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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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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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Sample Economics Personal Statement (admitted to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in economics. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE. Read this essay to get inspiration and understand what a top economics school PS should look like.

You might also be interested in reading this Statement of Purpose in Economics  that got admitted to Harvard, Yale and Princeton.

Sample Personal Statement Economics

“Flick…chuggachuggachuggaa…puttt-putttt-puutttttt…rizzzz…”

The sounds coming from near the doorway may have startled an outsider but were barely noticed by the people lounging on charpoys and mooras (wicker stools). With the atmosphere abuzz with their chatter, the sputtering sound of the diesel generator lent more time to catch up as the bulbs lit up and fans whirred on throughout the haveli (palace) on an otherwise hot evening. But on days when it refused to crackle, my grandmother would enkindle gas lanterns filling the veranda with hissing sounds and soothing moonlight rays.

I still cherish these memories from my childhood trips to XYZ, my native village, some 450kms from the closest city. At the time, the short sojourns from Kuwait felt rather adventurous. However, the perspective turned wrong when I permanently moved to XYZ. Due to unannounced electricity breakdowns, we would find ourselves groping in the dark to the closest candle stand while sweating in the scorching summer.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, the occasional power breakdowns segued into a full-blown crisis of the decade. Over the next seven years, we witnessed unprecedented power outages averaging 15-18 hours daily. People weren’t just lamenting the loss of mental peace; they were mourning the monetary losses worth billions of rupees translating into 1.5% of GDP.

Fast forward 15 years, and I found myself in a position to alleviate the situation. As Deputy Administrative Head of the Government’s Economic Affairs division, I administer a departmental budget worth $500 million. I am currently undertaking solarization projects. A recent shift towards renewables has occurred after public unrest during the early decade led to hasty investments in thermal-based power plants. Unfortunately, seven years later, we are still reeling from the aftermath of a bitter public backlash as we have the lowest regional electricity consumption per capita.

In addition to high tariffs, the energy sector has been marred by the accumulation of circular debt of $30 billion. This has been caused by multiple factors, such as electricity theft, transmission losses, and non-payment of dues. Having worked in Economic Affairs Division, I have also been part of a team that took massive power sector reforms, including:

• elimination of subsidies
• policy formulation on electricity theft and conservation 
• overhaul of sectoral regulatory bodies
• privatization of distribution companies et al.

However, as the Program ended, so did the reforms.

Regrettably, negative externalities from these energy woes have had spillover effects on all socio-economic sectors. The environment has especially poorly been affected by the process for the lack of an integrated generation and transmission policy framework in the renewable industry. Being a lower riparian state has also exacerbated climate change. We face extreme weather conditions – floods, droughts, smog, and diminishing water tables. Unable to agree on water issues not covered under the Indus Water Treaty has led to regular skirmishes and legal battles in the International Court of Justice.

Given the background, my country’s economic and Energy woes require a holistic understanding of the subject. This makes Economic policy specializing in Energy the right choice for my graduate studies. Furthermore, I can become an effective leader and economist in the sector through the interdisciplinary pedagogical approach covering policy, economics, management, law; practical skills; quantitative and qualitative analysis within an international context.

My aim is socio-economic development in tandem with confidence-building measures and strategic partnerships with the neighboring countries. Studying at Oxford will provide this learning opportunity in and out of the class as I will interact with some of the most brilliant minds worldwide and work in teams with them. I also look forward to student-led events, conferences, guest lectures, field trips, and panel discussions to augment my understanding of supranational political demands. This will help me lead economic policy reforms for the next 25 years.

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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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October 13th, 2022

What makes a good personal statement.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

I am an incoming second year law student who did my UCAS application two years ago. I believe the advice below is not restricted to law or humanities and I hope it helps! A good personal statement is arguably the key factor that determines whether you get into a university, as it is the only way admission officers get to know about you, other than your grades if they don’t offer interviews. There are a few things that students should be aware of, regardless of the degree you are applying for – structure and academic passion. 

People may approach this differently based on personal preferences and there is no right or wrong way of doing this. I wrote my personal statement in five paragraphs. A short introduction on what I thought of the course and why I liked it, three body paragraphs on three areas of law I found interesting, and a conclusion on how my extracurriculars relate to the degree I am applying for and my academic passion.

I divided my body paragraphs into three as I wanted to be able to demonstrate my interests in three distinct areas. I first touched on my Extended Project Qualification(EPQ); I then touched on work experience and discussed what I found interesting in my observation of the work that lawyers do (make sure your personal statement relates to why you want to study the degree rather than why you like the profession!); and finally, how my essay competition had inspired me to do further reading.

Academic passion

Academic passion should be the first thing to think about before you write your first draft. Academic passion may be exemplified by a project you have been involved in, a book you have read, an online course you’ve done, summer school – anything that shows you are interested in the degree you are applying for. If you can’t think of anything on top of your head, perhaps look at reading lists provided by universities. I also recommend using edX or Future Learn for online courses. These courses are not only there for students to write on their personal statement, but it is also a good opportunity for you to decide whether it is a suitable course for you!

Final advice

Don’t be shy to ask for advice from your teachers, or to ask university students on LinkedIn for help. We have been in your position and would be happy to give advice in our capacity, as long as you are polite. There are various charities and organisations that offer university application support and work experiences, aiming to enhance social mobility (e.g. Rare Recruitment, Sutton Trust, etc.) Enrolling in their programme does not only enable exposure to different areas, it sometimes also offer mentoring opportunities. You may be paired up with university students of the course you are applying for or a professional from your industry. Good luck applying!

About the author

Hi, I am an undergraduate law student at LSE.

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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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Lse - Economics

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Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.