LNAT 2018 – A Free Guide to the LNAT Test
If you are considering applying for law degrees which require you to sit the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) as part of the application process, this page is a must read.
The page covers what the LNAT test involves, along with guidance on booking and sitting the test and a comprehensive list of LNAT universities, providing your complete guide to LNAT 2018!
Sitting the LNAT this year? Book our popular LNAT Workshop!
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Or if you’d rather go at your own pace, why not book the online version of our LNAT Workshop: the Online LNAT Course?
You can also use our 100% free LNAT Practice Questions simulator, to test your LNAT abilities on a realistic platform.
What is the LNAT Test?
The test helps certain universities to ascertain whether you are a suitable candidate for undergraduate law. It is an online test which is not designed to test legal knowledge.
Instead, it is designed to assess your general comprehension and reasoning skills, both of which are vital for the study and practice of law.
It consists of two sections:
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How Many LNAT Universities Are There?
Currently, there are 11 universities that require the LNAT; the following UK and non-UK universities require applicants to sit the test:
| UK and Non-UK LNAT Universities |
| University of Bristol |
| Durham University |
| University of Glasgow |
| Kings College London (KCL) |
| The London School of Economics (LSE) |
| University of Nottingham |
| University of Oxford |
| SOAS University of London |
| UCL Faculty of Laws |
| Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) |
You can compare these universities with our Uni-by-Uni Comparison page here!
What Does the LNAT Test Involve?
As mentioned above, the test is split into two parts:
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (95 mins)
This part is designed to test comprehension. You must read and digest 12 passages of text and answer three to four multiple choice questions on each passage. There are 42 MCQs in total.
Your MCQ score forms the basis of your score, and you can score a maximum of 42, with one mark per question.
Practising online MCQs will give you a flavour of what to expect in the real exam and enable you to practise the techniques you need to employ to score highly, so we recommend you have a go at our free LNAT Question Bank.
Find out more about the MCQs with our Section A page here.
2. Essay Based Question (40 mins)
This part of the test is not linked to your overall score. You are required to pick one of three debatable essay topics. You must then formulate an intellectually reasoned, convincing, balanced and conclusive argument around your chosen topic.
The maximum word count is 700 words, so around 500-600 is recommended.
Some example essay questions suggested by the official LNAT website include:
- How should judges be appointed?
- Should the law require people to vote in general elections?
- What is ‘political correctness’ and why does it matter?
- Does it matter if some animal and plant species die out?
Find out more with our Section B page here.
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How Do LNAT Scores Work?
LNAT scores are calculated from Section A of the LNAT, the multiple choice questions. This means your score is a total out of 42. The essay does not contribute to this score, and is instead sent to the university to show how you create a solid argument.
Your score and essay are considered by the university in conjunction with your A-level (or equivalent) results and your UCAS application.
Some universities also use results to differentiate between borderline students or less commonly as a talking point at interview. Either way, your score and essay help universities to determine whether you possess the skills necessary to study law.
Average LNAT scores from 2006 to 2017:
| Year | Score (/ 42) | Percentage |
| 2006 | 8 (/ 30) | 26.6% |
| 2008 | 16.7 (/ 30) | 55.5% |
| 2010 | 17.7 | 42.1% |
| 2012 | 21.3 | 50.7% |
| 2013 | 21.1 | 50.2% |
| 2014 | 22.3 | 53.1% |
| 2015 | 22.9 | 54.4% |
| 2016 | 17.9 | 50% |
| 2017 | 19.9 | 47.4% |
In 2017, University College London (UCL) revealed the following LNAT admissions stats that you may find useful:
- The lowest LNAT scores that still received an offer was 18;
- The lowest LNAT scores that still received an offer, excluding extenuating circumstances, was 18;
- The average LNAT scores for those who received offers was 27, 9 marks higher than the national average of 18.
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When Should I Sit the LNAT Test?
Before you can sit the test, you must register on the LNAT website and book a slot at a test centre to suit you. There are test centres nationwide. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the date and centre you want.
The website provides precise details of when to register and book your test along with the associated deadlines for sitting the test. Don’t forget that timings for the University of Oxford are slightly different to the other universities.
Read our top blog post on When is the Perfect Time to Take Your LNAT? >>
What Are the LNAT Test Dates?
For students applying to start university in September/October 2019, the timeline, according to the website, are as follows:
University of Oxford Applicants
| Registration opens | 1 August 2018 |
| Testing begins | 1 September 2018 |
| Registration and booking your test slot closes | 5 October 2018 |
| Last testing date | 20 October 2018 |
Note: the window for submitting UCAS forms for Oxford is mid September to 15 October 2018. As you can see, the timings are fairly tight. It is therefore imperative to confirm any dates on the LNAT website and also with Oxford University and ensure you adhere to them rigidly!
All Other University Applicants
| Registration opens | 1 August 2018 |
| Testing begins | 1 September 2018 |
| Registration and booking your test slot closes | 15 January 2019 |
| Last testing date | 20 January 2019 |
The window for submitting UCAS forms for other universities is mid September to 15 January 2019. As you can see, you have a bit of breathing space as compared with Oxford. That being said, the same rules apply.
Be sure to confirm any dates on the LNAT website and also with the university concerned and ensure you adhere to them rigidly!
What Are the LNAT Test Costs?
The price of the test depends on where you are sitting it:
For individuals sitting the test in the UK/EU, the current fee is £50.
For individuals sitting the test elsewhere, the current fee is £70.
Still Have Unanswered Questions?
Take a look at our LNAT FAQs page for a round-up of the most commonly asked questions.
What You Need to Do
Step 1: Familiarise yourself – go through both sections and understand exactly what they’re asking for, and what the questions are like.
Step 2: Start preparing – read articles and tips on preparing for the LNAT so give you an idea of what you need to do, and how you can do it properly. Start with our LNAT Strategy pages, or our LNAT Success Series here.
Step 3: Book an LNAT Workshop – ours has helped numerous students to achieve their best LNAT score yet.
Book our 2018 LNAT Workshop
Step 4: Practise questions – we offer 100% free online LNAT questions.
Step 5: Register – it’s best to do this as early as possible so you can secure your preferred date and start working towards it.
Still Stuck?
Take a look at our LNAT Success Series:
How to Ace the LNAT Essay Plan
How to Answer the LNAT Questions
How to Read the LNAT Passages
Or get extra added help from experts at our LNAT Workshop:
Score Higher with an LNAT Workshop
