How to get good LNAT score?

It can be really helpful when practicing the LNAT to have a good idea of what counts as a ‘good score’ – it gives you something to aim for and to improve towards. But, this is not as simple as it seems and will depend on the LNAT section, the universities you are applying to and the year the test was taken. So, if you want to understand where you should be aiming for in your LNAT practice tests and in the real exam then keep reading for an informative and handy guide to LNAT scores.

This guide breaks down the LNAT into Section A and Section B, once you have an idea of which part of your application is the strongest and the weakest, and the rough scores you think you might get, you can come back to this Guide and compare your mark with the marks for each University. We also discuss the extent to which each University cares about LNAT Scores, so whether your LNAT is one of your strengths, or something you are more worried about, this LNAT Scores Guide, will help you decide where to apply, and which University is most likely to accept your application..

LNAT Scores – Section A, Averages and Universities 

Okay, let’s start with the general info… what does the average LNAT candidate score on the test?

22/42

The average LNAT Score sits at about 22/42 that’s 52%. This means that the LNAT is a hard test, you don’t need to be aiming for 80%+, something you might be used to in school tests. Instead, focus on getting above the average, and in line with the score that successful candidates got for their chosen university.

TOP TIP! Get rid of any ideas about getting a crazy high mark in the test. Instead, you should see the LNAT like a benchmark, you only need to reach the threshold for your top university.

Let’s break down the score you need for each of the Universities. Use this LNAT scores list to find your top University choice and note down the mark you should be aiming for …

Oxford – 29

The average score for Oxford is high, sitting around 29

But, don’t panic! There is lots more to the Oxford admissions process and whilst a strong LNAT score in Section A is important, they will also look at Section B, your personal statement, and your performance at interview..

Tips from a past Oxford Law candidate …

“I got 28/42 on my LNAT and received a place at Oxford University. My scores improved a lot with practice, but were always variable. To start with, focus on improving your score rather than trying to hit a ‘magic number’, that will come with practice and skill. Also, don’t forget the importance of all the other aspects of the application process.”

LNAT Scores: Top London unis and Durham (University College London and King’s College London)

The top London universities are competitive and demanding when it comes to LNAT Section A. Usually, you are looking at a score of around … 27 (KCL) and 28 (UCL and Durham)

UCL, KCL and Durham don’t interview, and so it is likely that they place a fair bit of weight on your LNAT score and your predicted grades. If you think that the LNAT and your grades are likely to be the strongest part of your application then UCL, KCL or Durham might be a good choice for you.

Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham, SOAS and Glasgow

These Unis are a little bit nicer when it comes to LNAT Score requirements. You still need to be hitting a higher than average score, but these unis tend to accept a score of around … 25

If you think that the LNAT might not be a top part of your application, then one of these unis might be best for you. If you are especially worried then University of Glasgow might be your best bet, since their average is a little lower (around 23). But, don’t forget that your LNAT score is going to improve with practice, so have confidence, and if there is a uni you prefer that has an average higher than your current score, don’t be deterred from putting it down as one of your options. 

How much does it really matter?

This depends on the uni, but the key thing is that LNAT Scores are not everything. Previously, Oxford University turned away an applicant with a score of 36/42 and accepted an applicant with a score of 9/42. This shows that a great LNAT score is impressive but universities prefer well-rounded candidates who do well enough on the LNAT and have lots more to offer in their school grades, personal statement, and interview.

LNAT Scores – Section B, How important is the essay, what counts as a good score and which Universities focus on Section B the most?

LNAT Section B is marked according to …

• Attention to the Question
• Critical judgement
• Distinctions
• Clarity
• Relevance
• Sustained and focused treatment of issues
• Awareness of multiple lines of argument

You then get a score, up to 100%. The scoring system is similar to the scoring system at University – at University 70%+ is a first, 60%+ is a 2.1, 50%+ is a 2.2 and 40%+ is a 3rd. But don’t panic, Universities are not expecting you to be able to write a first-class essay during the LNAT. The average % for The University of Oxford (A top Law University) was … 63%

It is going to be tricky for you to mark your own essays, and you probably won’t be able to tell what mark you are going to get. But, you can use the sample essays on the LNAT website for a rough guide of a high-standard essay …

LNAT Sample Essays

Once you have a rough idea of whether your essay is likely to be a strong or weak part of your application, take a look at this handy LNAT Scores for Section B guide, which tells you which Universities care the most and the least about your LNAT Score for Section B …

Universities that seem to care a lot about the essay …

Oxford University, University College London

Universities that care a bit about the essay …

• University of Bristol (60% weighting on Section A, 40% weighting on Section B)

• King’s College London

• University of London

• University of Nottingham

• University of Glasgow

• SOAS (Usually only considered if you score less than 24 on Section A)

Universities that do not consider the essay …

• London School of Economics

Summing up …

Here is a handy summary table of all the LNAT Scores information in this post

Getting your head around LNAT Scores is trickier than it seems, and there are lots of factors to consider. You must also remember that your scores will improve and what you get on the day might be more than what you get in practice (See our other blog posts on top tips for Section A and Section B). Roughly, it is a good idea to consider what you think will be the strongest and weakest parts of your application, and use this LNAT Scores Guide to pick the University that cares the most about the things you are best at and the least about things you find more difficult. But, don’t overfocus, all parts of the application are important and nearly all Universities treat the LNAT as an important part of the application process, but not as the be-all and end all. 

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LNAT Scores – Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is the LNAT out of?

A – Section A is out of 42, Section B is a percentage (so out of 100%)

Q- What is a good LNAT Score?

A – This depends on the Uni you are applying to and the year, but the average usually sits at just over 50%. You can go to our blog post on LNAT Scores for a full breakdown of average LNAT Scores for each Section for each University, but, generally, you should aim for 26 for Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham and Glasgow, 28 for UCL, KCL and Durham and 29 for Oxbridge

Q- Is the LNAT a difficult test?

A – Yes! The LNAT is a hard test, the average is usually low so it is more important to do well relative to your peers, and you shouldn’t expect to get a crazily high percentage. Check out the LNAT FAQ’s preparation Section and the rest of the website for tips on how to improve your score.

Q- How well do I need to do in the essay section?

A – Different Universities place different weightings on the LNAT Section B. You can see a breakdown of Universities and the amount they care about the essay in our blog post ‘LNAT Scores Guide’. The good news is that the examiners are not expecting a University first class standard essay in the LNAT, usually, you only need to get between 50 and 60% on the section. The important things are: clarity, considering multiple arguments, making fine distinctions and being consistent.

Q – Can I fail the LNAT? What happens if I get a really bad score?

A – Most Universities do not have a cut off ‘fail’ score, so there is no real mark that counts as a ‘bad’ score, and don’t forget that the average is very low. If you don’t do your best on the LNAT, try not to worry, there are plenty of other parts to the admissions process that the University will consider and you shouldn’t be ruled out purely based on your LNAT.

Q- If I do well on the LNAT will I definitely get into my top university choice?

A – No, the LNAT is just one part of the admissions process and Universities consider your application holistically. A great LNAT Score will put you above other candidates, but it is still important to do well in the other parts of admission like the personal statement, reference, school grades and any interviews you are asked to do.