LNAT

LNAT

national admission tests for law

Index

section a: multiple choice

what is the LNAT?

who should take the LNAT?

how to prepare for section a

contents of the LNAT

section b: essay

how to prepare for section b

what LNAT scores do you need?

resources for the LNAT

Dates for LNAT

Interactive question

LNAT Registration

Conclusions

How much is the LNAT?

Closure

LNAT exemptions

what is the LNAT?

The LNAT is a computer-based law entrance exam. Achieving a strong score is a necessity to get into some of the most prestigious universities in the UK (many of which have chosen to use the LNAT as part of their admissions process for some time) and a handful of overseas universities, too. The exam assesses your verbal reasoning skills, your ability to understand and interpret information, your inductive and deductive reasoning abilities, and your ability to analyse information and draw conclusions. Contrary to some perceptions of the LNAT, it is not designed to test your knowledge of the law. Instead of focusing on content memorisation, the emphasis is on your critical thinking skills.

who should take the LNAT?

You’ll need to take the LNAT test if you’re applying to a law degree and it’s specified as an entry requirement. There are 11 LNAT universities; 9 are based in the UK and two are overseas. 8 of the 9 UK-based LNAT universities are Russell Group Unis (SOAS is the exception), and 4 of them (King’s, LSE, SOAS and UCL) are in London. UK LNAT Universities: University of Bristol University of Cambridge Durham University University of Glasgow King’s College, London (KCL) London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) University of Oxford University College London (UCL) SOAS University of London Note that the University of Nottingham appears to have dropped their LNAT requirement for the 2024 academic year entry.

contents of the LNAT

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The LNAT lasts for 2 hours 15 minutes, split across the two sections. You are given 95 minutes to answer the 42 multiple-choice questions and 40 minutes to answer one of the three essay questions. The LNAT is split into two sections: Section A: 42 multiple-choice questions, much like a driving theory test, which count towards your final LNAT score. The questions are based on 12 argumentative passages, with 3 to 4 multiple-choice questions each. Section B: 3 essay questions to choose from – you must answer 1. The essay questions will cover a range of subjects, so it’s useful to have knowledge of current affairs. It’s worth noting that only section A is technically counted within your quantitative overall ‘score’. However, section B answers are also available for universities to look through (and they often will in regard to understanding your essay writing skills).

what LNAT scores do you need?

Your LNAT score is made up of a mark out of 42 for Section A, but you won’t get a formal score for the Section B essay. The average score last year was around 22, but it’s worth noting that the average score for people accepted into LNAT universities was much higher (e.g. closer to 27/28 for Oxbridge). It’s important to set yourself goals for the scores you’ll need based on the universities you want to apply to.

dates for the LNAT

LNAT dates for 2024-2025 are not out. Make sure to check out the LNAT Registration page for further details on dates, how to register and finding a test centre. The dates will vary for each university, please check! General LNAT Dates (will be similar for 2024?!) 1st August 2023: UCAS and LNAT registration opens 1st September 2023: LNAT tests begin (you can sit them from now onwards) Mid-September 2023: UCAS applications can be sent off from now onwards Most UK university applicants (see exceptions below): 20th January 2024: Register and book a test by this date 25th January 2024: Sit the LNAT by this date 31st January 2024: Submit your UCAS form by this date

LNAT registration

It is only possible to sit the LNAT once between September 1 2023 and July 31 2025. Advise taking the LNAT early on in the academic year to ensure that you meet admissions deadlines for the universities that you are applying to. The fee for the LNAT at UK and EU test centres is £75. There are fees waives for those interested. You must book the LNAT in advance via the Pearson VUE website. All you need to do is create an account, book and pay. There are over 500 LNAT test centres in the world, 150 of which are in the UK. Test centres are usually based in high street locations and new test centres are being added to the directory all the time. When you log onto the system on the LNAT (Pearson VUE) site, you’ll be able to see the range of centres available near you. If you require access arrangements for your LNAT exam, for example additional time, you still need to create an LNAT login online via the Pearson VUE website as normal, but you will need to apply for Examination Access Arrangements by submitting an online form with supporting evidence. You can find out more about this on the LNAT website. If, for any reason, you think you won’t be able to make your test date at your selected test centre, you can reschedule your booking without additional cost until noon (UK) two days before the date you are due to take your LNAT.

LNAT exemptions

If they can’t meet your Examination Access Requirements, the LNAT Consortium will help you contact your LNAT universities and request them to exempt you from taking the test. For example, if you’re admitted to hospital, you won’t be able to sit the exam because it has to be taken in a secure test centre. Please note that the LNAT Consortium can’t grant an exemption on behalf of LNAT universities; you will need to ask each university individually, and the decision is made at their discretion.

section a: multiple choice

LNAT Section A questions are 12 long passages of text – approximately 4 – 8 paragraphs in length. You will answer 3 – 5 multiple choice questions on each passage, each with 5 options to choose from. Only one of the answers will be correct. The questions will not specifically be focused on law. Instead they will cover a wide variety of topics, including: Politics History Science Technology The list is not exhaustive. However, LNAT Section A is not designed to test your knowledge on these subjects, but your ability to decipher meanings from the text, whether it’s the intentions of the writer or the reasons for the use of specific words or sentences

how to prepare for section a

To prepare for Section A of the LNAT, read articles on a daily basis, but adopt a critical approach. When reading an article, get into the habit of trying to answer the following questions: What arguments is the writer making? What is the basis of each argument? What are the necessary assumptions made? Is it easy to agree with the basis of each argument and the assumptions made, or can they somehow be undermined? Does the author fail to mention counter arguments, or is the argument presented in a reasonable objective and balanced manner.

section b: essay

The essay is assessed based on several criteria, including: Clarity of thought and expression: This refers to the coherence and organisation of your essay. You must present your arguments in a clear and concise manner. Knowledge and understanding: Your essay must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the prompt and legal concepts related to the topic. Persuasiveness: You must present a persuasive argument that is well-supported with evidence and reasoning. Structure: Your essay must have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Section B of the LNAT exam is designed to test the following attributes needed to study law: Your ability to follow a logical structure Your capability to be clear and persuasive Your capacity to develop a coherent argument Your ability to convey your argument Overall, the purpose of the LNAT essay is to measure your ability to express your view on an issue in a clear, convincing and logical way.

how to prepare for section b

The LNAT essay is a crucial component of the LNAT exam, and performing well on it requires careful preparation and planning. Understanding the format of the essay, scoring criteria, and the type of questions that are typically asked is essential to achieving success. To excel in the LNAT essay, you must be knowledgeable about legal concepts and issues, conduct thorough research, and develop a well-organised outline. It’s also important to carefully structure your essay, develop a strong thesis statement, and use appropriate evidence to support your arguments. In addition to these fundamental strategies, there are many additional tips and techniques that can help you succeed, such as managing your time effectively, being clear and concise in your writing, and practicing with sample essay questions. Ultimately, the LNAT essay is an opportunity to showcase your intellectual abilities and your potential as a law student. By understanding the exam and preparing carefully, you can set yourself up for success and take the first step towards a fulfilling legal career.

resources for the LNAT

it's important to practice with sample questions like LNAT essay Q&A and download the LNAT preparation and practice guide. The official LNAT website (https://lnat.ac.uk/how-to-prepare/) has a lot of tips and has links to a practice test simulator as well as practice essay questions, etc. https://www.thelawyerportal.com/lnat/lnat-guide/ https://www.uniadmissions.co.uk/lnat/guides/lnat-preparation-guide/ https://www.arbitio.co.uk/ https://lnat.exams.ninja/ Books: Mastering the National Admissions Test for Law, The ultimate LNAT collection

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