Response Points: (Response time: 1.5 minutes, please select and discuss 4 out of 6 topics listed below) 

• LSE’s strong reputation in social sciences globally attracted me, especially in economics, politics, and international relations.

• The interdisciplinary approach at LSE aligns with my interest in blending economics with social issues and real-world impact.

• The diverse and global student body at LSE will allow me to learn from various perspectives, enhancing my understanding of global challenges.

• LSE’s strong ties with influential organisations and its location in London offer excellent networking opportunities for future career development.

• The school’s focus on research-driven teaching matches my desire to pursue research or policy work in the future.

• LSE’s commitment to addressing global challenges aligns with my long-term goals of making a meaningful impact on society.

Sample Response:

I’ve chosen LSE because of its unparalleled reputation in the field of social sciences, especially in economics and politics. It's a world-renowned institution that has consistently been at the forefront of shaping policy and understanding global issues. The fact that it brings together economics and social sciences is exactly what appeals to me. I’ve always been fascinated by how economic policies affect social structures and people's daily lives, and LSE’s interdisciplinary approach really reflects that blend of theory and real-world application. (Refers to point 1 and 2)

Moreover, I’m drawn to the diversity of the student body. With students from all over the world, I think the exchange of ideas and perspectives will be invaluable. I want to challenge myself by learning from others with different experiences, which I believe will deepen my understanding of global challenges. (Refers to point 3)

LSE’s location in London and its connections with top organisations also present exciting career development opportunities. I see this as a chance to start building a network in fields like economics, public policy, or even international relations, areas I’m passionate about pursuing in the future. (Refers to point 4)

Lastly, I admire how LSE actively encourages research to address real-world problems. I hope to contribute to that effort, perhaps in economic policy or research that influences societal change. I believe LSE is the ideal place to nurture those aspirations. (Refers to point 5 and 6)

Response Points: (Response time: 1-1.5 minutes, please select and discuss 4 out of 6 topics listed below) 

• I am particularly passionate about understanding income inequality and how economic policies can be used to address it.

• Behavioural economics fascinates me because it combines psychology with economics to understand human decision-making.

• I’m interested in international economics, especially how trade policies impact developing nations and global markets.

• Social policy, especially in relation to poverty reduction and welfare systems, is an area I want to explore more deeply.

• The intersection between economics and environmental sustainability excites me, especially finding solutions to climate change through economic measures.

Sample Response:

I’m really passionate about understanding income inequality and how economic policies can help address this issue. I’ve always been curious about why the gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, even in some of the world’s wealthiest countries. It made me realise that economics isn’t just about numbers, it’s about improving people’s lives. I want to explore how policies can be designed to create more equitable societies, and that’s something I’m eager to study in more depth at university. (Refers to point 1)

Another area that grabs my attention is behavioural economics. It’s fascinating to see how psychology influences the way people make economic decisions, often in ways that defy traditional economic theory. I find it intriguing that human behaviour can be so unpredictable, and I want to understand how we can create better policies by taking these behaviours into account. (Refers to point 2)

Lastly, I’ve always had an interest in international economics, particularly how trade policies affect developing nations. The global impact of economic decisions, especially on countries that are still developing, is something I’d like to investigate further. I think it’s important to understand both the local and global sides of economics, and LSE’s focus on social sciences will allow me to approach these topics from multiple perspectives. (Refers to point 3)

Response Points: (Response time: 1-1.5 minutes, please select and discuss 3 out of 5  topics listed below) 

• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global economies made me realize the importance of resilient economic systems and government intervention.

• The rise of inflation and its effect on both developed and developing economies has made me think deeply about monetary policy and its global consequences.

• The ongoing climate crisis and the economic responses to it, such as carbon pricing and green energy investments, have shaped my views on the role of economics in addressing environmental challenges.

• The war in Ukraine has made me more aware of how geopolitical events can disrupt global markets and trade, impacting both regional and international economies.

• The recent changes in interest rates across major economies and their effect on people’s livelihoods have made me understand the power of central banks in influencing economic stability.

Sample Response:

One event that really shaped my thinking was the rise of inflation we’ve seen globally over the past year. It started with supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then, with energy prices soaring due to geopolitical issues, it led to rising costs of living everywhere. This really got me thinking about the role of monetary policy, especially how central banks like the Federal Reserve or the European Central Bank handle inflation through interest rates. (Refers to point 2)

What’s interesting is how this impacts different parts of society. For example, while some benefit from higher interest rates through savings, others, especially those with loans or mortgages, feel a significant burden. It made me realise how interconnected the global economy is and how decisions in one country can ripple across the world. I’m keen to explore these types of economic policies more in-depth, to understand how they can help maintain stability but also how they can unintentionally hurt people. (Refers to point 2 and 5)

I also can’t ignore how the war in Ukraine has influenced global trade and energy prices. It showed me how quickly geopolitical events can shake economic systems, and it raised my awareness about the importance of finding ways to make economies more resilient to such shocks. (Refers to point 4)