LSE Economics Bsc GCSE grades
I really wanna get into LSE as its the most prestigious target school of big finance firms like JP Morgan but idk if i should apply for it as my GCSE grades aren’t too exceptional and I’ve seen people get rejected for having similar grade profile then mine.
My GCSE grades are 99887776 with 8 in maths and 6 in English (English as a second language)
And A level predicted grades are A*A*AA A* in Econ and maths, A in physics and further maths
Are my chances slim?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, LSE places significant emphasis on academic performance, particularly in subjects relevant to the program you're applying for. While your GCSE grades are decent, they might not stand out compared to other applicants, especially for a highly competitive program like Economics BSc. However, your A-level predicted grades are strong, particularly with A*s in Economics and Maths, which are critical for this course.
LSE also considers the overall application, including your personal statement, reference letters, and any extenuating circumstances. Highlighting your strengths, such as your strong A-level predictions and any relevant extracurricular activities or achievements, could help bolster your application. Additionally, your 6 in English might be less of a concern since it's not your first language, but ensure you meet their English language requirements.
While your chances might not be the strongest due to the GCSE grades, they are not necessarily slim. A well-rounded application with a compelling personal statement could still make you a competitive candidate.
Sources: LSE is Paradise, MSF Class of 2018, Profile Evaluation: MSc in Finance at LBS, LSE, Imperial, Said or MIT, MSF Class of 2018, MSc Finance Profile Evaluation (LSE Finance, LBS Financial Analysis, Oxford Financial Economics)
current undergrad, have done EVR/LAZ/ROTHS/PWP internship. unless contextual no chance. don’t need to do econ to break into finance, apply for a more straightforward program to get into, as recruiting outcomes are broadly the same outside of JPM because they recruit almost exclusively from econ/fin. doesn’t matter: there’s like 15+ desirable banks on the street so try to get into Maths, Stats and Business or literally anything else. avoid econ like the plague, most do not enjoy their degree, and it’s objectively difficult so take the easier way in with an easier degree from LSE. best advice I could from my position. last year LSE Anthropology placed into evercore front office…
Thanks. Is it better to do a non economics related degree at LSE or do economics at Warwick or UCL. The latter two are easier to get into as they don’t emphasise much on GCSE, but they don't look as reputational as LSE for investment banking.
this might the most valuable advice anyone can give you at your stage so here it is
uni > course always, this is law. Warwick econ shouldn’t really be considered a proper target, and UCL neither, as at best they are really low targets. I say this because Warwick and UCL combined got outplaced by the semis incl. Nottingham, Exeter and Durham combined in 2025/26 iirc.
If you can get into anything, and I mean literally anything, even some bs course, at LSE/imperial/oxbridge, you’ll be better off, and this should be your priority; anything at a top 4 target, no matter what it is. I do a less conventionally impressive political science degree at LSE but broke into EB with very little effort, so I would know…
Make sure you get a couple finance work experiences onto your CV by the time you hit uni, you’ll struggle to get spring weeks otherwise.
by knowing this you’ll be miles ahead of most people at your stage 👍
Again thanks. Does Forage virtual work experiences count? Btw I saw people getting shadowing from big firms how is it possible?
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