Rostrumedu

LNAT

What is the LNAT Exam?

The Law National Aptitude Test, or LNAT for short, is a standardized evaluation of all the skills required of a law student, including reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and critical thinking. It is used in conjunction with the UCAS application and other admissions processes, such as academic credentials.

LNAT Sections

Section A: Multiple Choice Section B: Essay Writing
Seeks to assess a candidate’s understanding and cognitive abilities.  There are three to four multiple-choice questions in this section for each of the twelve texts.  The candidate must read the passage and respond to comprehension-based questions. Seeks to evaluate a candidate’s composition abilities.  The candidate is given three topics to choose from and write an essay about in this phase.  This section is used by the selectors to evaluate a candidate’s capacity to formulate an argument, write it persuasively, and draw a conclusion.

The Purpose of the LNAT

The LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) is an essential first step towards success whether you’re considering getting a law degree or starting a legal profession. Many prestigious law schools and colleges throughout the world use this standardized test as a key component of their admissions selection process.

The LNAT exam may sound challenging and nerve-wracking for students aspiring to pursue law in the UK, but in this guide, you will be provided with insights on how to prepare for the LNAT Exam. Whether this is your first time taking the LNAT practice test or you want to improve your score, we have you covered.

LNAT Test Format

Seeks to evaluate a candidate’s composition abilities.  The candidate is given three topics to choose from and write an essay about in this phase.  This section is used by the selectors to evaluate a candidate’s capacity to formulate an argument, write it persuasively, and draw a conclusion.

Section

No. of questions

Time

Mode

Objective

42 MCQs

95 minutes 

Online

Descriptive

1 essay out of 3 options (max 750 words)

40 minutes 

Online

LNAT Test Score

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions

Score Range: 0–42

This section tests reading comprehension and logical reasoning. It is computer-marked, and your raw score out of 42 is sent to the universities you’ve applied to.

Section B: Essay

This section is not scored numerically. Instead, universities review the essay qualitatively to assess your ability to argue effectively and write coherently.

What is a Good LNAT Score?

While there is no official pass mark, a competitive LNAT score usually ranges between 27–30+, depending on the university and the application cycle. Oxford and other top universities often expect scores in the higher range, alongside a strong essay and UCAS application.

THE LNAT CONSORTIUM

The LNAT Consortium is a group of leading UK universities that require the LNAT as part of their law admissions process. It ensures fair, consistent evaluation of applicants regardless of background. As of the most recent updates, the following universities are part of the LNAT Consortium:

  1. University of Oxford
  2. University of Cambridge (for the 2025 cycle onwards, Cambridge will also start using LNAT)
  3. University College London (UCL)
  4. King’s College London
  5. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
  6. University of Glasgow
  7. Durham University
  8. University of Bristol
  9. University of Nottingham
  10. University of Sheffield
  11. SOAS University of London
For admission, a student is required taking LNAT -Rostrum Education

Book Your Free Session with top Overseas Education Experts!

How do universities use the LNAT Scores?

All applicants (UK, EU, and international) to undergraduate law programmes at the University of Bristol, Durham University, University of Nottingham, and other institutions must take the LNAT. These are then utilized to support your university application and demonstrate your interest in studying Law at the undergraduate level. The participating universities will have access to both your LNAT score and your essay.

The day you take your LNAT, Pearson VUE will make your LNAT score and essay accessible for download by your selected universities. They’ll have access to your score before you do. The candidate’s score will subsequently be used by admissions tutors at each university as part of the application. Each university will use the candidate’s LNAT score and essays in the manner that best matches its admissions criteria.

The LNAT is combined with academic qualifications, information on the UCAS or other application forms, the candidate’s statement, and, in some situations, performance at the interview. It does not replace ‘A’ levels or their global equivalent. The LNAT does not have a set weight, and different colleges will use it differently.

The use of LNAT essays varies and is determined by the admissions policies of each participating university. Some universities may use it as the basis for interview questions. Others may compare it to the personal statement and school/college report on UCAS applications or use it to differentiate between candidates on the borderline.

The University of Bristol

  • Offers courses in LLB Law, LLB Law and French, LLB Law and German, and LLB Law and Spanish.
  • Weighs the multiple choice section of the LNAT exam at 60% and the essay at 40%.
  • The score of the LNAT forms about 40% of the application as a whole, an increase from 25% previously.
  • The essay is scored within five bands: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100.
  • Candidates must pay equal attention to both sections of the LNAT to gain a high score overall.

Durham University

  • Offers courses in LLB Law and LLB Law with Foundation.
  • Competition is extremely high, and candidates must present profiles reflecting top results and consistently good performance.
  • Candidates should aim for a score of 29 out of 42 in the LNAT exam.
  • Durham has yet to disclose much information on the role the essay plays in the admissions process, but it is recommended that candidates prepare well to present an impressive essay.

The University of Glasgow

  • Offers courses in all LLB degrees, except LLB Scots Law (fast-track: graduate only).
  • They are considered to have the lowest level of competition in the LNAT, with a successful candidate scoring 23 out of 42.
  • Focus on mastering the written skills because that is considered the focus of a Law degree, so the essay mainly acts as an additional factor to a candidate’s statement.

Kings College London (KCL)

  • Offers courses in LLB Law, Politics, Philosophy and Law, LLB English Law & French Law, LLB English Law and German Law, and LLB English Law and Hong Kong Law.
  • The reported average score of successful candidates is 27 out of 42.
  • The faculty is quite popular with high academic achievements, making KCL a competitive school.
  • The LNAT average scores have also risen in the past few years, indicating growing competition.
  • Though the essay is not computed to any specific score and helps in the applications of candidates deemed to be borderline, its practice must still be taken seriously because every bit helps with competitive, good-ranking colleges.

LSE London School of Economics and Political Science

  • Provides courses in LLB Law.
  • Doesn’t have any cut-off scores for LNAT.
  • The LNAT forms a part of the assessment of the candidate’s application as a whole.

The University of Nottingham

  • Offers courses in LLB Law, LLB Law (Senior Status), BA Law with French and French Law, and BA Law with German and German Law
  • Considers a cut-off score of about 25, which may change based on recent performances
  • The admissions team considers the essay and looks for a good presentation of logical arguments and a well-formatted and structured essay.
  • The admissions team states that the LNAT score is necessary but not determinative of their decision.

The University of Oxford

  • Offers multiple courses in Law, such as BA Law (Jurisprudence), BA Law with European Law, BA Law with French Law, German Law, Italian Law, and Spanish Law
  • Extremely competitive undergraduate course, making a perfect application necessary
  • The University of Oxford focuses on the candidate’s performance in the interview.
  • LNAT is deemed extremely important, with a recommended score of 30 and above for a chance at the university
  • Values the essay section of the LNAT highly and provides an official marking scheme for scoring criteria

Oxford’s Criteria for high-scoring essays

  1. Application: How accurately do you follow the topic at hand
  2. Reasoning Ability: The candidate should exhibit well-drawn distinctions, relevant information, awareness of different lines of argument and critical thinking.
  3. Communication: Oxford demands a good, clear, and well-flowing essay. The structure and argument must be appropriate and clear to the reader.

Here’s what your essay score says about you:

  • More than 70: The essay is considered outstanding and contains almost all required high-mark features noted above. The candidate’s essay is ideal if it can demonstrate all high-mark features.
  • 65-69: The essay is considered to be very good. The candidate has a strong shot at the next phase of the application process if their essay can demonstrate most, if not all, of the high-mark features.
  • 60-64: The essay is considered to be good. A number of the high-mark criteria are exhibited, but the essay needs some of the components of the high mark. The candidate has an average chance of being admitted.
  • 55-59: The essay is considered to be moderate. It consists only of some high-mark features. The candidate might need help to secure a place in such a condition.
  • 50-54: The essay is considered to be poor. The essay barely consists of any high-mark criteria. The candidate is improbable to secure a place.
  • Less than 49: The essay is considered to be extremely poor. The essay lacks any high-mark features making it almost impossible to secure a place.

UCL Faculty of Laws

  • Offers various courses in Law, such as LLB Law, LLB Law with French Law, LLB Law with German Law, LLB Law with Hispanic Law, and LLB English and German Law Dual Degree
  • High level of competition, with 15 applicants competing for one place
  • Since UCL doesn’t hold interviews, much emphasis is placed on the LNAT scores.
  • A successful national applicant typically scores 28 and 30 for international candidates.
  • It places a lot of emphasis on the essay and looks for an aptitude for reasoning skills, the ability to explore ideas and arguments, and communication abilities.

SOAS

  • Offers courses in LLB Law, and all other combinations, including Law (except Senior Status)
  • Requires a minimum score of 25 and an excellent essay performance to identify exceptional candidates and make them stand out from the other candidates.

Tips for Exam Day

It is crucial to maintain composure and concentration on your LNAT examination day. Here are some pointers for acing the test:

1) Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the testing location. You’ll feel more at ease and prepared when you arrive early.

2) Carefully read the instructions: Read the directions in the test booklet and on the computer screen carefully. Adhere to them precisely.

3) Keep Your Pace: Don’t spend too much time on any one question in the multiple-choice section. If you’re having trouble, take a break and, if time permits, return to it later.

4) Make an essay plan: Spend some time thinking through your response before you begin writing your essay. Outline your essay’s structure and key themes.

5) Proofread: Rechecking for grammatical and structural errors is the key to scoring well on your essay.

LNAT Fees

The LNAT(Law National Aptitude Test) fee is determined in two ways:

  • UK/EU Test Centers: £75 
  • Outside EU Test Centers: £120

How Rostrum Helps with LNAT Test Preparation

At Rostrum Education, we understand that the LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) is a critical step for students aspiring to pursue law at some of the top universities in the UK. Our LNAT preparation program is designed to develop the analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills that the test demands.

Our approach includes:

  • Personalised Study Plans tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Regular Practice Tests that simulate real test conditions to improve time management and reduce exam anxiety.
  • Focused Skill Development in areas like reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and argumentative writing.
  • Feedback-Driven Improvement through expert review of essays and detailed performance reports.

Whether you’re aiming for Oxford, LSE, UCL, or other top law schools, our proven strategies and expert mentorship can help you excel.

Why Choose Rostrum Edu for LNAT Preparation Online?

Choosing Rostrum for your LNAT preparation means gaining access to a premium support system tailored for ambitious law aspirants:

  • Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from Oxbridge and Ivy League graduates who’ve been through the process themselves.
  • Flexible Online Classes: Attend live, interactive classes from anywhere in the world, scheduled around your convenience.
  • Unlimited Essay Reviews: Receive detailed feedback on your essay responses to sharpen your writing.
  • Access to Exclusive LNAT Resources: Practice with proprietary materials and past paper analyses not available elsewhere.
  • Complete Application Support: From personal statement guidance to mock interviews, we’re with you every step of the way.

Our students consistently achieve top scores and gain admission into leading law schools globally.

Book Your Free Session with top Overseas Education Experts!

Arav Aggarwal Babson

Working with Ratish was an absolute game changer in my college application process. From the moment I met him, I could tell that he truly cared about helping me achieve my dreams and goals. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the college admissions process and was able to provide me with invaluable guidance and support every step of the way along with me gaining many useful skills for my future career. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, I was able to gain admission to my dream college due to his constant support and follow ups throughout my application and college selection journey.

UDHAY CHOPRA LSE, UCL, KING’S, ST. ANDREWS, CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE, DUKE

The team at Rostrum was extremely helpful through this admissions cycle. Martin, Ratish, and Sanjog were very thorough in editing my essays, both supplemental and the Common Application essay as well as preparing me for the US interviews and in the profile building process. Gwyn was very supportive in helping me develop my super-curricular activities, writing the SOP, and polishing my interview skills, and helped me navigate the entire process seamlessly, resulting in offers from my top choices in both the US and the UK.

Amruta JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

US universities require 4 years of UG, but the expertise of Rostrum helped shortlisted universities where I could apply with 3 year degree undergrad degree. From timely follow ups, to working on applications of 10 universities, my counsellor helped me craft more than 10 university specific essays. The great attention to minute detail was something which truly made the process exciting. Dea and Ratish were available round the clock to address to queries ( some extremely stupid ones too). When I look back 10 years down the lane, Rostrum’s mentorship will be my life’s happiest roller coaster memory.

Bhumi Jain Indiana University, Bloomington

One thing which really eased my work was working with Rostrum. I didn’t have to worry about my applications, writing essays, college research, and making a list of profile building activities. That really eased my work and I could focus on my academics and other extracurricular activities.

Anisha UCL

My UK mentor Khalid really helped me constantly refine my personal statement, and I also got a few inputs from Gwyn. All of these really helped me showcase my diverse extracurricular activities because I had a bunch of them that tied in with my major as well as show my passion for the field, which I think really made me stand out as someone who’s very genuinely interested in studying biomedical sciences. Rostrum knows what universities are looking for and in that sense they helped me decide what to show in my application.

DIMASH ASKAROV DUBAI ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL TO IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON & UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON - Rostrum Education
DIMASH ASKAROV IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

Rostrum has really helped with preparing me for the interview process through technical mock interviews with Gwyn. I was able to develop my confidence and speaking abilities in order to convey my points more clearly. I’m grateful for their support throughout the whole application journey.

YUKTI ARORA COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - Rostrum Education
Yukti Arora Columbia University

The whole team at Rostrum helped me prepare the best application possible. Shivangi and Ratish especially were so encouraging and guided me throughout the whole process. The whole team was always there whenever I had a question. I’m really grateful for all the support and effort!

AVANTIKA KHANNA UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE - Rostrum Education
AVANTIKA KHANNA University of Cambridge

From day one, Rostrum guided me through my application to Cambridge and helped me gain more insight into what makes a 'standout' Oxbridge application. Working with Rostrum was such an amazing experience and helped me get into my dream school!

RIYAAN MISRA UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE- Rostrum Education
RIYAAN MISHRA University of Cambridge

College selection and the process can be a daunting task. Rostrum made this very comprehensive and comfortable. Setting goals, breaking down requisite action and thereafter it’s follow up, all seamlessly coordinated by Sanjog. His ability to be direct, connect and stay calm encouraged our son, Riyaan.

ANANYA SOLANKI PRINCETON UNIVERSITY - Rostrum Education
ANANYA SOLANKI PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

My counsellor at Rostrum guided me through each step of the application process from making a college list, setting deadlines for myself, writing my essays to finally sending the applications out. The entire team at Rostrum has been so supportive over the past few months and has responded promptly each time I had a question or a doubt.

DISHA MITTAL TUFTS UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

My experience with Rostrum has been a wonderful journey. I would like to thank the entire Rostrum team for the support they have given. Special thanks to Shivangi and Ratish for their constant guidance and assistance throughout the application procedure. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. From short listing colleges to editing SOPs several times, they have been there for me. Big thanks to the entire team for catering to all my needs, for making me believe in my self and my potentials. I’m soo grateful to have joined Rostrum, they have truly helped me to achieve my dreams.

Ameyath Claremont McKenna College

Rostrum Education has been extremely helpful, patient and considerate throughout my application process. I owe my gratitude to my mentor Maknoon as he was always ready to address any query I had, no matter how small. Gwyn Day was an essential part of my UK applications as he helped me choose universities, courses and also in perfecting my SOP, I am thankful to him and the entire team at Rostrum Education for everything.

Ekam London School of Economics and Political Science, City University, University of Waterloo

Rostrum has been a huge help over the past year, Ratish and the team has helped and supported in each and every step of the journey. With their guidance and expertise they tailor fit you for the universities. never expected i’d get into such great universities. all thanks to them!

FAQs on LNAT Preparation Online

As of now, several prestigious UK universities require the LNAT, including:

  • University of Oxford (for Law)
  • University College London (UCL)
  • King's College London
  • London School of Economics (LSE)
  • University of Bristol
  • Durham University
  • University of Nottingham
  • SOAS University of London

Check the latest list on the LNAT website, as it may change.

The LNAT can be taken once per application cycle. It’s best to take it early in the application process, ideally between September and mid-October, especially if you are applying to Oxford, which has an October 15 deadline.

You’ll receive your LNAT score:

  • In early November if you took the test before or on October 20.
  • Within 24 hours after testing if taken after October 20.

Note: Scores are automatically sent to the universities you’ve applied to.

Once you've taken the LNAT:

  1. Your scores are sent to your chosen universities.
  2. Universities review your LNAT score alongside your UCAS application.
  3. If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview, especially for Oxford.
  4. The universities then decide whether to extend an offer of admission.

Yes, many of our IGCSE students begin early preparation for entrance exams such as the SAT, ACT, UCAT, or LNAT depending on their target universities. Our expert tutors offer dedicated test prep programs that can be integrated with your IGCSE schedule for a head start.

Yes! Rostrum is a leading university admissions consulting firm, helping students secure spots at top institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League schools, and top universities in the UK, US, and Asia. We assist with profile building, personal statements, interviews, and more.

LNAT Exam Preparation

What is the LNAT?

Law is considered to be one of the most prestigious courses worldwide. The UK is home to the top Law universities in the world. These leading institutions assess a candidate’s ability and required skills for studying Law at the undergraduate level through the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). This aptitude test is used along with other admissions processes such as UCAS application and academic qualifications.

The LNAT exam doesn’t test a candidate’s knowledge of Law. Instead, it’s an assessment of their verbal reasoning skills, their ability to understand and interpret information, their inductive and deductive reasoning abilities and the ability to analyze unseen information and draw logical conclusions, all of which are essential skills to do Law.

The Purpose of the LNAT

LNAT’s primary objective is to assist colleges in selecting the most qualified applicants for their legal degrees. Universities require a trustworthy approach to distinguish between the numerous qualified applicants, given the competitive nature of legal education. In addition to academic credentials, the LNAT offers a standardized, objective assessment, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of potential students.

LNAT preparation online

The LNAT can be challenging for many students. But don’t panic! The actual average score in the LNAT is about 22/42 or 29/42. Only 2% of Oxford University applicants scored above 34 on the LNAT. The goal is to score 29 and above, not the perfect score. Rostrum recognizes that the LNAT can be intimidating and challenging and provides one of the best strategies to help you with your LNAT preparation journey.

LNAT preparation

A student must take the LNAT exam for admission in their final high-school year. Candidates for the LNAT must take the test before 15 October when they apply to Oxbridge, but only after the summer holiday of the year in which they apply. For all other universities, students can sit for LNAT till 20 January of the year in which they apply.

We recommend starting LNAT MCQ preparation the summer before your exam date. There is no such timeline for essay preparation. The sooner you start, the better. The test must be taken during the UCAS year you plan to apply. The test can only be taken once each year (September to June), and results cannot be transferred from year to year.

Students can sit for LNAT only once per admissions cycle. Results cannot be carried over from one year to the next.

MORE ABOUT THE LNAT

The test is used by nine UK universities and two non-UK universities as part of their admissions process for undergraduate applications. The content of the LNAT exam is regulated by the members of the LNAT Consortium (made up of six of those universities), and the test itself is administered by Pearson VUE, under contract to LNAT.

It is a 2-hour 15-minute test divided into two sections – MCQs and Essay.

For admission, a student is required taking LNAT -Rostrum Education