Do I have a shot at LSE?

danymasri98 the reason most people do not get into the top colleges is often because they do not give their 200% to understand what the adcom is evaluating and how they can best meet the school's standards. I have had applicants with average or fairly low GRE scores accepted into the Masters in Economics program at LSE, which while not as selective as the 7% you mention, still has less than a 10% selection rate. The application process focused on learning from various sources what the program is really about, what the professors value, and how the applicant can show that they are suited for the class. My applicants even visited campus and had one-on-one conversations with the professors whose expertise they hoped to utilize during their studies. They even kept in touch with some faculty members via email and kept asking intelligent questions about the various projects and areas of study, which they then included in their applications. So I think if you really put your mind to it, LSE is not impossible.

Just understand that LSE has a very academic approach to the program and even if you have an average GMAT, the academic orientation must be very visible in your application.

Here are some tips you can follow-


For MFin applications, I advise you to address the following points in your application to demonstrate a strong motivation for the program:

Academic focus: Solid GMAT is good. Highlight any other academic accolades, scholarships, or recognitions you have received.

Proof of enthusiasm and motivation for the subject: Provide context regarding your passion for finance, starting from an early stage, and supplement your interest with examples of relevant courses, internships, or projects you have undertaken.

Understanding, experience, and appreciation of the subject through real-life applications and projects: Utilize insights from your internships, jobs, or other finance and economics related projects. Discuss specific projects or related topics that have been pivotal in motivating you to further explore the subject.

Super curricular activities: Share details about supplementary books, articles, research papers, or newspapers you have read. Highlight any relevant podcasts you listen to and explain how these activities support and complement your interest in the subject.

I strongly advise you to cover these points thoroughly in your SOPs.

Additionally, having a variety of extracurricular activities and language skills is advantageous. Discuss how these experiences and skills can contribute to your future as a business leader.

Here are a few other points to keep in mind:

1.Demonstrate originality and a thoughtful approach in your application.
2.Show active engagement with the target school and potential recruiters to learn about the post-MFin prospects, showcasing your conscientiousness. My applicants who recently successfully converted their offers from LSE had actively reached out to professors and engaged in discussions to gain meaningful insights about the program and courses. Demonstrating enthusiasm to truly understand the academic environment at LSE and other schools can greatly contribute to your success.


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Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
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