If you are aspiring to study law at a LNAT university, it is mandatory for you to take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). This exam serves two purposes: to aid you in determining whether the field of law is the appropriate career choice for you and to assist the LNAT universities in evaluating your potential to excel in a law program.
What is LNAT?
The Law National Aptitude Test, or LNAT, is a computer-based examination designed to evaluate your aptitude for studying law. This test is a requirement for admission to an undergraduate law degree program at any of the ten LNAT-affiliated universities located in the UK or two international LNAT universities. The exam evaluates your verbal reasoning capabilities, your skill at comprehending and interpreting information, your inductive and deductive reasoning skills, and your capacity to examine data and reach conclusions.
The Law National Aptitude Test is divided into two distinct segments-
Segment A consists of 42 multiple-choice questions, reminiscent of a driving theory examination, which contribute to the overall score of the LNAT. The questions are derived from 12 argumentative passages, with each passage accompanied by three to four multiple-choice questions.
Segment B presents three essay questions from which you must select one to answer; though your response will not be reflected in the final outcome. The essay topics will encompass a diverse array of subjects; thus it is advisable to possess a general familiarity with current events.
The LNAT examination is a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes, comprised of two sections. You are allotted 95 minutes to respond to the 42 multiple-choice questions in the first section, and then have 40 minutes to write a response to one of the three essay questions presented in the second section.
The Importance of LNAT for University Admissions
The LNAT plays a crucial role in university admissions by enabling tutors to distinguish between applicants who possess comparable grades. This test proves especially beneficial in situations where candidates hold varying qualifications, making it challenging to distinguish, for instance, between an applicant who holds A-Levels and another with a Master’s Degree.
You will be required to sit for the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) if your intended law program mandates it as a pre-admission evaluation. There are a total of 12 LNAT universities that necessitate you to take this exam.
What are the Elite Law Universities Requiring the LNAT Exam?
Twelve institutions globally mandate the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) for admission into their law programs, with a majority of ten being located within the United Kingdom and the remaining two situated overseas. Of the ten UK-based universities, a noteworthy nine belong to the prestigious Russell Group, with three of those situated in the bustling capital of London.
The 10 UK LNAT Universities are listed here-
- 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 Nottingham
- University of Oxford
- University College London (UCL)
- SOAS University of London
The 2 International LNAT Universities are-
- Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore
- IE School of Law, Spain
LNAT Scoring
The composition of your LNAT score is based on your performance in Section A, where you are awarded a mark out of 42. However, Section B, which comprises of an essay, does not contribute to your formal score. Last year, the mean score was recorded at 20.8, however, it is important to note that the average score of individuals accepted into LNAT universities was significantly higher. Thus, it is imperative to understand the preparation process for the LNAT and to employ tactics that can enhance your chances of obtaining a higher score.
Score to Succeed: What LNAT Universities Look for in Your Score
A deeper understanding of how LNAT scores are utilized by universities can be gained through their individual scoring processes. Although standard knowledge states that universities receive scores from Section A and an unmarked essay from Section B, some universities shed light on their weighting of the test.
The University of Bristol, for example, gives 60% weight to the multiple-choice section and 40% to the essay, with the LNAT itself constituting 40% of the overall application. On the other hand, the University of Oxford employs a comparison process to score and categorize applicants, through anonymous scoring of the LNAT essays.
The benchmark score of UCL is based on the average score of previous years, with a score of 27 as the average from 2020/21 among those who received an offer. In contrast, LSE only considers Section A (multiple-choice questions), with Section B essays being evaluated as necessary, primarily for those with lesser-known qualifications.
The IE School of Law in Spain considers a minimum score of 22 as an alternative to their admission test. The University of Glasgow emphasizes their search for “well-rounded individuals,” suggesting that the LNAT score is not the only factor in determining an application’s success. The other institutions mandating the LNAT have not provided additional information into the assessment of scores.
Requirements for International Students
If you’re an EU or international student with aspirations of studying law, you must take the LNAT as a prerequisite for admission to any of the universities that mandate it. With over 500 LNAT test centers globally, of which 350 are located outside the UK, access to the test should be convenient. Universities may be inclined to offer more flexible test dates to accommodate international students appearing for the LNAT.
However, it’s recommended that you reach out to the university you are applying to for specific date information. For those residing in countries without LNAT test centers, it is suggested that you get in touch with the universities requiring the LNAT and apply for an exemption. Keep in mind that each request for exemption will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Payment for LNAT tests
The cost of the test varies depending on the location of the test center and not on the residency or citizenship of the test taker.
For UK/ EU test centers, 75 GBP is charged. (Approximately 9840 BDT)
For test centers outside of EU, 120 GBP is charged. (Approximately 15,745 BDT)
How can you prepare for LNAT?
To ready oneself for the LNAT, familiarizing with the exam format should be the first step. The test comprises of two sections, each demanding a distinct set of abilities, hence it is crucial to prepare for both the multiple choice questions and the essay portion.
One can utilize practice test questions from the LNAT to hone their skills and perform well under the limited exam time. Opting for LNAT workshops or enrolling in an online LNAT course can enhance test-taking skills and approaches. For individuals who want to focus on specific areas of improvement, one-to-one online tutoring is available to aid in preparing for the LNAT.
