that was a thing)
Original post by Martin13
Hello. I’d like to apply to economics at a really top uni like Cambridge or LSE but i’m not sure if my a level choices would disadvantage me?

(I know entry requirements say that only maths is *required*, however i’d like to have the best chance :smile:

I’m currently doing Maths, Chemistry, Biology and French. (Since I originally wanted to apply for medicine). Are these good for economics?

Would I be better off changing the Biology to either Economics or Further Maths? (I like both of these subjects). Which is more useful, economics or further maths for a level?

Has anyone gone to similar unis for economics with these subjects/ if not what subjects did you study?

(I know that the french seems out of place but i’m fluent in french and am taking the A-Level in a year, so for year 13 i will only study 3 A-Levels)

Thanks for reading and replying/ for any advice!! :smile:)

I think you will find that both LSE and Cambridge would value Further Maths. The former will want to know why you didn't take it and if you apply to the latter you need to choose your college carefully.
Reply 4
Original post by Martin13
Hello. I’d like to apply to economics at a really top uni like Cambridge or LSE but i’m not sure if my a level choices would disadvantage me?

(I know entry requirements say that only maths is *required*, however i’d like to have the best chance :smile:

I’m currently doing Maths, Chemistry, Biology and French. (Since I originally wanted to apply for medicine). Are these good for economics?

Would I be better off changing the Biology to either Economics or Further Maths? (I like both of these subjects). Which is more useful, economics or further maths for a level?

Has anyone gone to similar unis for economics with these subjects/ if not what subjects did you study?

(I know that the french seems out of place but i’m fluent in french and am taking the A-Level in a year, so for year 13 i will only study 3 A-Levels)

Thanks for reading and replying/ for any advice!! :smile:)


Original post by ageshallnot
I think you will find that both LSE and Cambridge would value Further Maths. The former will want to know why you didn't take it and if you apply to the latter you need to choose your college carefully.

Thanks for the reply! I might consider changing the biology to further maths.

I just want to keep my options as open as possible since i’m not 100% sure what i want to do at the moment ( economics or maybe biochemistry/sciences?? )
Reply 5
I'm pretty sure you have a less than 10% chance of getting accepted into LSE if you don't do further maths a level or as. Although they say you don't need further maths most people who apply take it
Reply 6
Original post by AksSin
I'm pretty sure you have a less than 10% chance of getting accepted into LSE if you don't do further maths a level or as. Although they say you don't need further maths most people who apply take it

Thank you!! this is very helpful information and as i said i will definitely consider it now!

(it’s tricky to narrow down to only four subjects when you’re not exactly sure what you want to do - i’m still not 100% sure on economics but don’t want to leave the decision till too late)

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