Entrance Exam

The purpose of the Entrance Exam

The Entrance Exam is used in order to fairly assess those applicants from non-traditional educational backgrounds, such as those following Access or Foundation courses, or those whose qualifications are not as rigorous or well known as others.

The Entrance Exam gives the Admissions Tutor the opportunity to see a sample of the applicant's original work, produced under examination conditions, and seeks to assess applicants from a variety of backgrounds in a fair and equitable manner.

What is the Entrance Exam?

The Entrance Exam is a three-hour paper comprising of English comprehension exercises, essay questions and mathematical problems. No specific preparation is required, although those asked to sit the examination may view a copy of previous year's papers below. It is held in March each year and may be taken either at LSE, or at any approved examination centre in the UK or abroad, for example at your nearest British Council.

If an Admissions Tutor wants an applicant to sit the exam, the Undergraduate Admissions Office will contact the applicant directly between late November 2010 and early February 2011. Please note that applicants cannot request to sit this exam.

Criteria for assessment

The criteria below are those that Admissions Tutors are looking for from candidates, and these elements will be considered in combination with the overall marks achieved by each candidate. These criteria are seen to reflect the qualities we look for in potential students.

Précis

 

• Clarity and precision
• Able to identify key points
• Competent use of vocabulary and good use of English (to demonstrate understanding of context)
• Word limit NOT exceeded
• 'Spirit' of text to remain unchanged (i.e. no re-interpretation, additional comment or editorialising)
• Majority (minimum of 75%) of prose to be in students' own words

Essay

 

 

 

• We are looking for original essay, which has an interesting 'opening', is interesting to read and not formulaic
• Appropriate use of English including clarity, accurate syntax, spelling and punctuation
• Evidence of a sophisticated vocabulary
• A logical structure, i.e. in paragraphs with each paragraph raising a different point and with an introduction and clear conclusion
• Relevance, i.e. only answering the question that has been set
• A well developed and reasoned argument
• Ability to present alternative views and assess them
• Relevant examples
• Ability to provide evidence from a range of sources to support argument (multi-disciplinary approach)

Mathematics (for all candidates)

• Range of 'techniques' can be applied (depends upon the question)
• Ability to manipulate, interpret and analyse data
• Evidence of logical application (processes)
• Accuracy
• Numerical and graphical competence
• Ability in calculus

Section D (Maths section for degrees requiring Maths: F9L1, FK84, G0N0, G1L1, GL11, G3N3, L101, L140, L1V3, L7L1, LL12, LLK1, LV15, N200, N203, N321, V3L1 and VL31)

• Knowledge of the key techniques of differential and integral calculus of a single variable
• An understanding of the meanings of the key concepts in calculus (in particular, the derivative and integral)
• An ability to apply these to solve problems requiring an element of mathematical modelling proficiency in algebra and algebraic manipulation
• Competence in using algebra and calculus to solve unfamiliar problems (rather than routine problems)

Applicants invited to sit the Entrance Exam

The Undergraduate Admissions Office will begin to send invitations to sit the Entrance Exam between mid-December 2010 and early February 2011. Reply slips must be received by Friday 11 February 2011.

You can either sit the exam here at the LSE, elsewhere in the UK or in an approved overseas exam centre. Overseas students may, in certain countries, make these arrangements through their nearest British Embassy, Consulate or office of a representative of the British Council. Students in the United States of America may get in touch with their nearest Educational Testing Service Office. Alternatively, educational institutions (e.g. a school or University) may be able to arrange invigilation for you.

The response form attached to the Entrance Exam invitation email should be returned to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Applicants taking the examination at a centre other than the LSE should note that the reply form must carry the signature of the contact and the official stamp of the invigilating centre. Failure to do this could mean that the School is unable to proceed with arrangements for the examination.

Sample Papers

Cover sheet and sections A-C

All entrance exam applicants must complete Section A and either Section B1 or Section B2, depending on the course applied for.

Please read the instructions on the cover sheet carefully. Candidates who complete the wrong sections cannot be compensated.

Cover sheet and sections A-C 2009|
Sections A-C 2010|
Section A-C 2011|

 

Section D

This paper should only be answered by applicants who are taking one of the courses listed on the cover-sheet.

Section D 2009|
Section D 2010|
Section D 2011
|

Marking Scheme

The Exam has a notional pass mark of 60%. However, the Admissions Tutor's decision as to whether to make an offer is based not only on exam performance, but also on a holistic assessment of the overall application, including the full range of information on the UCAS form (i.e. predicted/achieved grades, personal statement and reference). The document below aims to give applicants an idea of what is required by the examiners from the essay section of the exam.

Marking Scheme|