Gap year to take Further Maths for Economics university applications?

[Itsmedpr]

Hi
My DS is currently sitting his A-levels and has recently decided he’d like to study Economics at university. His subjects are Maths, Economics, and Computer Science, with predicted grades of 3 A*s.
As he doesn’t take Further Maths, he didn’t apply to LSE this cycle, as we understood the chances there can be quite limited without it. He’s now considering taking a gap year to study Further Maths and prepare more thoroughly for the TMUA, with the aim of improving his chances at universities such as LSE, Imperial, UCL, Warwick, etc. (His recent TMUA score was unexpectedly low).
Would this generally be considered a sensible route. Any advice or experiences would be really appreciated. Thanks

Yes would see if can get LSE admissions to answer whether 4 A stars in 2 sittings would be ranked below 4 A stars in one sitting and how much weight is put on a high TMUA score versus a levels.

The LSE has a statement re retakes that they prefer first sitting but as its not a retake may not apply.
https://portal.lse.ac.uk/admissions/s/article/does-lse-consider-applications-from-students-retaking-their-a-level-examinations

There's also this FoI request - bit old now but gives a broad idea and has 38% of applicants with 4 A stars and FM getting an offer.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/admissions_statistics_for_applic_8?unfold=1#incoming-2167234

@Borrowerdale Surely the issue then becomes whether no FM scuppers the application to the elite universities? I thought FM was an option in the school. The discussion is therefore with admissions tutors at preferred universities to try and guage if a third year taking fm is ok when most other succesful applicants have done the FM with 3 other A levels. I just think it’s a risk for a hugely competitive subject.

I am confused.

My point was that some degrees have a very quantitative content.

Which absolutely does not mean that Bristol grads don't earn very good money. Just that the content of the degree is different. Horses for courses, both from a student and employer perspective.

I have no idea what Universities will make of a fourth A level taken at a different sitting. Some like three taken at the same sitting. It is for OPs DC to ask.

However if that DC likes the idea of a lot of maths (DS took more maths courses than his friend studying engineering at Imperial) mixed in with his economics he ought to look into what might be required.

Economics courses vary a lot. It does not mean some are better. It does mean they are different and that it is important to decide on the sort of course you want.

Hi
So, I heard back from LSE and Imperial admissions and both say, taking FM in the gap year would be seen as a positive and would not necessarily disadvantage him. Obviously no guarantee that he will get into either, but atleast they have confirmed that it wont be a disadvantage but would be seen as you do something actively to prepare yourself for the maths heavy course.

To add every one can read admissions pages. Better still applicants can email admissions departments.

My point was whether you have direct knowledge of economics degrees, other than your husband being a retired engineer. People seeking advice are helped if you provide contect for your knowledge. Which is what most posters have done.

Engineering degrees cover a wide range, as your husband will confirm. The same is true of economics.

hi @Mmmh Can I ask whether your sonor anyone you know took a gap year and still went on to get into LSE? I’m just hoping to hear from someone with a similar experience so I can feel a bit more reassured that we’re not doing something completely insane. I know it carries a lot of risk, but if DC is set on it, then we’ll support him while accepting that risk.

As they acknowledge on the admissions page - not all schools offer FM. They also make offers based on three A levels and where there is a fourth they only ask for a pass (again not all schools allow people to
take four). Elsewhere they also state they look for breadth of study so may prefer OPs study plan to someone with maths, FM plus one other. It is not the same as taking 4 A levels on two sittings as he will have achieved the necessary grades in a single sitting so the second sitting is about a taking a preferred subject. I have seen this done with medicine where if grades were achieved without Chemistry (a required subject) they accepted Chemistry taken later. But you do need to ask LSE as there is a risk they won’t consider you - not because it wouldn’t work out in terms of successful study but because sheer number of applicants sometimes mean they rely on ticking boxes to narrow them down.

That seems a very sensible position for the university to take. Good luck with your applications.

Thank you..

There some data for 2024 LSE Economics entry here and 4 A stars has a 29% success rate, 3 A stars 14%. So there's a chance he will get an offer but you need to be prepared for if he doesn't as well. I would support him trying if that's his dream but don't make it the only purpose of the year.

I was at Cambridge with a boy who was rejected by them first time and who reapplied spending the year in a darkened room self-harming at times. He got the offer and enjoyed the 3 years and has a well paid job but got turned down from the IB jobs and macroeconomist jobs which were his first choice. He could have achieved exactly the same career and pay going to any good university for economics.

www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/predicted_grades_for_2024_lse_bs#incoming-2811655

I can’t see if anyone has said this - but I think only the first attempt at TMUA counts for a score (it certainly does if you were to take it twice in a year). worth double checking that

This says it's you can only take once per admission cycle for TMUA so should be fine to retake as a different year.

tmua.academy/guides/tmua-results-interpretation-2025

Tbh , Economics is very competitive at the moment .
Tbh, I am not convinced that doing an extra year solely to improve his chance of getting into LSE is a good idea .