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There are two parts to the LNAT exam, but only Section A (MCQ) is scored.Â
Section B assesses your essay writing abilities and, while it isn’t marked by the assessment centre, it will be shared with the universities you’ve applied for. Different LNAT universities take different approaches to how they review the essay, so this is quite a subjective portion of your application.
As a result, it’s important to make sure you have done enough preparation to respond to the best of your ability, such as with our LNAT workshop.
The average score for the 2020/21 academic year was 20.8 out of 42 – that’s 49.5%; that’s lower than the average for the previous couple of years.
See the average scores for previous years below:
| Year | Average LNAT Score | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2006/2007 | 8/30 | 26.6 |
| 2008/2009 | 16.7/30 | 55.6 |
| 2010/2011 | 17.7/42 | 42.1 |
| 2012/2013 | 21.3/42 | 50.7 |
| 2013/2014 | 21.1/42 | 50.2 |
| 2014/2015 | 22.3/42 | 53.1 |
| 2015/2016 | 22.9/42 | 54.5 |
| 2016/2017 | 17.9/42 | 42.6 |
| 2017/2018 | 19.9/42 | 47.4 |
| 2018/2019 | 23/42 | 54.8 |
| 2019/2020 | 21.5/42 | 51.2 |
| 2020/2021 | 20.8/42 | 49.5 |
It’s tricky to define how difficult the LNAT is – but it’s certainly not easy.
A good LNAT score changes depending on average results for the year. As there is no official pass score, LNAT results are assessed by universities holistically.
Ideally, you should focus on trying to achieve a result that is above the national average and in line with the average score achieved by previous candidates for your university/universities of choice.
With results varying between the different LNAT universities, a good score for Oxford University is generally different to a good score for the University of Nottingham. For example, Oxford’s LNAT data for 2021/2022 reveals that the average score for candidates accepted onto an applicable Law course was 28.25.Â
Generally speaking, if you received a score of 27 or above, you’d be likely to exceed the average for successful applicants to the LNAT universities. However, a good score is not a guarantee that you will be admitted into your chosen university.
That’s because a good score can put you ahead of other candidates, but your results will be viewed in the context of your wider application. It’s important to also put effort into other parts of the admissions process, such as submitting a strong personal statement.Â
The average scores for successful applicants applying to UK LNAT universities in 2021/22 are:
| University | Average Score for Successful Applicants |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 28.25 |
| University of Cambridge | 28.25 |
| University of Bristol | 25 |
| University College London (UCL) | 28 |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | 29 |
| King's College London | 26 |
| University of Glasgow | 23 |
| University of Durham | 29 |
| University of Nottingham | 25 |
| School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) | 25 |
A low score could either be considered below average, which was 20 or less in 2021. However, if you score significantly below the average score of successful applicants to your chosen LNAT universities, then that may be considered a low score by the university.Â
If your result is slightly lower than expected, it’s useful to know that the lowest score of those offered a place at Oxford was 16, but it’s worth remembering this is an exception and not the rule!
LNAT results are released in two batches:
This means that you won’t know your score when you apply to your shortlisted universities.Â
Your score is only valid in the year that you took the exam. LNAT results are not carried over from one year to the next, so, if you’re reapplying to LNAT universities, you will have to book and pay for another test through the Pearson VUE website and then take the test again.
Since you don’t know what your LNAT result will be before you submit your UCAS application, it’s always a good idea to apply for a range of unis, including some non-LNAT unis, too.Â
Make sure you understand how LNAT universities use your score. Some LNAT unis – specifically Oxford University and University College London – place more weight on Section B of your LNAT exam. Since this isn’t marked by the test centre you don’t get a score for this, but the university will be able to read and assess it themselves. If you’re confident in your essay writing and repeatedly do well in this section, you should consider applying to these universities if you’re likely to meet their other entry requirements.
Other LNAT universities place less emphasis on the essay section – and LSE won’t review the essay and instead only takes into account your score on the multiple-choice part of the test. If you think you’ll score well in Section A, you should consider applying to the universities that place a higher emphasis on your score.Â
Most universities that require the LNAT state that they consider your MCQ score and essay as a part of your overall application, including looking at your A-level results, GCSEs, personal statement and interview, where applicable.
Our detailed LNAT guide will give you al the information you need about the test itself, with updated information about the latest testing cycle, as well as practice questions so you can get used to working under timed conditions.
You can also learn strategies for success with our half-day LNAT workshop or improve your skills by taking our online LNAT course to work at your own pace.
With our LNAT one-to-one tutoring, you can take your preparation to the next level, allowing you to focus on the areas you want to work on.
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