When applying to a university there are a variety of factors which affect your ultimate decision. It is obviously not something that comes lightly but it is something you should decide for yourself. There are plenty of external influences which try to determine your decisions but here I will only attempt to help guide you on why the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) may be the right fit for you. Providing guidance that can well inform your decision so that the choice you make is based on the conclusion you have reached for yourself.

LSE, after a quick google search, will be shown to you on a surface-level understanding. This should be combined with knowledge from somebody who experienced the application process and studied at the institution.

Rankings

Let’s look at LSE for what it is at first glance. Rankings are an intriguing way of deciding on a university because it grounds your options in statistics. It allows you to see how others view these universities through multiple markers. The main feature of rank is through the national placing, where LSE ranks fourth place (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). This achievement does not come easy but is a testament to the university’s stature. Perhaps this is not something that will majorly inform your decision but allows you to see how a degree from LSE can take you to highly respected places. The degree holds a certain level of value and credibility because it is a top institution and that is definitely something that you should consider when applying.

London

The university also ranks as London’s top university (Complete University Guide 2023) and has consistently held this position for eleven years, this is a credit to the institution because it centres itself at a high-ranking level in a concentrated city of diversity and vibrancy. London itself is an incredible place to learn for any degree – particularly social sciences which is what I am pursuing and have a significant interest in. It is essentially an international city of magnificence that is a unique blend of culture, politics and social life. London is a great place to study because it is full of public spaces that can elevate your learning experience with a multitude of stunning libraries – including LSE’s glorious library. The city is connected to the world and can provide you with many opportunities no matter where you’re from or what you want to study.

Teaching

Attending LSE was something that filled me with a lot of anxiety but I feel comforted when sitting in a seminar with a professor or teacher who is intellectually gifted and welcoming. The teaching staff is incredible at LSE and this is in regard to the Deparment of Sociology that I am a part of. This is obviously not just unique to that specific department as I learnt through studying other modules in other departments. The teachers at LSE build up a positive experience because they are truly passionate about what they talk about and actually care for your opinions and thoughts on the discussion. LSE is also known for its high research quality, many public events, high calibre and staff.

Networking

To illustrate further that you should apply to LSE to study is the opportunity to learn and network alongside like-minded students and individuals. The mere fact you’re reading this and attempting to plan your future shows the initiative you possess like plenty of current LSE students.

If this has inspired you to consider applying then the advice I can leave you with is to show your passion throughout the application process. A degree can feel like a formality at times but if you truly enjoy your programme, it is an experience that won’t leave you. LSE is a world renowed academic insitution where you can learn among the best and become a better person for it. Choose LSE because it does not just care about your grades (although these are still important) but about the why? Why you are choosing the course and why you’re the right fit. Be a student within and beyond academics by being a student of the world. Offer yourself to LSE, a university that will further your different skills, academic intelligence and observant knowledge.