The probability of an offer from Oxbridge or LSE for an undergraduate course in Economics with these GCSE's?

Question

I would really appreciate any help to aid me in better understanding my chances of getting into LSE or Oxbridge for an undergraduate degree in Economics. Please be realistic and honest. My GCSE's were as follows.

Mathematics - A*

English Language - A*

English Literature - A*

Science - A*

Additional Science - A*

Business Studies - A*

Geography - A*

I.C.T - Distinction (A*)

History - A

Short course R.E - A

French - B

I will also be doing 5 AS and A levels; Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Economics and English in which my teachers say a realistic expectation would be 5 A's with the possibility of A*.

Answer 1

I went to Oxford and so can only really comment on Oxbridge requirements.  I found that most people there, like me, achieved a mixture of As and A*s in their GCSEs so you certainly have a good chance (please ignore those who say your GCSEs don't matter - I've been told first hand by Oxford tutors that they do look at GCSE results as everyone who applies has impressive A levels so they need to distinguish the applicants somehow).  You will, of course, now need to consolidate these great results with good A levels.  Most applicants will have the top grades possible so you'll probably need to get A*s.  You won't really need five A levels to get in so if this proves too much I would recommend dropping a subject rather than sacrificing grades.  It's more about quality than quantity (I got in with 3 A levels all at A grade (no A*s at A level in my day!)).    

Having said that, everyone who applies has near perfect exam results but only 1 in 3 actually get in so intelligence alone might not necessarily be enough.  Along with good exam results, tutors look for students with a real passion for their subject and those that have the right thought process for dealing with the unique Oxbridge tutorial system.  You need to have the right combination to get in.