The National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) is an entrance examination used by some universities in as part of their selection process for undergraduate law programmes. The test is designed to assess the aptitude and skills necessary for success in legal studies and the practice of law.
The LNAT aims to provide universities with additional information about applicants' suitability for studying law. It assesses critical thinking skills, analytical reasoning, comprehension of complex texts, and the ability to construct a persuasive argument. Several universities in the UK, Singapore and Spain require as part of their law admissions process, such as:
- University of Bristol, UK
- University of Cambridge, UK
- Durham University, UK
- University of Glasgow, UK
- University of Nottingham, UK
- University of Oxford, UK
- Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
- IE School of Law, Spain
The LNAT is a 135-minute test consisting of two sections. Section A assesses a candidate's ability to critically analyse passages of text and answer 42 multiple-choice questions in 95 minutes. It tests reading comprehension, interpretation, and the ability to draw inferences. In Section B, candidates are presented with three essay questions on a range of topics. They must select one question and construct a well-argued, persuasive essay in about 500-600 words in 40 minutes. The essay evaluates their ability to develop and present a coherent argument, analyse different perspectives, and provide logical reasoning. Each section of the LNAT is scored separately, and the results are reported to the universities to which the candidate has applied.
The mean scores of Section A (out of 42) is as follows:
Year (Score) Percentage
2010-2011 (17.7) 42.1%
2012-2013 (21.3) 50.7%
2013-2014 (21.1) 50.2%
2014-2015 (22.3) 53.1%
2015-2016 (22.9) 54.5%
2016-2017 (17.9) 42.6%
2017-2018 (19.9) 47.4%
2018-2019 (23.0) 54.8%
2019-2020 (21.5) 51.2%
2020-2021 (20.8) 49.5%
2021-2022 Cancelled due to Covid
2022-2023 (22.0) 52.4%
The LNAT score is used alongside other admissions criteria, such as academic qualifications, personal statements, and interviews, to make decisions regarding admission to the law programs. It is important to note that the LNAT is just one component of the admissions process, and universities consider a holistic view of applicants. While a good LNAT score can enhance an application, it does not guarantee admission, as universities consider multiple factors when making their final decisions.
