Does the London School of Economics (LSE) Prefer the IB Diploma?

Thinking about applying to the London School of Economics (LSE) and wondering if the IB programme gives you an advantage? Let's dive into why LSE tends to favor IB students, supported by statistics, and discuss how RevisionDojo can play a crucial role in helping you achieve the necessary grades and enhance your overall application.

LSE’s Preference for IB

LSE is one of the most prestigious universities globally, especially renowned for its social sciences, economics, and business programs. The institution values a rigorous academic background and a holistic approach to education—qualities that are intrinsic to the IB programme. Here’s some supporting evidence:

• Higher Acceptance Rates: According to UCAS data, IB students have a 12% higher acceptance rate at LSE compared to A-level students. This higher acceptance rate is attributed to the comprehensive nature of the IB curriculum, which aligns well with LSE's academic expectations.
• University Preparedness: A study by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) found that 82% of IB students feel prepared for university-level coursework, compared to 67% of non-IB students. This level of preparedness is crucial for success at LSE, where the academic environment is notably rigorous.

How the IB Programme Aligns with LSE’s Expectations

The IB programme’s comprehensive and challenging curriculum is designed to develop students who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of critical thinking, independent research, and a global outlook. These are exactly the qualities that LSE looks for in its applicants:

1. Holistic Education: The IB programme covers a wide range of subjects, ensuring that students have a well-rounded education. This breadth of knowledge is attractive to LSE, which values students who can approach problems from multiple perspectives.
2. Extended Essay: The IB’s Extended Essay is a significant research project that requires students to conduct independent research and develop their ideas in a structured manner. This experience is highly valued by LSE, as it prepares students for the type of academic research they will encounter at university.
3. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): This course encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. Such critical thinking skills are crucial for success in LSE’s rigorous academic environment.

Predicted Grades and Entry Requirements

Achieving the necessary predicted grades is critical for gaining admission to LSE. For IB students, LSE typically expects:

• Overall Score: A predicted score of around 38-40 points out of 45 is usually required for competitive courses. For some of the most competitive courses, such as Economics, even higher scores might be needed.
• Higher Level Subjects: Scores of 6s and 7s in your Higher Level subjects are essential, particularly in subjects that are directly relevant to your chosen field of study.

The Importance of Subject Combination

Choosing the right subject combination is vital for demonstrating your suitability for the course you wish to study at LSE. Here’s what you need to consider:

• Economics and Business: Higher Level Mathematics is often a requirement or strongly recommended. Economics at HL can also strengthen your application.
• Social Sciences: Subjects like History, Geography, and Economics are highly valued as they develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• International Relations: A combination of languages, history, and economics can be particularly advantageous, showing a broad understanding of global issues and analytical capability.

How RevisionDojo Can Help You Achieve These Grades

Getting into LSE with an IB background requires not just hard work but also smart work. Here’s how RevisionDojo can be your partner in this journey, helping you to achieve the grades you need:

1. Comprehensive Study Materials:
   • Detailed Resources: RevisionDojo offers a vast array of study materials that cover all aspects of the IB curriculum, ensuring you have access to all the information you need.
   • Practice Questions: With a large bank of practice questions, RevisionDojo helps you familiarize yourself with the types of questions you’ll face in exams, boosting your confidence and performance.
2. Advanced Learning Techniques:
   • Interactive Tools: Use interactive learning tools such as simulations and interactive quizzes to make studying more engaging and effective. These tools help reinforce your learning and make complex concepts easier to grasp.
   • Adaptive Learning Paths: RevisionDojo’s adaptive learning technology adjusts the difficulty of tasks based on your performance, ensuring you are always challenged and improving.
3. Efficient Study Scheduling:
   • Personalized Timetables: Create customized study schedules that align with your personal study habits and academic goals. This ensures you are consistently making progress without feeling overwhelmed.
   • Deadline Reminders: Set reminders for important deadlines, such as internal assessments and Extended Essay submissions, helping you manage your time effectively.
4. Continuous Performance Tracking:
   • Progress Reports: Regularly updated progress reports help you track your improvement over time. These reports highlight areas of strength and those needing further attention, allowing for targeted revision.
   • Peer Comparison: Compare your performance with peers to gauge where you stand and identify competitive benchmarks.
5. Holistic Support System:
   • Expert Webinars and Tutorials: Access expert-led webinars and tutorials that provide insights into difficult topics, exam strategies, and effective study techniques.
   • Peer Support Groups: Join study groups and forums where you can discuss topics, share resources, and motivate each other.

The Bottom Line

LSE does favor the IB programme due to its rigorous and comprehensive nature, which aligns with the university’s high academic standards. To maximize your chances of acceptance, aim for high predicted grades, particularly in your Higher Level subjects, and choose a subject combination that aligns with your intended course. With the help of RevisionDojo, you can achieve these grades through comprehensive study materials, advanced learning techniques, efficient study scheduling, continuous performance tracking, and a holistic support system. So, gear up, dive into your studies, and let RevisionDojo guide you towards making your LSE dreams a reality!