Applying for an undergraduate degree can seem daunting, but the process is structured and managed through a single system: UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Unlike many universities, LSE does not conduct interviews for undergraduate applications, meaning your written UCAS application is the most crucial part of your submission.

Here is a clear breakdown of the application process and what you need to focus on.

1. The Single Gateway: Applying Through UCAS

Every application for full-time undergraduate study must be submitted online through the UCAS system. LSE does not accept direct applications.

1. Creating Your Application: You will register on the UCAS Hub and fill in all required sections, including your personal details, educational history (listing all past and current qualifications accurately), and your programme choices (you can choose up to five).
2. The Deadline: The official equal consideration deadline for most UK undergraduate courses is in January. Given the intense competition for places, all applicants are strongly advised to submit their completed application to UCAS by this deadline. Submitting on time ensures your application receives full and fair review.

2. Key Components of a Strong Application

Your application is assessed by academic selectors, who look at your entire profile. Since there are no interviews, the strength of your written submission is everything.

1. Academic Attainment: This is the most important factor. Selectors will closely review your achieved grades (like GCSEs) and your predicted grades (for qualifications like A-Levels or the IB). Strong, consistent academic performance is essential.
2. The Personal Statement: This is your chance to show your academic motivation and suitability for your chosen social science subject. Your statement should be primarily focused on your academic interest, critical engagement, and wider reading.
3. Focus on Super-Curriculars: Discuss activities that deepen your knowledge beyond the classroom, such as relevant books you have read, online courses you have completed, or academic competitions you have entered.
4. Avoid School-Specific Names: Remember, your single personal statement goes to all five universities you apply to. Do not mention any specific university by name.
5. The Teacher's Reference: Your academic reference, written by a teacher or counsellor, provides an objective view of your potential. It should highlight your academic ability, commitment to your subject, and suitability for an intensive university course.

3. Specific Admissions Tests

Depending on the specific degree programme you choose, you may be required to sit an additional admissions test. You must register for these tests separately and ensure your results are submitted to UCAS by the relevant deadlines.

1. LNAT: Required for the LLB Law programme.
2. TMUA: Required for most quantitative Economics and Mathematics programmes.

4. After You Submit: The Decision Timeline

Once your application is submitted to UCAS, it is processed and sent to the university.

1. Decision Period: The university aims to make decisions as quickly as possible, but the selection process can take several months. All final decisions will be communicated through the UCAS Hub by the official deadline (typically in mid-May).
2. The Decision: Your outcome will be either an Unconditional Offer (if you have already met all academic requirements), a Conditional Offer (if your place is dependent on achieving specific grades in your final exams), or unsuccessful.

Important Application Notes

1. LSE does not participate in UCAS Extra or Clearing. If you use all five of your choices, you will not have the option to add LSE later through these schemes.
2. The university does not use the UCAS Tariff points system. Decisions are based solely on the specific grades you have achieved or are predicted to achieve in your qualifications.

Reference

1. https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Undergraduate/Prospective-Students/How-to-Apply