Entry requirements for graduate school

I've looked around online for this information, and can't seem to find a good answer.

I'm looking at applying to multiple schools in London for graduate school (the LSE, King's College, and University College being my top three choices) and I should have a 3.7 or above (magna cum laude) by the time I graduate. The LSE has the highest entry requirements (3.4 or above), and that's the school that I am the most interested in. The problem results from my poor grades in community college, where I received 63 credit-hours (roughly half of the total credit-hours needed for a degree).

My academic transcript from Texas A&M, the university I will be receiving my degree from, looks good, and my GPA/GPR is more than enough to get in. My extracurriculars look good, I can get good academic references, and my personal statement will kick ass.

How much will a top-ranked school like the LSE care about my poor grades at community college (3.2 if you must know)? I do not have an excuse for these bad grades -- my parents did not make me understand how important good grades are, and I am only now realizing how much they matter (hence my current grades at Texas A&M).

By the way, has anyone here studied at the LSE, or some other prestigious university in Greater London (University of London or otherwise)?

Thanks for any help!!

If you are looking at doing a research degree, the weight of your application will be on your statement essays (especially the ones related to your research project) and your recommendations. If you're looking at doing a taught degree (or even the hybrid taught/research degrees), there will be a slightly higher emphasis on the grades in the relevant coursework. If you're applying to an international politics programme, I doubt that they will care much for whatever grade you got in Biology 101.
I'm in a PhD programme at Glasgow Uni (which is a member of the Russell Group along with some of the London universities and ranks very high in my particular area according to the league tables) and I was accepted with a 3.3 overall undergrad GPA (including my very first year which ended up in academic probation) and a 3.6 GPA from my MA. In comparison, one of my friends who was here doing his MA didn't get into the PhD programme even though his GPA was much higher (and from a much more notable university). Postgraduate programmes in the UK are typically nothing like their American counterparts because the focus is on research and not necessarily a broad, liberal arts foundation. It's more akin to the philosophy programme at SUNY Stonybrook (a well-noted research programme that a number of students loathe because it isn't like most American PhD programmes).

Honestly, I think you have nothing to worry about. A 3.7 average with good references and a compelling personal statement puts you in a very good place. I doubt anyone will care that you got a 3.2 average (which is not exactly bad, btw!) back at community college. Seriously, I think it's a non-issue. I am currently working on my second master's degree at the top-ranked UK university for my subject and I got in with less than perfect grades because of my references, personal statement, and life/work/volunteer experience. If they think you are a good match for the program and that you're serious about pursuing it you should be fine.

Just one thing - if you have a chance to visit the UK before you apply to the programs it may be worthwhile to meet with the degree coordinators to talk about the programs, see the facilities, ask questions, etc - it will help establish your seriousness in the programs and it will also give them a face to put to the name on the application form. If you can't do this, though, it sounds like you are a strong enough candidate that it may not matter.

Best of luck!

Like the others have said, I wouldn't worry too much.  I had a rough year where I was sick for a few months and my grades really suffered.  Let's just say I would have been thrilled with a 3.2 at that point  .  I had really discouraged myself about it and almost didn't apply anywhere because I was convinced no one would take me on account of those 2 semesters. 

I think what was key for me was all of the good supporting stuff like my awesome writing sample, references, etc. plus the fact that before and after the bad patch, I truly demonstrated what I was capable of academically with my grades.  Now I'm starting an MLitt in September at the #1 History of Art department in the UK.  You're in a much better position than I was with your transcripts, so take comfort in the fact that if someone can do it with less then you should be alright.

Good Luck!

And a little secret...universities LOVE foreign students because they pay mega-high fees compared to UK students...so unofficially the entrance standards tend to be a bit lower than if you were a UK resident.  You should be more than fine...your most recent marks would be the most important, anyway.

What grad schools are easy to get into?  I want to live in the UK and going to grad school seems like the best way to be able to live there long term, but my grades were not good in undergrad because I didn't go to class that often.  But that was a few years ago and I can do well on the GRE but i don't think UK grad schools look at that.  I'm really just looking for any way to be able to live in the UK long term and be able to work there.  Any advice?!

What grad schools are easy to get into?  I want to live in the UK and going to grad school seems like the best way to be able to live there long term, but my grades were not good in undergrad because I didn't go to class that often.  But that was a few years ago and I can do well on the GRE but i don't think UK grad schools look at that.  I'm really just looking for any way to be able to live in the UK long term and be able to work there.  Any advice?!

I'd advise you to post that question in the Visas and Citizenship section.

Now that you have gotten several responses regarding your applications and acceptance possibilities, it is important to remember to apply for a visa in enough time to be ready to study in the UK.  This link will provide you with some answers to questions you may have - http://www.britishcouncil.org/usa-education-visas-entry-clearance [nofollow] .  Good Luck!