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It’s important to check when you begin your applications which universities require the LNAT this year. It changes from year to year; some opt out and some join the scheme. For example, LSE introduced the LNAT as an entry requirement in 2019, whereas it didn’t in previous years.
The way LNAT scores are considered can vary between universities. As a basic rule, Section A is scored while Section B isn’t, and universities will receive both your score for the multiple-choice section and your essay, as written. It may be that the universities score this or simply use it to asses your skills as relevant to the law course. Some universities share specific information about average scores and how your results are used, while others provide more general information. This is something you should check when applying, so you have a good understanding of the criteria.
Most importantly, check the deadline dates for the LNAT for each of your universities of choice. If you are applying to Oxford, you need to complete the LNAT before the end of October (though the exact date varies from year to year), so book as soon as possible. You can start booking a date from August for an exam date beginning in September. If you do not have your UCAS number when you book you can enter a series of zeros and then enter the correct number when you have it.
Obtain practice papers from a range of different sources. Some sources provide questions that are harder than the ones you are likely to do on the actual day of the LNAT, so this is a good preparation. You can use our LNAT question bank to practise completing the test in timed conditions.
Read all the advice given about how to answer different styles of questions and how much time should be spent reading the passage and how much time should be spent answering the question.
Make sure to practise under timed conditions. There are 12 sections and you get 95 minutes for the exam so aim to spend 8 minutes on each. With practise, you will get better at judging the time.
Record your results so you can check your progress. It is important to gauge how you are progressing so if you are not progressing then you need to review your strategy and if you are progressing, then well done and keep it up!!
Remember, regular practise is essential to do well in this section.
Regularly read newspapers and magazines such as; The Times, Guardian, FT and the Economist. Obtain online subscriptions. These are often offered free in school or you can get them on trial periods for few months. Some newspapers don’t charge for their online editions.
You need to get plenty of practice writing LNAT essays. Suggested titles are given in the same sources suggested for the MCQ. Likewise, read all the advice given for writing essays. If you don’t do essay-based subjects for A-Levels then you may need more practice. Consider entering essay competitions. These are good practice for everyone doing the LNAT. There are many competitions on Economics, History, Law and Philosophy that you can enter.
Get your teacher to review your work. Feedback is always necessary to help you improve your writing skills.
When writing the essay, always do an essay plan before you begin. Think about the arguments and the counter-arguments (a few in each case) to be included. In the actual online LNAT, there is no spell/grammar checker but universities care about this, so pay attention to detail and use good vocabulary.
You have 40 minutes (including planning time), so you need to be concise. Choose your strongest arguments and present a few of them well. You will not have time for an extensive discussion.
Remember the rules of good essay writing:
Introduction – Define the terms of the essay and state what you will argue and what you will conclude.
Middle section – Present the arguments for your case, the arguments against your case and state why you believe the arguments for your case are stronger.
Conclusion – Briefly summarise your case.
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