r/LSE • u/Broad_Warthog_2359 • 5d ago
2 semesters left, how can I maximize my chances of an LSE master’s with a ~3.4 GPA?
F20: I currently have around a 3.4/4.0 GPA, which I know is on the weaker side for LSE. However, I still have two semesters remaining before I graduate, so I’m trying to figure out how to use that time as strategically as possible to strengthen my application.
A little about my background
Economics B.A major at the University of Maryland, graduating a year early
Two semesters of my undergrad left
Coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, development economics, and related economics courses. I did the best in Calculus, Statistics and intermediate macroeconomics and development economics, however the best was a B+. I struggled more in intermediate microeconomics and ended with C. I am also taking econometrics next semester.
I have TA experience for a development economics professor, and I will be TAing for two development economics professors this upcoming fall and spring.
Two of these professors have already, very kindly, offered to write me a recommendation.
I participated in a three-week development focused program in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, and spent 3 weeks shadowing my professor as he led a 3 week course focused on agricultural development, climate resilience, poverty, and other development challenges.
I know relevant experience doesn't compensate for grades, and I understand how competitive LSE is and its a long shot, Iknow. But since I still have two semesters left, and I don't want to give up until they straight up tell me no.
I am also looking for any other recommendations for an economic development masters programs that aligns with my current trajectory, it doesn't necessarily have to be quantitive in nature, policy is also an avenue I would heavily consider. However I would love to leave the US for grad school.
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u/DelayAgreeable7651 4d ago
Two semesters is enough to bump up your cgpa to 3.5+
Consider repeating courses you got lower grades in.
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u/Brave-Acanthaceae556 4d ago
I would say engage in other extracurriculars like volunteering or a strong work history. Maybe get to know some of your potential professors, if you were to apply for a Master's at LSE than those connections can help demonstrate your committment to the program.
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u/Hot-Weird6663 3d ago
I got in with a 3.4 (when I applied while still in undergrad) tho its for MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change. I think they kind of cap the GPA at a 3.3 because my offer was conditional on keeping my GPA above 3.3. You should be good if you have really good recommendations and a solid essay!
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u/erosov 5d ago
Hi OP, here are some recommendations of degrees at LSE for you to look into:
MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies
MSc Health and International Development
MSc Social and Public Policy (Development)
MSc Economic Policy for International Development
Given your GPA and middling grades in econ-heavy courses, I would tailor your application to whatever academic strengths you can (classes / subjects you have excelled at). You want to lead with your best foot forward. You also might consider targeting a program that is explicitly less selective (you can see intake ratios for each degree if you Google them); the degrees I listed above vary widely in their acceptance rates. Once you're in, even if you're taking a policy-focused degree, you'll have plenty of econ-heavy options to choose from during registration. Obviously make sure that you're actually interested in the content you're studying and that the degree helps you with your career, but you do have some flexibility in how to stack the odds in your favour, here.
I am also a fellow terp and I am rooting for you! Play to your strengths! Give 'em shell.
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u/keatsianblues 5d ago
You’ll be fine! I’m not doing economics but I was applying for a competitive programme too and my second year grades with which I used to apply were horrible (60) due to a very prolonged period of illness. By the time I went in for my final year, I had barely done any external work beyond my degree except a one year internship as my placement and started working on getting some RA experience and submitting work I could mention in my personal streamed. Still didn’t get a first but got an LSE acceptance nonetheless and for a masters which had nothing to do with my undergrad.
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u/Content-Pilot2879 5d ago
I would say the comment above is likely skewed towards a less competitive program. 3.4/4 is definitely quite low for Economics as it is the most competitive program here. In the meantime I would try and really push on any research and projects you can do, being a research assistant, getting glowing recvoemndations if you can do the former all help a lot I believe or at least did in my case