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.
The significance of the LSE personal statement
The strength of an applicant’s personal statement is quite significant at LSE. This is the sole chance the applicant has to demonstrate that he or she is a good match for the course because the university does not conduct interviews.
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!
