Subject Combination for LSE Economics? (IBDP M28) Advice

Hi everyone,

I'm aiming to apply for Economics at LSE, along with other top UK universities like UCL, Warwick, KCL, and possibly Cambridge. I'll be sitting my IB exams in May 2028, and my current subject combination is:

Higher Level:

• Mathematics AA HL
• Economics HL
• English A: Language & Literature HL

Standard Level:

• Physics SL
• Business Management SL
• Spanish ab initio SL

My main concern is Business Management SL alongside Economics HL.

I've seen that LSE has historically advised A Level students against taking Business Studies and Economics together because of overlapping content. Unfortunately, due to the subject groupings, I have to take Business if I want to take Economics, so I don't really have the option of replacing it.

I was originally planning to take Physics HL and English SL, but I recently switched to English HL and Physics SL. My thinking was that I'd have a much better chance of achieving 777 at HL and a higher overall IB score (hopefully 44–45), rather than stretching myself with Physics HL, which might result in something like 766 at HL and a lower overall predicted. I also want to have enough time to prepare properly for the TMUA and other supercurriculars.

A few questions:

• Does Business Management SL + Economics HL actually put me at a disadvantage for LSE Economics? If so, how much and how can i explain my situation?
• Would admissions tutors generally prefer a stronger overall IB score (e.g. 44–45 with my current combination) over a more traditionally "rigorous" combination with Physics HL but lower grades?

I'd really appreciate any insights!