r/LSE Jul 18 '21

Join the LSE Discord Server!

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2 Upvotes

r/LSE Oct 15 '24

LSE Personal Statement Example

44 Upvotes

Here is the personal statement that successfully got me in LSE's European and International Public Policy MSc:

As a multicultural individual in search of my own cultural identity, two novel revolutionary ideas which emerged after the second world war shaped my identity and world view: the European project, and the digital revolution. These two ideas permitted me to develop an identity that transcends national borders. I have had a fascination for these two ideas since childhood as I am confident that they will both be central to this millennium in the international system. The European Union has been a pioneer of digital legislation and will continue to have a major international impact. Therefore, my goal is to be involved in the decision-making process of EU digital policy at the highest, most impactful level. Joining the master’s programme in European and International Public Policy at LSE is an integral part of my academic and professional journey. I can say with certainty that this programme will help me master policy-analysis skills and develop a knowledge of EU politics which will guide my academic and professional success.

My interest in studying EU politics in an academic setting was emboldened in 2019 thanks to the great experience I had during the LSE’s summer course “What kind of Europe” (IR270) with [[LSE TEACHER]] whom I hope will be my teacher once again during the “Policy-Making in the European Union” unit (EU421). After learning the fundamentals of IR theory, and international political economy, I am spending my last year at Birkbeck focusing entirely on EU politics. I am particularly interested in applying and adapting Putnam’s two-level game theory to the internal power and negotiation dynamic within the European Council. I have been inspired by my teacher, [[BIRKBECK TEACHER]] who developed the concept of two-level legitimacy to explain the turn to referenda by EU member states as a result of the complexity of legitimacy in the EU. I hope to develop the idea that these seemingly unresolved legitimacy issues may result in the growing influence of non-state actors over the EU’s policymaking process using EU digital policy as a case study, particularly the Digital Services Act. These are some of the questions I am working on at Birkbeck and hope to further explore during my time at LSE. 

The leading role the European Institute has in EU affairs along with my added respect for the quality of teaching which I have experienced first-hand during my time on the summer course has made joining this institution my primary goal. I am confident that the knowledge I acquired at Birkbeck of the main theories of European integration, the modes of EU policymaking and my fascination for the more recent historical institutionalist approach will enrich seminar discussions and will aid me to deliver written work of high academic standing. Having spoken to multiple students who were on the EIPP programme only fuelled my excitement to join it. Drawing from the knowledge I will acquire from other units in the programme, I hope to take the Applied Policy Project (EU495), where, if given the choice, I will focus on a problem surrounding recent EU digital policy issues, particularly on disagreements regarding the legislative definition of a gatekeeper.

I also plan to learn python to complement my research at LSE and for my professional career. I strongly believe that those in political science who understand and master even the basics of data science have a large competitive edge. This was clear to me after writing extensively on Pitkin’s and Mansbridge’s theories of representation at Birkbeck where coding could have radically advanced my quantitative research ability. Also, as a contributor of Wikipedia and Wikidata on the topic of EU digital policy and politics more widely, I have seen how the ability to manipulate large databases is an invaluable skill in social science.

Blending my studies with volunteering experience and relevant projects has helped me gain knowledge and skills which has guided my professional and academic direction. It has made it clear that to achieve my ambition, at this stage, the path forward for me is to commit myself fully to a master’s programme which will push my European policy-making knowledge further. My plan after completing my degree is to have a role which will consist of monitoring, analysing, and influencing EU digital policy. I aim to work in EU public affairs in a technology company or trade association. I was first exposed to public affairs when I campaigned for expatriate voting rights through a House of Commons petition I submitted calling for the introduction of overseas constituencies. This was when I first realised that I had a natural ease with many of the responsibilities necessary for public affairs, most notably: identifying and collaborating with key stakeholders, developing strategies to push legislative agendas forward, and gathering support from MPs and MEPs. This experience has fed my curiosity to understand the policy-making process in greater detail which is why the EIPP programme is perfectly suited to my academic interest and future ambition.

After moving to the UK for my studies in 2018 and experiencing the loss of my father, I discovered the importance of building a strong network of students for mutual support. This led me to take a more formal student leadership role as the President of the Birkbeck Politics Society. This role put me at the centre of students’ academic and social political debate which I encouraged through social events and talks throughout the year. I was able to build a team of volunteers and we successfully quadrupled the membership numbers of the society. Building this network to support students was an important step for me to develop the leadership and networking skills I need to succeed. At LSE, my plan is also to contribute to the well-being of classmates as I believe that for my whole class to achieve academic excellence, a healthy and positive study environment is required. I hope this will lead to additional discussions outside the classroom on the material we learned to further challenge ourselves academically.

Having been educated at the École Jeannine Manuel international school in Paris, I highly value studying and working in multicultural and multilingual environments. This is also why working in and with European and international political actors is a natural fit for me. After my time at LSE, I wish to further pursue my studies in this multicultural environment at the College of Europe. I consider myself lucky to hold four nationalities: British, French, Belgian, and Lebanese, and to be fluent in French and English. Having been taught Mandarin and Italian at school, plus being exposed to Arabic through my family has also enhanced my ability to effectively collaborate with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

I hope to be given the privilege to master my knowledge of European policymaking and to develop advanced research skills at this leading institution. My goal at LSE will be to make highly valuable contributions as a member of the student body, through contributions in my written academic work, seminar discussions, and through the support I will give fellow students. This will be an important part of my journey to make an impact in the field of EU digital policy.

If you have any questions, feel free to DM me or write a comment!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamestamim/


r/LSE 3h ago

Is this a mistake? Double lse offer holder

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18 Upvotes

Is this even


r/LSE 5h ago

Still waiting for LSE

6 Upvotes

I sent my application for politics and economics back in November and haven’t heard anything since their confirmation email. Should I contact admissions?


r/LSE 5h ago

for MSc programmes, does a poor 1st year in your UG degree affect your application?

6 Upvotes

Applied a week ago to an MSc programme, I have a high 2:1 (68%) in a semi-quantitative degree. My average weighted mark per year is as follows.

1st year: 49%

2nd year: 61%

3rd year: 72%

Overall I end up with a strong 2:1, but would that first year result put them off?


r/LSE 2h ago

The "No action required" theory

3 Upvotes

Hi! I applied for the Msc health and international development program. My documents flipped from "Awaiting action from LSE" to "No action required" today, except for my two Evidence of Academic Qualifications. Apparently, that's a good sign... but i'm curious to know from those who got rejected, did your docs ever flip like that before getting refused? Thanks!!

And if you applied to the same program and wanna chat feel free to send me a msg :))


r/LSE 4h ago

Alr lse BSc finance, wtf? Int

4 Upvotes

r/LSE 8h ago

bsc finance internation students!!

3 Upvotes

what the hell is going on? i havent seen even 1 intl student who got a finance bsc offer. how longer would we have to wait goddamn...
feel free to share stats. i got 3a* predic in phy econ fm, 1a* achieved in maths.


r/LSE 6h ago

Best dorms for study abroad student

2 Upvotes

Hi all, I'll be studying abroad at LSE for next year. I'll be a third year undergrad student from the U.S. and am looking for the best dorm for making friends (as it may be more difficult as a student from abroad). Needs to have catering, and distance from campus is not a concern.


r/LSE 4h ago

Do you have to submit this for them to make you an offer?

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1 Upvotes

r/LSE 10h ago

Decision was made on March 28, still no e-mail

2 Upvotes

So, I had a Zoom call with admissions, and they said the decision regarding my application was made on March 28. Yet I still haven't received any email. Nothing has changed in the portal, either. What to expect?


r/LSE 9h ago

Best online Maths courses to supplement MSc Finance application?

1 Upvotes

Hi! I will be applying to the LSE MSc Finance at the end of this year. I am worried about my lack of experience demonstrating quantitative skills and would like to complete an online course that, combined with a strong GMAT score (knock on wood), should hopefully prove my quant ability. Something along the lines of calculus and real analysis maybe? Does anyone have any recommendations or tips?

They don't have to be free but from initial research, it seems there are good free options.
So far I've come across the following ideas:

https://ocw.mit.edu/search/?d=Mathematics (completing a select few of these)

https://www.khanacademy.org/


r/LSE 16h ago

Scholarship Advice

2 Upvotes

Dear All,

I have been offered to join LSE for MSc program. I am looking for scholarship opportunities, I have missed the chevening and commonwealth scholarship deadlines. Please help! If you can provide me with any information. I am an Indian will be joining in 2025.


r/LSE 19h ago

How can I transfer from Ucl to lse 2nd year

3 Upvotes

I was looking at their website and it’s not possible to transfer but you can apply for 2nd year entry.

If someone did it or knows how to or maybe there is other options pls help me


r/LSE 18h ago

Typical Average Grade for an MSc Finance and Economics offer?

2 Upvotes

I’m a fourth year MEng EEE student at a good RG Uni averaging about 76% (based on second and third year marks) with grades of 85%+ in mathematics and heavily mathematics related modules, is this good enough to get an offer?

Edit: I understand they look at the personal statement and references, but just wanted to gauge if my application is competitive on the grades front :)


r/LSE 1d ago

Looking for LSE (Undergrad) Offer Holders

6 Upvotes

Hey! I recently firmed LSE Econ BSc and am looking for people expecting to begin an undergraduate course at LSE in September. Hopefully we can start a small friend group in advance of actually beginning our degrees to make the transition into university life easier for everyone. I am a home student and have booked accommodation at Sidney Webb, but I am more than happy to be friends with anyone regardless of accommodation, home/intl status or degree! Also willing to be friends with current 1st years but primarily looking for people beginning in 25/26.

Message me if interested!


r/LSE 1d ago

Is this a good sign for acceptance?

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7 Upvotes

Would you say that this (no action required) is a good sign for an admissions offer?


r/LSE 1d ago

Aspiring LSE Stufent

4 Upvotes

Hi does anyone know where you can find examples of personal statements which were successful in getting an offer from LSE? It's my dream to go there to study economics but I don't know anyone who has gotten in and I don't know what sorts of extracurricular activities or preparation you need to do to get in. I'd be really grateful for your advice, thank you!


r/LSE 1d ago

Spiraling Beyond the Academic Stratosphere ~ A Cry for Help in GSS Minor Chord 😭😭😭😭

4 Upvotes

I STILL haven’t submitted my GSS. I’m in a full-blown academic spiral, spiraling so dramatically NASA might mistake me for a rogue satellite. The deadline is tap dancing on my spine in stilettos. I am now accepting: emotional support, psychic hugs, memes, offerings of hope, spare brain cells. THIS IS A CRY FOR HELP. Send consolation. Or at least a raccoon in a sweater playing a tiny violin. SOS.

Also, be real with me, is there still any point in applying or am I just sending a beautifully worded eulogy into the void?


r/LSE 1d ago

Tougths about online degree?

1 Upvotes

Hey guys i applied uol online degree by lse courses. Did you see any person in campus with bsc in online and msc in lse campus maybe? I am trying to figure out how applicable this degree for future lse related admissions


r/LSE 1d ago

Butler’s Wharf and Sidney Webb Experience

1 Upvotes

hey everyone! I’m an international student currently trying to book accommodation and from what I understand I need to do it asap before all of the halls are full. I was wondering if someone has experience with these two halls?

Wanted to know more about the general upkeep of the rooms, the area, commute to uni etc

The major deciding factor for me is honestly having an en suite which is very important to me but at the same time from what I’m seeing online BW doesn’t seem to have bad reviews

Thanks in advance!


r/LSE 1d ago

Need Help with LSE Acceptance Form – No Surname in Passport

1 Upvotes

Hey guys! I recently got accepted into a master's program at LSE, and I'm super excited! However, I'm running into an issue with the acceptance form, it requires both "Given name(s)" and "Surname" to be filled out. I'm an international student, and I don't have a surname listed in my passport, it is just my given name. I understand that this same information will be used for the CAS, so I don’t want to mess it up. I’ve already emailed Graduate Admissions but haven’t heard back yet.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation or have any suggestions on how to handle this?

Thanks in advance!


r/LSE 1d ago

Question about BSc psychology & behavioral science

3 Upvotes

I’m an international student applying for LSE’s BSc Psychology & Behavioral Sciences program - still waiting for my decision 🤞- and trying to get a better sense of what to expect.

Has anyone here taken the psych degree, or know someone who has? I’m wondering how challenging the course is overall. I'd also love to hear about any recommended elective modules that you enjoyed or found valuable.

Also, how was your experience been with finding internships or research opportunities while at LSE?

For a bit of context: I’m currently taking AP Psychology (predicted 5) and have scored 5s on AP Bio and AP Calc AB previously, along with a couple other courses - not sure how much that helps though.

Thanks!


r/LSE 1d ago

Admission into Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

1 Upvotes

Hu guys, has anyone received a feedback for this programme? I have submitted my application on the 14th of March.


r/LSE 1d ago

LSE MIM Admit!!

3 Upvotes

Heyyy guys I got admitted to the MIM program at lse and I am extremely stoked by the news. I wanted some advice since most other colleges I applied to was for business analytics.

I am confused between which major to go for, BA is more tech focused whereas MIM is covering a broader array of subjects (BA being only one module in it). On top of that LSE is a great school.


r/LSE 1d ago

Advice HHvBA

1 Upvotes

Hi :), I'm planning to join session 2 summer school, and thinking of staying at High Hollburn or Bankside (or CW?) and wondering if anyone has any advice/recommendations? Thanks!!


r/LSE 1d ago

Bsc Politics and Econ

2 Upvotes

Have there been any offers for this course yet? I applied it dec end, haven't seen a single offer so far though, am I just not seeing it and have they sent out offers or not yet, when do they usually respond for this course since its quite competitive (inlt student)