LSE is suggesting an alternate programme to apply for...HELP!

Money is tight at universities. Looks like LSE is using applicant fees to help their income.

Thanks for the perspective, but this does not really answer my dilemma.

Thanks for the perspective, but this does not really answer my dilemma.

Do you actually want to do the new course they are suggesting?

it does
Can you afford the spend more money on LSE with no guarantee of an offer and a high chance they'll just reject you again. And if they do make you an offer it isn't for the course you want so what is the point?
You know the answer you're just buying into the LSE hype and that's making you doubt your decision

My long-term goal is to work in the environmental development field in developing countries (my original personal statement alluded to that). The new course is development-heavy but has three streams and will allow me to pick electives from the Environment and Geography department, which for me is a win-win. I am not opposed to the new course at all because, in the end, it does align with my long-term plans, I am just worried about investing time and effort into another application.

Okay, understood.
Generally speaking, a uni will not make this kind of prompt unless you have a very reasonable chance of being considered. Obviously they don't want to waste your time or theirs. We can also presume that the alternative course may be struggling to recruit students a little more, which plays into your favour. That's not a guarantee of an offer, but in my experience as someone that works in admissions, and sends similar messages to candidates, I think you have a decent chance.
As an aside I think it is a bit cheeky of them to request an additional application fee, but that's their choice.

Hi, I am currently in the same situation as you. I initally applied to the MSc Organisational and Social Psychology and unfortunately my application was unsuccessful. However, selectors suggested I would be suitable for the MSc Human Resources and Organisations (Organisational Behaviour stream). To be honest, I had a feeling this might happen as my background is more aligned toward HR. I submitted my new personal statement using the form today and am awaiting a decision from them. From what I've read on their site, processing times for new programme choices are quick and many students applying around now are hearing back relatively quickly, therefore I expect to hear back from them by mid-March. I will keep you posted once I hear back (I would appreciate it if you do the same).
Personally, I believe that since we didn't get an outright rejection, it means that selectors believe that we are suitably qualified enough for the new programmes (especially with you considering you got accepted last year) so this is a big advantage. However, because of how late it is into the application cycle (many masters programmes tend to close around March/April), competition is quite strong and places are limited so this is the biggest obstacle we're facing. My advice would be to give it a shot because if you don't apply then you're 100% not getting into the programme, so use whatever chance you have but do it as soon as possible. Good luck!

Okay, understood.
Generally speaking, a uni will not make this kind of prompt unless you have a very reasonable chance of being considered. Obviously they don't want to waste your time or theirs. We can also presume that the alternative course may be struggling to recruit students a little more, which plays into your favour. That's not a guarantee of an offer, but in my experience as someone that works in admissions, and sends similar messages to candidates, I think you have a decent chance.
As an aside I think it is a bit cheeky of them to request an additional application fee, but that's their choice.

Hello! I received a similar selector suggestion after I was rejected from my first choice programme. I had not added a second choice programme. However, the email specifically stated that no additional fee needs to be paid. My guess is that maybe they only ask for additional fee when you have already submitted 2 choices and been unsuccessful on both.
I submitted a new statement of purpose for the selectors’ suggested programme on the 14th of February but it seems it has not yet been processed, nor has it been added to my Portal.
It would be very helpful if you could please share when your new application form has been processed and/or the new choice added to your Portal. Thanks!

Okay, understood.
Generally speaking, a uni will not make this kind of prompt unless you have a very reasonable chance of being considered. Obviously they don't want to waste your time or theirs. We can also presume that the alternative course may be struggling to recruit students a little more, which plays into your favour. That's not a guarantee of an offer, but in my experience as someone that works in admissions, and sends similar messages to candidates, I think you have a decent chance.
As an aside I think it is a bit cheeky of them to request an additional application fee, but that's their choice.

Do this means that I have a very big chance to be considered?

Hi! Yes, you're right, the initial application fee you pay allows you to apply to 2 programmes. You only need to pay an additional fee if you're unsuccessful for both and try to apply to a 3rd programme. I'll give you a timeline of my process so you can get an idea of how long it takes:
Right now, i'm awaiting for their response which is most likely going to take a couple weeks as my GAP says "application under consideration".
In your case, your new application form should've been processed already as per their current processing times. If there are still no updates, I suggest contacting them via the Graduate Knowledge Base (though they will take a long time to respond) or book a quick zoom session with Graduate Admissions here: https://calendly.com/lse-graduate-admissions/admissions-query-session?month=2025-02
Check everyday to see if they have any available dates and book as soon as you can. Good luck!

Update: Just received my conditional offer today!!! Entire process took about a week 🙂

Update: Just received my conditional offer today!!! Entire process took about a week 🙂

Hello, I applied to LSE in 2024 and got admission to the Environmental Policy and Regulation programme but I had to reinstate it because I did not receive a scholarship. I reinstated with an updated personal statement to reflect the progress that I had made in that one year. I, unfortunately, got rejected by the Environmental Policy and Regulation and Environment and Development programmes. Fast forward to weeks later, I received the below from LSE. I am sceptical because I will have to pay another application fee and change my personal statement to align with the new programme. I don't know if applying is worth the financial and time cost, especially as there is no guarantee that I will be accepted to the programme.
"Further to your application we are writing to you with more information.
The selectors have suggested that you may be suitable for the Y2U6 MSc Development Studies. For more information about this programme, please see the following web page: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/graduate/msc-development-studies. If you would like to be considered for this programme, please submit a new choices form via your GAP along with an updated personal statement and your application will be forwarded to the relevant selector for review. Please note, as you have already used your two programme choices, there will be a new choices fee required for any additional choices."