What are my chances of getting into LSE/UCL economics?

2

To give a little bit of background, I'm an international student from Hong Kong and I'm studying the local curriculum (HKDSE). My predicted grades are at least top 5% among all candidates, I got an 8.5 on my IELTs, and I'm awaiting my TMUA results as I'm writing this. Admittedly I screwed up the exam so I think I'll get somewhere around or at least a 6. In terms of my personal statement, its basically about how my chess background got me hooked on game theory, which led to me running my own economics experiment that got published. Based on one of Stiglitz's book, I also contrasted Western and Chinese development models, used game theory in a economic efficiency debate, and did some outreach work for women in economics. Let me know your thoughts!

Reply 1

marcus.0

10

I doubt any person here online knows your chances as much as you do yourself!
Your personal statement does sound very interesting and is easy to sound passionate about, which is what LSE likes to see. However, they will evaluate your entire profile, including academics, personal statement, and references. I will say for sure though that you definitely have a chance -- good luck!

Reply 2

lennyahchong

OP

2

Original post

by marcus.0

I doubt any person here online knows your chances as much as you do yourself!
Your personal statement does sound very interesting and is easy to sound passionate about, which is what LSE likes to see. However, they will evaluate your entire profile, including academics, personal statement, and references. I will say for sure though that you definitely have a chance -- good luck!

Thank you for your input!

Reply 3

knightslasher

4

How good is your chess is the question

Reply 4

lennyahchong

OP

2

Original post

by knightslasher

How good is your chess is the question

The chess was only briefly mentioned in the hook but I was the national representative for a big overseas tournament, also won awards (top 3) at both international and regional tournaments.

Reply 5

knightslasher

4

Original post

by lennyahchong

The chess was only briefly mentioned in the hook but I was the national representative for a big overseas tournament, also won awards (top 3) at both international and regional tournaments.

Do you have a title, even one of those online ones? also what is ur fide rating?

Reply 6

knightslasher

4

Original post

by knightslasher

Do you have a title, even one of those online ones? also what is ur fide rating?

Uni's will give extra value to those with titles listed, and mentioning FIDE gives context

Reply 7

hi_itsme

8

Original post

by lennyahchong

To give a little bit of background, I'm an international student from Hong Kong and I'm studying the local curriculum (HKDSE). My predicted grades are at least top 5% among all candidates, I got an 8.5 on my IELTs, and I'm awaiting my TMUA results as I'm writing this. Admittedly I screwed up the exam so I think I'll get somewhere around or at least a 6. In terms of my personal statement, its basically about how my chess background got me hooked on game theory, which led to me running my own economics experiment that got published. Based on one of Stiglitz's book, I also contrasted Western and Chinese development models, used game theory in a economic efficiency debate, and did some outreach work for women in economics. Let me know your thoughts!

In terms of PGs, it's a matter of whether or not you have the 5* in Mathematics, your subject choices, and your overall grade profile. IELTS 8.5 helps reassure admissions officers (since there are students who miss offers, not because of their grades but because of IELTS). For LSE, the average TMUA score for offer holders was 6.0 in 2025, and there are students who redeemed subpar TMUA scores with an excellent personal statement, but LSE will still consider your overall profile. I would say overall your chances at UCL are pretty good (considering how offer rates in the past 2 years have hovered around 35-40%). I would suggest not stressing about it too much, as I assume, like most applicants from HK, you're also applying to universities at home and elsewhere, so you have backup options.

Reply 8

lennyahchong

OP

2

Original post

by knightslasher

Do you have a title, even one of those online ones? also what is ur fide rating?

Yes I do, an arena candidate master title. My fide rating is horrible tbh, high 1400s and low 1500s, everyone here is underrated so its quite hard to gain any rating points. Unfortunately I don't think the schools will know of my titles as I've already submitted my UCAS application by the October deadline.

What are my chances of getting into LSE/UCL economics?

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