Department of Statistics

Undergraduate Admissions selection criteria
Entry 2016

Quick guide

Statistics
Programme Name	UCAS Code	Applications 2014	Places 2014	Standard A level offer	Standard IB offer	Essential subjects
BSc Actuarial Science	N321	566	88	AAA (to include Maths at A2)	38 points with 7,6,6 at HL (7 points for Maths)	Maths (Further Maths is highly desirable)
BSc Business Mathematics and Statistics	G0N0	264	27	AAA (to include Maths at A2)	38 points with 7,6,6 at HL (7 points for Maths)	Maths (Further Maths or a science is recommended)
BSc Statistics with Finance	G3N3	147	21	AAA (to include Maths at A2)	38 points with 7,6,6 at HL (7 points for Maths)	Maths (Further Maths or a science is recommended)

Please note that the first year of both the Actuarial Science and the Business Mathematics and Statistics degree programme is identical. Applicants should, therefore, apply to only one of the above courses. Movement between the two programmes is common at the start of the second year, subject to satisfactory progress being made in the four first year modules.

Frequently asked questions...

What qualifications does LSE look for?
Which international qualifications are accepted by LSE?
What does LSE look for in the Personal Statement?
What is LSE's deferred entry policy?
Does LSE consider mature applicants/applicants with non-standard qualifications?
What should I do if my circumstances change after I've submitted my UCAS form?
Where can I find out more information about the course?

1. What qualifications does LSE look for?

(a) Subject combinations
The selectors for all three programmes are looking for students who are outstanding mathematicians. As with all programmes at LSE, at least two traditional academic subjects are preferred; common subject combinations include permutations of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics and Further Maths.

Please note : The information regarding subject combinations given above is for guidance purposes only. Candidates who are taking alternative traditional subjects to those listed will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process and will not necessarily be rejected on the basis of their subject combinations. Further information about A level (or equivalent) subject combinations is available in the Entry requirements section.

(b) Academic profile (predicted and achieved grades)
Successful applicants for these programmes are, typically, predicted AAA in their A level examinations (or 38 and above IB points, with higher level subjects as the above list) and have already achieved a strong set of GCSE grades including several at A and A*. The selectors for these programmes consider not just the number of top GCSE grades that you have, but also your overall subject profile; ideally you will have achieved your top grades across the full range of subjects.

If you are currently following an A level or IB programme but have not previously studied a GCSE curriculum, you should still list your most recent school leaving qualifications in the appropriate section of the UCAS form.

Your AS grades are also taken into consideration as these give the selectors a clear indication of your ability to satisfy the minimum entry requirement of AAA at A level. Thus the higher your AS grades the better chance you will have of being made an offer.

Please remember, however, that these are the minimum entry requirements. Applicants who are predicted AAA at A level or 38 and above points for the IB are not automatically guaranteed an offer; much will depend on other factors such as commitment to further study, as outlined in the personal statement.

The selectors have the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to vary the standard A level or IB offer, if they feel it is appropriate to do so.

The entry profile for the two Statistics degree programmes can be found on the UCAS website by following the link to 'Course Search'

2. Which international qualifications are accepted?

A wide range of international qualifications are accepted in lieu of A levels, for example the American College Board Advanced Placement (AP), the Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC), the European Baccalaureate (EB), the French Baccalaureate (FB) and the Abitur. The Canadian and Australian High School Diplomas are also accepted.

In addition strong applicants with other international qualifications may be asked to sit our LSE EUG Admissions Assessment (UGAA) test. This allows LSE academics to see examples of written English performed under examination conditions and is particularly useful where school certification is not based upon a standardised national curriculum. The UGAA test, which comprises a précis section, an essay section and a Mathematics section, can be taken at any recognised centre anywhere in the world; without any financial cost.

For more information on the qualifications that are accepted without the need to sit the UGAA test and those for which the UGAA will be required, see the country-by-country guide.

3. What is looked for in the Personal Statement?

The Statistics Department at LSE does not routinely interview applicants as part of the decision making process, hence the personal statement plays a key role in the application process. General guidance on how to structure your personal statement is available on our Admissions Criteria website by following the link to the personal statement section. You are strongly advised to make use of this information prior to submitting your application, although as with your predicted grades, simply following the guidelines will not automatically guarantee that you will be made an offer.

For Actuarial Science the selectors are looking for an original and interesting statement which outlines your enthusiasm and passion for mathematics and explains your motivation for studying the course. Relevant work experience may be taken into consideration as evidence of commitment and motivation but is not essential. The main point to remember is that the majority of your personal statement should be based around your subject interest. The selectors are keen to know why you wish to study Actuarial Science, whether there are any aspects of particular interest to you, how it relates to your current academic programme and what additional reading or similar experiences (e.g. maths challenges) you have had which have led you to commit to this challenging degree programme.

For the Business Mathematics and Statistics and the Statistics with Finance degrees, much of the above applies. Whilst your extra curricular activities are taken into consideration, they are deemed to be of secondary importance compared to your academic potential and motivation.

Personal characteristics and skills that will be useful to students in their study of either degree will be those such as the abilities to ask pertinent questions; think independently; apply logic; manipulate data and adopt a creative and flexible approach. In addition you should possess intellectual curiosity and have the motivation and capacity for hard work.

4. What is LSE's deferred entry policy?

Applications for deferred entry are considered by the Statistics Department. If you are unsuccessful in securing an offer for deferred entry before you have completed your A level (or equivalent) examinations, you may apply again in the following cycle once your results are known.

If you already know that you are planning to take a gap year you are advised to explain how you plan to spend it, how you think it will affect you and how it will benefit you specifically, as part of your personal statement.

If, after submitting your application, you subsequently decide that you wish to take a gap year and commence your course at LSE a year later than originally planned, you should contact the undergraduate admissions office with your request. However, no guarantees can be given that you will automatically be allowed to defer your entry; and the selectors reserve the right to refuse your request to be considered for deferred entry.

5. Do you consider mature applicants/applicants with non-standard qualifications?

Yes we do. Applications from the above are encouraged and are considered individually on their own merit. Unlike many school leavers, mature applicants often benefit from a range of experiences which make them well-suited to further study, however, it is possible that they will be asked to sit the School's UG Admissions Assessment (UGAA) test and/or be invited for an interview. We recognise that it is a big commitment to return to or start an academic course of study after some time out of mainstream education and wish to satisfy ourselves that you know what will be expected of you if you were to be offered a place at LSE. As part of the UGAA test, you will be expected to answer a demanding mathematical section testing your calculus ability, to ensure that you will be able to cope with the rigorous mathematical requirements of these LSE programmes.

6. What should I do if my circumstances change after I've submitted my UCAS form?

We normally expect all relevant information to be provided on your UCAS form. However, we recognise that in a few cases, your family, personal or educational circumstances may change.

If you are affected by any changes such as revised predicted grades (possibly as a result of re-sits), illness (possibly requiring a period of hospitalisation), disruption to your education (possibly caused by a change in staffing or a move to a different school), you should contact the undergraduate admissions office who will be able to offer you further advice.