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Personal statement

The quality of an applicant's personal statement is very important at LSE. The School does not interview for places so this is an applicant’s only opportunity to demonstrate they are a good fit for the course. Applicants should consult the advice here, as well as advice from UCAS when preparing to complete this section of their application. 

Please note that writing a personal statement following the guidelines below does not guarantee an offer of admission. Personal statements are looked at on a comparative basis and there is a great deal of competition for places at LSE. 

LSE does not accept additional or supplementary personal statements. We can only consider the personal statement submitted via UCAS.

Writing your personal statement

We expect that your submitted Personal Statement is structured and coherent and that you fully utilise the space available on your UCAS application form. We expect that you have checked spelling, punctuation, and grammar and that your Personal Statement flows in a logical order. We expect that your Personal Statement is entirely your own original work. We reserve the right to reject your application where it has been found that a statement has significant similarities to a previous submission or has been created with the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Before you start writing, do your research

Before you start writing your personal statement, you should visit our course guides . These guides give information on the course content of each of our undergraduate programmes. 

When assessing your personal statement our Admissions Selectors will look at how well your academic interests align with the LSE course. So, for example, the Anthropology Admissions Selector is likely to prefer a statement which focuses mainly on social anthropology - which is taught at LSE - over one which suggests the applicant is very interested in biological anthropology, or a combined degree with archaeology, as these courses are not offered at the School. 

Similarly, a personal statement which shows an interest mostly in modern international history (the focus of LSE’s International History course) is likely to be more competitive than one which shows a significant interest in ancient history, as LSE does not offer any ancient history units.   

If you are applying for a range of slightly different courses, we recommend that you focus your personal statement on the areas of overlap between them, so that your statement appeals to all of your UCAS choices. It is important to note that LSE does not accept replacement or supplementary personal statements. 

What to include in your personal statement

Your personal statement should discuss for the most part your academic interest in the subject you wish to study. One way to think about the personal statement is to reflect on what we expect from LSE undergraduates: we ask them to learn about topics relevant to their course, through reading or other experiences, and then discuss the ideas they have encountered in academic essays. This is the skill we look for in the personal statement and we recommend at least 80% of your statement should be dedicated to this type of academic discussion. 

How you show your wider engagement with your subject is entirely up to you. Our Selectors look for students who can best reflect on the experiences and academic ideas they have encountered through the opportunities available to them, not those who have had the best opportunities. If you are not sure where to start, you could try listening to podcasts of LSE public events or look in the prospectus for examples of suggested reading. Remember we are interested not just in a list of what you have read/encountered, but evidence you have reflected on the academic ideas. 

To help you begin, there are several questions you could think about:

• Why have you chosen the course? What attracted you to the subject? Which aspects of the subject have interested you sufficiently to want to study it at degree level? Is there a specific area of the subject you wish to focus on? What are the big issues in the subject, and what do you find most interesting about them? What are your thoughts on these topics?
• Have you developed your subject interest outside of your school studies? For example, have you undertaken any additional reading to broaden your knowledge of the subject? Have you attended lectures or explored online material relating to the subject? What did you find interesting in your reading/in the lectures you attended and what are your thoughts on the topics covered?
• Have you gained any skills from your other school subjects that complement your application to study your chosen subject? Have you had the opportunity to undertake work experience relevant to your application? If you did, how did this experience give you a wider understanding of the topics you will study at university?
• Have you attended any schemes or activities at LSE or other universities, such as Summer Schools, Saturday Schools, LSE Choice, etc? What you have learned from these? Have they furthered your knowledge of or interest in your chosen subject?

If you are applying for deferred entry, as well as thinking about the questions listed above, you may also wish to indicate (briefly) why you are taking a gap year and what you plan to do during the year. 

If you are applying as a post-qualified student (ie, you have already received your final results), you may wish to mention briefly what you have been doing since your exams. 

Please note : You are not expected to simply answer all of the questions above; these questions are merely intended to give you some guidance as to what to think about when writing your statement. 

Extra-curricular activities

At LSE you are admitted to study a particular degree course so the majority of your personal statement − at least 80% − should focus on your academic interest in that subject. Many students like to include some details of their extra-curricular activities such as involvement in sports, the arts, volunteering or student government. As our Selectors are most interested in your academic interests, we recommend that no more than 20% of your statement is spent discussing extra-curricular activities. 

Applying to combined degree programmes

LSE offers a number of combined degree programmes. If you are applying to one of these programmes, you are advised to give equal weighting to each subject in your statement. For instance, if you are applying to our Politics and Economics degree, you must show evidence of interest in both subjects; a statement weighted towards only one aspect of the degree will be significantly less competitive.

Example of a poor personal statement

"I have always dreamed of coming to LSE since I was young. It has been a dream of mine to study at this institution, which is well renowned for its social science courses.  

I am currently studying History, English and Business and Management at Higher level and Italian, Maths and Chemistry at Standard level in the International Baccalaureate, and feel that these subjects are providing me with a solid background for university study.  

I want to study History because I want to be a world class Historian, and feel that this degree will help me. I am especially interested in Ancient History, particularly the history concerning the Roman Empire. I am fascinated by the way in which the empire was run, and the events that led to its downfall.  

"I was the captain of the school football team, and this has taught me the importance of working together as a team, and allowed me to prioritise my time between my studies and football practice. I feel that this has provided me with the experience to successfully balance my academic and social life, and I plan to continue this balance whilst at university.  

It is my dream to become an alumnus of the School, and I am sure that as I am the top student of my class, you will offer me a place."  

This brief example of a personal statement is poor. The applicant has mentioned an interest in history but they have not discussed this in depth or shown any evidence of wider engagement with the subject. Where the applicant does talk about history, the discussion is superficial and focussed on ancient history, which LSE does not offer as part of our history course. 

The applicant has specifically mentioned LSE, which is likely to be unattractive to their other choices, and has wasted space listing their International Baccalaureate subjects, which would be shown in the qualifications section. The applicant has described how a history degree will help them get the job they later want, rather than what they are looking forward to studying during the degree. 

The applicant has reflected on the transferable skills they have developed leading the football team. This is good, but it would be nice to see the same level of reflection applied to academic topics - this student has spent more time talking about football than about history. 

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December 20th, 2023

How to write an amazing personal statement: a simple guide to stand out.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Embarking on the UCAS application journey is an exciting yet challenging endeavour. One of the pivotal components is the personal statement , a piece that goes beyond listing achievements to reveal your journey, passions, and future aspirations. Having successfully navigated this process, I’m eager to share my insights and tips to help you craft a standout personal statement that assisted me in securing an offer from LSE.

First, start your personal statement with a captivating introduction that narrates the incident or experience that ignited your interest in the chosen subject. Whether it’s a specific event, class, book, or personal experience, articulate the moment that sparked your curiosity and left you eager to delve deeper into the field.

Next, outline the steps you’ve taken to expand your knowledge of the subject. Mention key readings, focusing on 2-3 books suggested by the university (check the preliminary readings list in the programme pages ). Emphasise the depth of your engagement by highlighting specific chapters and sharing reflections on the material. It’s not about the number of books but the quality of your engagement and the insights you’ve gained.

If you are applying for a combined degree programme, such as the BSc Politics and Economics degree , ensure you balance and effectively convey your interest in both subjects within your personal statement. Avoid predominantly discussing only one subject; instead, demonstrate equal enthusiasm and interest for both disciplines.

Meanwhile, you can discuss activities that showcase your passion for the subject. Whether it’s a case study or volunteer work, explain how these experiences deepened your understanding. Be specific about what you learned, challenges faced, and the impact on your intellectual growth.

Indeed, concisely mention extracurricular activities that honed soft skills crucial to your chosen course. Quantify your impact and focus on outcomes. Connect these skills—whether leadership, teamwork, or communication—to your future success at university and beyond.

In your conclusion, clearly articulate your vision for the future with the acquired degree. Whether in industry or research, discuss your goals and how you see yourself contributing to the community. Highlight the positive impact you hope to make with the knowledge gained from the course.

Acknowledge the complexity of crafting a compelling personal statement by seeking guidance. In my case, CollegeLAH, a Malaysian student volunteer organisation, allocated me a mentor, and my university placement office advisor provided invaluable assistance in reviewing my personal statement.

Crafting a compelling personal statement is a meticulous process. Engage in readings, conduct thorough research, reflect on experiences, connect insights to your content, and structure the narrative. Admitting the complexity, my personal statement took three months to evolve into its final form.

In summary, your UCAS personal statement is a unique opportunity to showcase your journey, passion, and aspirations. By following these tips and investing the necessary time and effort, you can create a personal statement that not only meets the requirements but also stands out among the competition.

Visit the LSE website for more details about the personal statement

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Creative Guide to a Successful LSE Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Are you applying to the London School of Economics for an economics degree? Writing a personal statement for LSE is unlike any other university. You will need to demonstrate your passion and knowledge of the field in order to be unique.

This post provides valuable information, tips and advice on how to write an effective LSE Personal Statement Economics . This will help you make a strong impression on the admissions’ committee.

Importance of a Good Introduction

Your introduction is an important part of your statement as it sets the tone for the rest of your essay. It should be engaging, informative, and capture readers attention, so they keep reading.

Remember to include why you are interested in economics and what makes it such an essential field. Demonstrate how your experiences, interests, and skills have shaped your passion for the subject.

Highlighting Academic Achievements and Experiences

When writing your personal statement, it is important to include any relevant academic achievements or experiences you have gained. This can help boost your statement. This could be anything from courses you have taken or awards you may have received about economics.

You should mention any additional economics-related activities, such as attending conferences, reading books, or participating in research projects.

These examples will help show the admissions’ committee that you are an enthusiastic learner committed to furthering their understanding of the subject.

Explaining Why LSE Is the Best Fit

Finally, explain why LSE is the best fit for you. Talk about how their curriculum aligns with your academic and career goals and the advantages of studying economics in London.

Demonstrate that you understand what makes LSE unique and how it can help you develop academically and professionally.

Tips for Writing LSE Personal Statement

1. Present your skills, knowledge, and experience clearly and concisely.

2. Showcase your enthusiasm for economics by referring to the books you have read or courses you have taken.

3. Connect your academic achievements with what makes LSE unique and how it can help you develop professionally and academically.

4. Make sure that the content of your statement is relevant to the course requirements. Just as outlined in the prospectus and website of the department/school to which you are applying.

5. Avoid clichés, ambitious statements, or grandiose claims about yourself. This will likely backfire on you and make a wrong impression on the admissions’ committee.

6. Proofread multiple times before submitting your statement. Get another person to read through it to ensure that all the points you have made make sense.

Example of LSE Personal Statement Economics

I have always been intrigued by the complexities of economics and its importance in today’s world. Growing up, I had the opportunity to study some of the most influential economists. Such as Keynes, Friedman, and Schumpeter, and discuss their theories with my peers. This experience not only allowed me to understand how economic systems work but also taught me how to think critically about global issues. My passion for economics led me to pursue a degree in this field, which has equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills. These can be applied to real-world situations.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I decided to pursue further education at the London School of Economics. It is renowned for its excellent teaching standards and cutting-edge research opportunities. The curriculum at LSE allows me to gain an in-depth understanding of how the different economic systems operate. And also, how they interact and affect each other. In addition, studying economics in London will give me access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, which can further my research interests.

My passion and dedication to this field will make me an asset to the LSE community. My experience in economics and my ambition to learn more make me an ideal candidate for this prestigious institution. With the guidance of its renowned faculty members, I can reach new heights within economics and contribute valuable insight into global markets and economies.

Writing a successful personal statement for LSE Economics requires careful thought and planning. Ensure to include all relevant experiences, accomplishments, interests, and motivations related to economics.

Additionally, explain why LSE is the perfect place to learn and grow in this field of study. With these guidelines, you should have no trouble crafting an effective essay!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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READ THIS BEFORE YOU START WRITING YOUR LSE PERSONAL STATEMENT

The few opportunities in LSE’s programmes get thousands of applications. They are logistically unable to properly review every application and read every person’s personal statement. As a result, an initial selection factor is utilised to decide whether to continue evaluating a candidate or to reject them outright.

The grades you received in your ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades together make up this initial selection factor (if 12th grade scores are available, then those are considered as well). An email is sent to the applicant rejecting admission if they don’t make the cut based on this preliminary assessment.

Now, LSE cannot claim that the applicant’s grades are insufficient because many applications do fulfil their fundamental entrance requirements. Consequently, the school informs the applicants that their “personal statement is not convincing enough.” Although it may not seem fair, LSE is forced to do this because of the overwhelming number of applications they get. You should be aware that your statement of purpose considerably influences your chances of decision. On that note, let’s take a look at how to write a proper personal LSE statement in this blog.

About LSE Before we get into the specifics of drafting your individual LSE application, it’s critical that you brush up on your knowledge regarding the institution to which you are applying so that you can adjust your SOP to meet its requirements.

An English public research university in London, the London School of Economics and Political Science is a constituent institution of the Federal Institute of London. It is ranked second in the world for social sciences and management and is acknowledged as a hub of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. Unlike any other university in the UK, 50% of all LSE research was placed in the top 4 in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.

We are all aware of the low admission rate for international students at LSE; therefore, your ability to craft a compelling SOP will set you apart from the competition. Students should take into account the \ UCAS’ guidelines as they get ready to complete this portion of their application.

Please be aware that completing the personal statement writing guidelines does not ensure approval. There is stiff competition for admission to the LSE, and personal statements are assessed in comparison. The institution does not accept additional personal statements. Only the personal statement provided via UCAS is taken into consideration.

Writing your LSE personal statement When assessing your application, the selection committee will take into account how well your academic interests align with the LSE program. Here’s where research can be useful. Since the LSE doesn’t offer any sections on ancient history, a personal LSE statement that emphasises a strong interest in contemporary international history (with an emphasis on the LSE International History course) is more likely to offer you a competitive advantage.

In order for your personal statement to reflect on each of your UCAS choices, if you are applying for several different courses, it is good to draw attention to the areas where they overlap. Note that the LSE does not accept substitute or supplemental personal statements. Make sure your personal statement is well-organised, concise, and that you utilise all of the UCAS-provided space. Make a rough draft of your personal statement, then go back and double-check the grammar, punctuation, and spelling to make sure it makes sense. You should always give new English terms a try, but be careful not to let them overshadow the important points of your LSE personal statement.

Elements to include in your personal statement

The focus of your personal statement should be on your intellectual enthusiasm for the field you plan to study. Looking at what the LSE expects from undergraduate students can be one method to approach the personal statement:

• LSE students are expected to read up on subjects relating to their class or engage in other experiences, and then write essays in which they explain the ideas they learned.
• The university looks for this skill in personal statements, so it is advised that you spend at least 80% of your statement on this kind of intellectual discussion.

How you demonstrate a broader interest in your subject is entirely up to you. The institution is not searching for students who have had the most opportunities, but rather those who can best reflect on the experiences and intellectual ideas they have encountered as a result of the opportunities made available to them. If you’re unsure of where to begin, you might check out the newsletter for suggested reading selections or listen to the recordings of LSE public events. Keep in mind that the institution wants to see proof that you have thought deeply about academic ideas, not merely a list of what you have read or done.

You can address these questions in your SOP When writing your LSE personal statement, think about the following questions:

• Why did you pick this particular course?
• What aspects of the subject have you found compelling enough to pursue a degree in it?
• What are your top priorities and areas of interest?
• Do you have a passion for a subject unrelated to your studies?
• What are the readings or lectures that piqued your interest, and what are your thoughts on the aspects covered?
• Did you have the chance to have any work experience that might be useful for your application? Have you taken part in any LSE projects or activities, such as Saturday Schools, Summer Schools, LSE Choice, etc.?

How can Rostrum help? We acknowledge and understand that writing a personal statement is a challenging task. Don’t worry. Rostrum Education has your back. Our counsellors can help you write the ideal personal statement because they are acquainted with the application process. We can connect you to current students studying at LSE so that you get an idea regarding what it takes to get into LSE. Contact us right away to schedule a free counselling session!

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Introduction:

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a globally renowned institution offering a world-class education in the social, political, and economic sciences. Gaining admission to one of LSE’s graduate programs is no easy feat; you’ll need a standout personal statement that sets you apart from other applicants. In this article, we’ll discuss how to create a compelling LSE graduate personal statement that showcases your dedication and passion for your chosen field.

1. Understanding LSE’s Admissions Criteria:

Before sitting down to write your personal statement, familiarize yourself with LSE’s admissions requirements for graduate students. Having a clear understanding of what they value will allow you to craft an effective personal statement that aligns with their expectations. Remember, LSE wants candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence, analytical ability, and effective communication skills.

2. Begin with Your Motivation:

Start your personal statement by outlining the reasons behind your interest in the specific program you’re applying for. Share how your past experiences led to your passion for the subject and provide insight into your long-term career objectives. This will show the admissions team that you’re dedicated and set on pursuing your academic journey at LSE.

3. Highlight Your Academic Achievements:

LSE values high-quality academic work and looks for applicants who can excel academically throughout their program. Pinpoint any notable academic achievements, such as publications, conference presentations, or awards you’ve received. Don’t forget to mention your GRE or GMAT scores if they are particularly noteworthy!

4. Emphasize Relevant Research and Work Experience:

One critical component of an impressive LSE graduate personal statement is evidence of relevant research or work experience in your chosen field. Provide examples of any significant research projects or internships you’ve completed, and detail how these have enhanced your knowledge and understanding.

5. Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills:

LSE values candidates with strong analytical skills who are capable of interpreting complex information and forming reasoned arguments. To show your aptitude in this area, provide examples of when you’ve applied these skills successfully, such as during final year projects or research assignments.

6. Showcase Your Communication Skills:

Communication is vital to success at LSE – both written and verbal. Discuss any instances where you’ve employed effective communication to solve problems, present ideas, or engage in meaningful discussions. This could be in an academic setting, work environment, or while volunteering or participating in extracurricular activities.

7. Explain Why LSE Is Your Top Choice:

Close your personal statement by expressing why you believe LSE is the ideal institution to pursue your graduate studies. Focus on how their faculty, resources, location, or reputation align with your goals and ambitions. This shows the admissions team that you’ve done your homework and are committed to attending LSE for more than just its prestige.

Conclusion:

Crafting the perfect LSE graduate personal statement may seem daunting, but by following these steps and showcasing your passion for your chosen field, academic achievements, and relevant experience, you’ll elevate yourself above your competition. Don’t forget to proofread your work several times and seek feedback from trusted mentors or advisors before submitting–a polished personal statement will leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Good luck!

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LSE University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to London School of Economics. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

History Personal Statement Example 3 Recently, I found out that my grandma was gambled into slavery for seven years. She escaped her prison and made her way back to Hong Kong, 300 miles south. I was amazed at how courageous she was. This personal discovery led me to read Jung Chang's 'Wild Swans' which made me both proud and ashamed of my heritage...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 1 As Pythagoras may have said, (Ambitious)2 + (Bold)2 = (Critical thinker)2 makes a perfect student and is what I strive to be. From the simple Pythagorean to the complex Fermat's Last Theorem, mathematics is a never ending branch of study which I enthusiastically enjoy studying and why I wish to pursue it even further at university...

Economics and Politics Personal Statement Example 1 "I killed the bank": the last words of Andrew Jackson, former president of the US, after he had vetoed to renew the charter and withdraw all federal deposits from banks causing them to bust. Real money was backed with gold shortly after, causing the greatest economic boom in history for the US where no income tax was implemented...

Maths and Actuarial Science Personal Statement Example Maths is a subject like no other; its complexity makes it a challenging and often frustrating area of study, however the logic behind every problem leaves a feeling of certainty about it. My devotion to the subject has grown exponentially, especially in recent years...

Geography Personal Statement Example 1 At first glance, my A Level choices appear scientifically biased, but they underpin key topics studied in Geography. I enjoy investigating the theories of global economies, population and poverty. The mathematics I have studied enables me to manipulate raw data meaningfully...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 1 Completing my sixth form education at a multicultural boarding school has allowed me to experience a wide social and cultural diversity that I never would have expected in a school environment, in great contrast to the subtle ethnocentrism of my previous schooling...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 My fascination with human behaviour and the motivations behind human actions has existed for most of my adult life, to determine a cause however I would accredit this to the voluntary work I participated in with Crisis Single Persons Homeless charity...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 2 Every day we make decisions and interact with others; the laws of economics help us make rational choices and consider the irrationality of others, as well as understand the world better. Maths and statistics are the necessary tools for me to understand the modern economics...

Politics Personal Statement Example 5 My background, living in three major metropolises, Lagos, London and Aberdeen bestowed me a very diverse, open, multicultural way of thinking. The cultural shock of Lagos widened my eyes to vastness of the world and prepped my involvement in the Community Development Committee, allowing me to get in touch with all sectors of Nigerian society; here my interest in sociology, politics and government took flight...

Maths & Actuarial Science Personal Statement Example 1 "It has become a very strange and perhaps frightening subject from the ordinary point of view,but anyone who penetrates into it will find a veritable fairyland"( Kasner E and Newman J).This saying is perhaps the most fitted to describe my enthusiasm for Maths...

Business & Management Personal Statement Example There is no limit to what you can learn and how much you can earn from it. Instilled with this belief by my father, I have since the beginning learnt to approach the world differently. I view that knowledge can be applied practically not only to earn a living, but also to earn wisdom...

Mathematics and Engineering Personal Statement Example Questions regarding the reason for my liking of mathematics have only one answer: mathematical logic and concepts contribute to a practical approach in every aspect of life. It is the diversity and universal applicability of this subject that encourages me to delve further and study it in depth...

Economics and Economic History Personal Statement Example Over the past few years I have developed a strong interest in the Economic history of the UK. I have become interested in how the UK's economic policy over centuries has built the UK into one of the world's most economically developed countries today...

Economics Personal Statement Example 23 It would not be foolish to contemplate the possibility of a far greater progress still. John Maynard Keynes From childhood I was bred to learn and the passion to understand has become a trait of my character...

Accountancy & Management Personal Statement Example I have chosen to study combined degrees in Accounting and Finance or Economics because I intend to further my studies towards developing a career in financial consultancy. Accountancy and Finance remain central elements of the dynamics of commerce, that define the way a firm, shareholders and society at large interact on multiple platforms...

European Social & Political Studies Personal Statement Example In my opinion, the problems societies face today deserve an in-depth analysis which draws on different disciplines of thought for its relevance; furthermore the implementations of strategies to combat problems must take into account more than one academic approach if they are going to be positively effective...

Economics Personal Statement Example 28 While working in the stock broker I became 100% sure that I wanted to study Economics at university. I gained employment at a Stock Broker office as a Monitor Operator in Bangladesh and my duty was to monitor the daily price list of trading of shares at the beginning of the day and then preparing trading reports at the end...

Sociology Personal Statement Example 12 A Gospel choir tour around South Africa was the catalyst for my fascination with human culture. As I travelled I was able to directly experience a multiplicity of cultures even within this one country...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 7 Coming from a mixed religious background, the comparison between cultural practices has touched me deeply, personally and profoundly. I have been able to observe the influence of culture on people's perspectives and world views...

Politics & Social Policy Personal Statement Example The ever-changing nature and diversity of politics is fascinating. The rapid social and political development in Russia in the early 2000s, still surrounded by the left-overs, if not quite the toppled statues of the previous socialist regime, kindled my interest in politics...

PPE/Economics Personal Statement Example Humanity today stands at the intersection of the most significant questions facing the world today: if democracy leads to political infighting, should it be sacrificed in the interest of economic well-being? Does religious fundamentalism provide a way for countries in the developing world to assert their identity in the face of Western hegemony? Does the entry of Western consumer goods threaten a country’s economic self-sufficiency? The answers of these questions will determine what the nature of our world is in the twenty-first century...

Sociology Personal Statement Example 14 The need for the study of Sociology in society is, arguably, universally fundamental. The study of society is of paramount importance in solving social problems of great magnitude such as poverty and family disorganisation...

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Personal statement for lse.

Have you received a rejection email from LSE, stating that your UCAS personal statement was not convincing and this is the reason you have been denied? If yes, read on:

LSE receives thousands of applications for a few spots in their programmes. It is logistically impossible for them to go through each application carefully and read each applicant’s personal statement. Hence, an initial selection factor is used to determine if an applicant can be evaluated further or denied straightaway. This initial selection factor is a combination of the grades obtained in your 9 th , 10 th and 11 th grades (if 12 th grade scores are available, then those are considered as well). If an applicant does not make the cut based on this initial evaluation, an email is sent out to the applicant denying admission. Now, LSE cannot state that the applicant’s grades are not strong enough, because in many cases, applicants do meet their basic admission criteria; and hence the reason the school gives the candidates is that their “personal statement is not convincing enough”. While this may not seem fair, LSE has no choice due to the large volume of candidates they receive. "We have received over 2400 applications for one of our popular undergraduate courses and we can accept only 100 of these applications. We have been short-staffed for over a year now and it's not possible for one person to go through so many applications. We have no choice but to deny most of these applications solely based on their grades," adds an LSE admissions officer, on condition of anonymity.

If you have received a rejection email from LSE stating that your personal statement is not convincing, check to see if you have spoken about your reasons to study a particular course and what experiences do you have with a particular subject. If your personal statement focusses more on your academics and less on extracurricular activities, you have made the right kind of statement for LSE. If they still deny you stating your personal statement, then you know that LSE has not given your application a thorough review.

Unfortunately, LSE admission decisions cannot be appealed and neither can you send more information to them about your application. Your only choice is to move on and look at the other colleges where you have secured admission.

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There are several types of writing at university: notes from lectures or texts, project work, blogging or journal writing. At LSE, you will very likely be asked to write an essay at some point. Here are few things to think about to get ready for writing an academic essay.

An essay is your written response to a question or topic (that is usually set by a course teacher). For the vast majority of questions you'll encounter, there is no “right” or “wrong” answer. In a good essay, the writer takes a position and proposes an argument to justify the position. This is part of writing "critically", where you

• explain your understanding or interpretation of an idea or issue,
• take a clear position, with respect to a specific idea or issue,
• support your position with sound evidence, referring to research, theories, and scholars' work in your field,
• compare, contrast, and evaluate others’ views and indicate whether you agree with these views or challenge them, 
• draw conclusions and recognise the implications of your conclusions. 

Two important things to think about as you write essays are the question itself and the structure of your response.

Question the question!

Analyse the language of your essay question/topic carefully in order to interpret it thoroughly and think about what you're being asked to do. 

• Read every single word of the question carefully. Avoid taking questions and statements at their face value and jumping to conclusions about what a question might mean.
• Note key technical terms or phrases in the question that could have different interpretations in the your field of study.
• The instruction “discuss” is common at LSE. It means write about a topic in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas. It does not mean write everything you know about the subject.
• Having a position does not mean that there is a clear cut “yes” or “no” answer. “It depends” is OK too!  Your essay could be about what it depends on, how you know, and why that is interesting

Mind your structure!

In your essays, try to present a clear, logical argument that flows in a coherent and convincing way.

• First, let your reader know what you’re doing and what you have to say concisely (introduction). Then, say what you have to say, building each element carefully and in detail (body). Finally, re-iterate what you had to say and give some indication of why it is interesting or important (conclusion).
• Remember that you are trying to make a point by building an argument.  A logical argument that conveys a clear point is quite different from a general description that simply repeats ideas you have encountered in your reading.  Beware of this difference! 

Want to learn more about writing at university? Check out LSE LIFE's Moodle page .  Moodle is an online platform where many of the resources from your courses can be found. If you don't have your LSE user account set up yet, select the Login as Guest option. 

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UK plan for private share trading could encourage firms to delist, says Globacap

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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

A government plan to increase the pipeline of UK initial public offerings by allowing private companies to trade their shares on exchanges could encourage businesses to delist, according to a trading group hoping to benefit from the initiative.

Myles Milston, chief executive of private markets platform Globacap, is planning to set up an exchange under the new private share trading system , which was announced in the March budget. It will allow shareholders in participating companies to sell their stock on a limited number of days each year.

Globacap will aim to attract mid-sized UK companies to use the service, including some that are already listed, Milston said.

“We’re not targeting the unicorns on day one. We’re targeting more of the mid-market space — companies that are valued in the £100-200mn range,” he told the Financial Times.

“There are many that are listed on Aim that would prefer not to be,” he added, referring to the London Stock Exchange’s junior public market.

The UK is urgently trying to rejuvenate its stock markets, which are suffering from falling trading volumes, a scarcity of listings and a number of high-profile snubs, including chip designer Arm opting for New York, and groups such as betting group Flutter and building materials group CRH shifting their primary listings to the US.

Pisces, or the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System, is one part of a set of measures designed to encourage businesses to grow and list in the UK and large investors to back them.

Regulatory and disclosure requirements would be more limited than on public markets, aiming to provide a stepping stone for businesses to eventually IPO in London.

Milston said the low trading volume of many Aim-listed companies contributed to their erratic share price movements. Communications group LoopUp and biotech business Redx Pharma are among the companies that have cited liquidity constraints as reasons for cancelling their Aim listings in recent weeks.

The scale of delistings from London’s stock markets is causing concern about their future. So far this year, 17 companies have ditched their UK listings, according to Dealogic data. Last year, 64 companies left London’s stock exchanges, up nearly 50 per cent on the year before. It comes against a backdrop of a decline in public equities markets globally.

The boss of stockbroker Peel Hunt last week sounded the alarm about London’s capital markets, saying they would end up “dead” on current trends .

Pisces exchanges will be run by commercial providers and overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The London Stock Exchange Group is preparing to launch its own private share trading venue under the Pisces regime, which Milston said was likely to attract larger private companies.

“If you read between the lines, I believe the reason why LSEG is pushing so heavily on the Pisces framework is because Aim is not really working,” he said.

Charlie Walker, deputy chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, said companies need to be able to “access capital and liquidity, however best works for them”.

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New venues for private companies could “bring additional choice” and would be “a complement to, not a substitute for, Aim”, he said.

The Treasury said Pisces was “being designed as a stepping stone to public markets, making it easier for companies when they’re ready to list”.

Unlike public markets, Pisces trading venues “will not facilitate new capital raising, and will . . . be limited to professional investors”, it added.

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