Mkay, so here's the deal: The LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) is basically the UK's version of the LSAT test that is used in America...however, luckily for all the UK residents out there: The LNAT is supposed to be easier. I took it a few days ago and want to talk it through with all of you guys, and if I somehow help you along the way that's a win-win I guess. |
Layout of the test:
Okay, so. The test consists of 42 multiple choice questions and then you get to make write an essay at the end. You have 135 minutes in total to complete this test, the program gives you 95 minutes to complete all the MCQ and then the remaining 40 minutes are given to you once you click on the essay page. If you take longer than the allotted time to complete a section they basically give 0 fucks and the program moves on. The average score on the test increases by about 1.5% per year, and is currently 21/42. Cmon, it's not THAT easy.
Okay, so. The test consists of 42 multiple choice questions and then you get to make write an essay at the end. You have 135 minutes in total to complete this test, the program gives you 95 minutes to complete all the MCQ and then the remaining 40 minutes are given to you once you click on the essay page. If you take longer than the allotted time to complete a section they basically give 0 fucks and the program moves on. The average score on the test increases by about 1.5% per year, and is currently 21/42. Cmon, it's not THAT easy.
MCQs:
Okay. So you'll get 10 long-ass pieces of text on the right side of your screen, you'll be expected to read through it and then answer 3/4 questions on that piece of text. The text is usually 4-6 paragraphs long, and can be on any topic- not necessarily law related. Trust me, the LNAT is not a test of legal knowledge, it's a test of working under pressure, using logic, analysing text and drawing sensible conclusions. But anyway,
If you were to spread your time equally, you'd spend 2 mins 20 seconds on each question - but that's without reading the text. Definitely consider using the process of elimination if the answer isn't apparent to you. The best advice I have to offer is to go through the list of answers and try and use the text to disprove each option, whichever option you can't disprove is most likely the correct answer.
Scan reading is also a necessity in this section of the test, if you're running short on time, it's easier to read the question first and then see if you can pick the answer out of the text without having to read the whole thing...often the question will name the paragraph it's referring to (thank god) so you just have to read that part and then answer the question (yay for laziness).
And if you really can't answer something, there's a 'flag for review' button on the top right hand side of the screen, so you can come back to the question at the end of the MCQ section- super handy for me as i misread some questions or realised the answer second time around.
The essay:
Okay, so I've been told that some universities simply look at your basic LNAT score (which is how many correct answers you gave out of the 42 multiple choice questions), for example, King's College London won't accept anyone with a score under 18- regardless of their essay. But University College London is said to actually put a lot of weight on each candidate's essay instead of just their score.
When you reach the essay section you'll be given a choice of three essay questions (you only have to answer one, thank GOD), these essay questions tend to follow a pattern:
There is usually one law related question, one topical question (based on current events) and one based on ethics and philosophy. Don't panic too much about this section, because there really isn't a right or wrong answer to each question- it's better just to choose one based on a topic that you are interested in/passionate about/know a lot about.
The essay section tests your argumentative/persuasive skills, your ability to present information and build a solid case for your belief/opinion on the topic. The important thing to remember is that although you need to present two sides of an argument relating to your essay question (for example, abortion- pro-choice vs. pro-life), you need to side with one and then give your reasoning in the conclusion, (i.e. I believe women should have the choice to abort because [quick summary/list of previously mentioned points]/ I believe no child should be aborted because [xyz]). This shows the universities that you can clearly see the stronger side of the argument and, logically, side with it.
Each essay should be between 500-600 words, no more than 750- you should be able to show that you can come up with few good quality strong points in this amount of words rather than typing up a really long essay full of many weak points.
Remember: The universities are sent your basic LNAT score AND your raw essay- exactly how you submitted it.
Okay, so I've been told that some universities simply look at your basic LNAT score (which is how many correct answers you gave out of the 42 multiple choice questions), for example, King's College London won't accept anyone with a score under 18- regardless of their essay. But University College London is said to actually put a lot of weight on each candidate's essay instead of just their score.
When you reach the essay section you'll be given a choice of three essay questions (you only have to answer one, thank GOD), these essay questions tend to follow a pattern:
There is usually one law related question, one topical question (based on current events) and one based on ethics and philosophy. Don't panic too much about this section, because there really isn't a right or wrong answer to each question- it's better just to choose one based on a topic that you are interested in/passionate about/know a lot about.
The essay section tests your argumentative/persuasive skills, your ability to present information and build a solid case for your belief/opinion on the topic. The important thing to remember is that although you need to present two sides of an argument relating to your essay question (for example, abortion- pro-choice vs. pro-life), you need to side with one and then give your reasoning in the conclusion, (i.e. I believe women should have the choice to abort because [quick summary/list of previously mentioned points]/ I believe no child should be aborted because [xyz]). This shows the universities that you can clearly see the stronger side of the argument and, logically, side with it.
Each essay should be between 500-600 words, no more than 750- you should be able to show that you can come up with few good quality strong points in this amount of words rather than typing up a really long essay full of many weak points.
Remember: The universities are sent your basic LNAT score AND your raw essay- exactly how you submitted it.
My Practical Experience:
I just wanted to share exactly what happened to me on the day, just so you're all 100% prepared for what's going to happen.
Anyone who takes the LNAT has to take it at whatever test centre is closest to you. Mine was a 30 minute drive away and I used the drive to just listen to some classical music to try and warm up my brain. I'd also eaten protein earlier that day and drank caffeine just before leaving (it takes 3 hours for it to wear off for me). I'd also done a practise test earlier that day just to get my brain woken up and ready to face the real thing.
Once I got in there you read through the rules of the test centre (no gum or bottles of water just so you know) gave in my passport and locked up all my belongings. You're not allowed to take absolutely any personal belongings in with you.
You're then given a whiteboard and a whiteboard pen, and before you try, don't try and rub off the pen from the board because for some reason they give you a FUCKING PERMANENT PEN and wash it off themselves after the exam. Cause, y'know, you could totally cheat somehow if you had a pen that could be wiped off the board.
ANYWAY, you're supposed to use this board to write up your essay plan so you don't just start typing away, I also used it partially for my process of elimination in the MCQs.
You then get to sit in a room with a bunch of other people taking completely different tests (like their driving theory) and from then on you sell your soul to the LNAT computer program <3
I just wanted to share exactly what happened to me on the day, just so you're all 100% prepared for what's going to happen.
Anyone who takes the LNAT has to take it at whatever test centre is closest to you. Mine was a 30 minute drive away and I used the drive to just listen to some classical music to try and warm up my brain. I'd also eaten protein earlier that day and drank caffeine just before leaving (it takes 3 hours for it to wear off for me). I'd also done a practise test earlier that day just to get my brain woken up and ready to face the real thing.
Once I got in there you read through the rules of the test centre (no gum or bottles of water just so you know) gave in my passport and locked up all my belongings. You're not allowed to take absolutely any personal belongings in with you.
You're then given a whiteboard and a whiteboard pen, and before you try, don't try and rub off the pen from the board because for some reason they give you a FUCKING PERMANENT PEN and wash it off themselves after the exam. Cause, y'know, you could totally cheat somehow if you had a pen that could be wiped off the board.
ANYWAY, you're supposed to use this board to write up your essay plan so you don't just start typing away, I also used it partially for my process of elimination in the MCQs.
You then get to sit in a room with a bunch of other people taking completely different tests (like their driving theory) and from then on you sell your soul to the LNAT computer program <3
Tips for you:
Love,
-- C xoxo
- Eat/ drink beforehand, this is a long-ass exam, with no breaks (unless you rush- not recommended!)
- Try and relax, encourage yourself
- Please try not to panic, and if you do, take deep breaths, close your eyes for a second, don't look around the room, roll your shoulders, then refocus.
- Read The Economist and The Guardian, you'll get used to the kind of language used in the LNAT from these newspapers, it'll improve your topical knowledge and you should use articles to practise analysing content.
Love,
-- C xoxo