The LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) is a test utilised by some of the Law Schools in the UK to help determine admissions. It can feel daunting and intimidating, but there are definitely steps you can take to prepare effectively.
What is the LNAT?
It can be useful to first understand a bit more about what the LNAT actually is and why LSE uses it. Every application cycle, the Law School gets over 2500 applications for less than 180 places. You can imagine that very many of those applicants have excellent grades and personal statements, so LSE uses the LNAT to gauge a little bit more information about aptitude for studying law. Fundamentally, it helps ensure fair admissions decisions.
It is a 2-hour 15-minute test, split into two parts: a multiple-choice section based on passages of texts, and a short essay. It is important to note that it does NOT require any legal knowledge. Do not spend your time reading law textbooks in an attempt to prepare for the LNAT – it will not be helpful. To emphasise that point, I remember my LNAT included questions about Gangnam Style, not law.
Is there a pass mark?
For LSE, there is no set minimum score in the multiple-choice questions (MCQs), so unfortunately there is no precise pass mark to aim for, but generally out of 42, most people would say hitting 28-30 in your practice tests is good. It is also worth reinforcing the fact that LSE only looks at the MCQs. Your essay will not be looked at (unless you have taken non-traditional qualifications and the admissions team wants to review your essay abilities).
How can you prepare?
Now, the question on most applicants’ minds is how to prepare for it. It is a bit of a strange beast in that there is no single preparation strategy and the LNAT organisers themselves release very few resources. But I can share some advice from my experience of preparing for and sitting the test.
For the first section, LNAT questions use a limited number of keywords: imply, argument, premise, state, correlation, causation, synonym, and replace. It is so important that you understand what each one means. The best way to get to grips with this is to practice! Each of those words should act as a flag of exactly what you need to be looking for. That is central to acing the first part. There are free online guides and resources that can explain all of those things for you. A useful example is Exams Ninja.
One important thing to note is that the LNAT website has a couple of sample tests available. My advice would be to do these towards the end of your preparation. Given that there are only four, and these are the only ones provided by LNAT itself, they will give you a better understanding of your level when you are nearing your exam.
Preparing for the essay section is important too, even if LSE don’t necessarily consider it. Again, practising is your best friend. Make sure you are reading the news from a range of sources – mix the BBC in with The Times, Financial Times, and Politico. Consuming that range of writing styles will give you a stronger foundation for your own discursive essay.
The details: if you are aiming to apply for 2025 or deferred 2026 entry, you must sit your LNAT by the 31st December 2024. You must book it yourself via the LNAT website.
Good luck!
