Usually if you don't meet the minimum GCSE requirements that's automatic grounds for rejection, so unfortunately they are quite important. If you're still waiting on a decision and they've been in contacts its likely that your score was either extremely impressive so they are considering giving you an offer despite not meeting the grade (which is very rare), or they're picking from a second pool of candidates who may be in a similar position to you. For me, it's not just about meeting their minimum GCSE requirements, I don't have a strong portfolio. They expect candidates with several GCSEs at grades 8-9 and I only have 6 GCSEs at grades 876554. Unless I scored ridiculously high on the LNAT, which I probably won't seeing as I scored 23 on the practice test, it is very unlikely that they will select me. I'm generally reconsidering applying to LNAT universities as I have other options that I like equally. I'm thinking of applying to Manchester, Sheffield, York, and two of either Birmingham, Nottingham or Leeds, which are all non LNAT unis. I think I might have a better chance at them especially taking into account that the UCL and KCL offer rates are some of the lowest in the country. Honestly, attending open days is what will solidify my decision, but I have a few more months before that. Hope you hear back from LSE soon and congrats on your KCL offer!