By Katie Bacon
Several universities, including Oxford (!), require the Law National Aptitude/Admissions Test (LNAT) as part of their application process. Preparing for the LNAT can feel quite daunting so hopefully this mini-guide will help!
The first thing to say about preparing is start early! The longer you give yourself to adjust to the style of questions the better position you’ll be in, both in terms of ability and confidence. The more time you have to practice the more opportunities you have to learn and progress before you sit the test. The other thing to do as early as you can is register, this means that you’ll have more choice over when you sit the test - make sure to check the Oxford deadline! Having a set date will give you a goal to work towards which will help guide, structure and motivate your preparation.
The test is split into two sections - (A) the reading and multiple choice section and (B) the essay section. Warning! - do not be deceived by the words multiple choice, the questions are difficult! Although the sections are different, there are two main ways you can prepare which work well for both.
1. Read the news ~ The passages you are given to read and the essay questions can be on anything (this will become very clear when you look at past papers!). By reading the news (actual articles not just headlines!) regularly you’ll become accustomed to reading about things you are not already familiar with and might not necessarily be your first area of interest. By doing this not only will the reading passages not phase you, you’ll have more ideas and context for the essay questions.
2. Keep doing practice papers ~ As hinted earlier, ultimately, the best way you can prepare is to do practice papers. This is the only way to know how you can perform and what you need to work on. The LNAT website has lots of past papers for you to use, there are mark schemes for section A so you can check yourself. It’s definitely worth asking a teacher you get on well with to have a look over your practice essays and give you some honest feedback.
A quick myth-buster for section A - there is no ideal or minimum score, really! Just do your best, if you prep well and in plenty of time you’ll be great! Good luck!
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