How does this work for LSE?

[tillygod06]

I have just finished my A-level exams and I’m going to be taking a gap year to go travelling. I want to apply to LSE for next year, but I’m confused how the application process for them works as someone who has already achieved my exam results.

This is because the grades that I have achieved meet their entry requirements so if they were to make me an offer it would be unconditional, however, on their webpage they say that I need to provide them with proof of my qualifications. And that specifically, I need to provide them with “certified copies of my A-level results”.

I have a couple of questions I hope someone could answer for me:

1. What exactly is meant by “certified copies” and how do these differ from regular copies of certificates? Is it the same as the copy you get sent after Results’ Day or does it need to be signed or stamped by your exam centre? If so, how do you even get that done - it’s so confusing.

2. They say that they want the certified documents to be sent to them “directly from your school/institution”. This is confusing as I won’t be at school next year so how am I meant to get my school to send them these documents and why do they need my school to be involved anyway?

3. They say that you shouldn’t send them the copies by post but by email. So, does this mean they want scans of the certificates?

4. Finally, why do they need to go through all of this trouble? If I declare my UCAS qualifications on my account, couldnt they just check with UCAS to see if I’m right with the grades I declared or does UCAS not hold all that data?

Hi OP. For now, just apply via UCAS in the normal way. I think schools receive the certificates in the Autumn term? Forward whatever is in the LSE website about certificates to them and they will know what 'certified' means.

By the way, there is a Higher Ed section on here that might be useful to you.

What I do know re- LSE is that you will need to tailor your PS to their specific course modules as far as possible. It's all about the PS with them, unlike other unis who barely read it.

Also please bear in mind that even if you meet the standard offer already, you are still not guaranteed a place at UCL, LSE, Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge or any other top university. You are still completing against the new year 13s. Every year there are students with 3 or 4 × A stars who get turned down with no rhyme or reason except the sheer volume of excellent applicants.

I do t know about number four but what they want is for you to get certified copies (see link) then for you to scan those to where ever you last went to school or college.

They will then be able to use these as a part of your ucas application. They will be doing their statement about your application anyway, just the same as you would if you weren’t taking a year out.

www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document