How to Register for the LNAT: What is the LNAT?
Are you looking to take the LNAT? This blog post is full of information on how to register for the LNAT as well as advice on what it is used for and how you can best prepare for it.
The LNAT, or Law National Aptitude Test, is an assessment to try and establish whether you are suited to an undergraduate Law course. It is designed to assess your abilities and decide if a Law degree is a good suit for them.
As Law is a very popular degree of choice, many universities look at the LNAT as a way of narrowing down the applications and finding students who would be well suited to the field.
It is taken alongside all the other usual qualifications such as UCAS and academic qualifications. The LNAT is not a test of your knowledge of Law.
How to Register for the LNAT: Who is the test for?
The LNAT is for those wishing to apply to any of the following universities and embark upon an undergraduate degree in law:
- University of Bristol;
- University of Durham;
- University of Glasgow;
- Kings College London;
- University of Nottingham;
- University of Oxford;
- SOAS University of London;
- UCL Faculty of Laws;
It also applies to two non-UK universities, which are:
- Singapore University of Social Sciences;
- IE Law School.
Although it is not mandatory to take the LNAT, it will serve as a supplement to your existing application and in many cases strengthen your chances of securing a place.
How to Register for the LNAT: What is involved in the LNAT?
The LNAT is split up into two parts: a multiple choice section and an essay.
The multiple choice section is based on passages of text. Candidates will be asked to read certain passages and will then be asked to answer sets of multiple choice questions regarding what they have just read. This serves as a way of testing comprehension skills. The test is taken on a computer and marked by the computer. The score given at the end of the test is your LNAT score.
The next section calls for candidates to write an essay. There is a list of three subjects to choose from. Although this section of the exam is not assessed by the test centre and won’t impact your LNAT score, it gives an opportunity to demonstrate key skills that would come in incredibly useful in a law degree. Things such as constructing arguments and coming to a convincing conclusion are crucial in this field.
The results of your LNAT test as well as your essay are then accessible by the universities that participate in the scheme. They are used along with your other qualifications to present a sound case as to why you would be a great candidate for a law course.
How to Register for the LNAT: What is it testing?
As we mentioned earlier, the LNAT is not a test of your knowledge of law. Rather, it serves to test the kinds of skills that would be required to succeed on an undergraduate law course.
LNAT describe the test as one of aptitude rather than one of just educational achievement. They say it is a way of finding students with the right skills and approach without merely focusing on academic qualifications and personal background.
LNAT they describe the tests as assessing the following skills:
- comprehension;
- interpretation;
- analysis;
- synthesis;
- induction;
- deduction.
How to Register for the LNAT: Do I need to revise?
Given the way in which the LNAT is designed (i.e. not specifically knowledge based), there is not a huge amount of revision you can do.
However, the website does have a few practice LNAT tests and sample essays.
These allow candidates to get a feel for the length of the test as well as they style of questions that will be asked.
They also have a section of useful hints and tips for the LNAT to help guide you in the right direction.
How to Register for the LNAT: When do I take it, and how do I register?
For the September/October entry into university of any year, the registration and booking process for LNAT opens on the 1st of August of the previous year.
Actual testing commences on the 1st of September every year.
There is a two-step registration process using an online registration system.
Firstly you must set up an online account and fill out your details.
Secondly, once your account has been fully set up, you will be sent an e-mail by LNAT confirming your account. You will then be able to book and pay for your test online.
If you require special arrangements, LNAT advise that you should register and set up an account online, but not book your test online. Instead you must fill out an Examination Access Requirements form.
The test costs £50 to take in the UK/EU, and £70 if being taken outside of the EU.
There are LNAT bursary’s and vouchers available to those who are struggling to cover the cost of their test. You will need to fill out application forms for these.
