Pre-Uni
My LNAT experience
Ravi explains how he tackled the LNAT test
The LNAT was a necessary procedure in my route to become a law student as quite a few prestigious universities required the taking of the test. I applied to University College of London (UCL), Kings College London (KCL), London School of Economics (LSE), Queen Mary’s University and Brunel University and two needed the LNAT as part of the application.
The LNAT was briefly mentioned at school but unfortunately wasn’t elaborated on so I was left to my own devices to discover the increasingly intimidating LNAT. Apart from the LNAT site itself, there were very few resources out there that provided any details on the test. Despite this, the LNAT site provides a decent amount of information and provides enough to answer most questions.
As for the test itself, it is a tough experience which I maintain is the toughest test I have ever done (Further maths didn’t compare to it) but it was a rewarding experience. I did read a great deal of newspapers as it was recommended to me by friends but I did not spend a great deal of time forming my own opinions on each of the issues. This is a crucial aspect of the LNAT and I urge anybody contemplating it in the future to do so.
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"As for the test itself, it is a tough experience which I maintain is the toughest test I have ever done..."
The first half of the LNAT revolves around comprehension and it uses multiple choices (normally something most students dream of but there were not many obvious answers we could eliminate). To best prepare for this section I recommend reading unfamiliar difficult pieces to gain the ability to adapt and overcome a difficult text.
A-level subjects that would help with this section are English literature and a modern foreign language. I also advise the learning of key English literature vocabulary as a few unknown specific words could mislead pupils in answering the question e.g. “paradox” = “contradiction”. The second part of the LNAT is an essay in which you are assessed on your analytical skills, structure, your ability to form an argument and writing skills.
It is widely discouraged to use previously known information when writing the essay as it is graded purely on a demonstration of logical thinking. Essay writing is a skill that most pupils learn to a good degree and thus I didn’t find this part as difficult but I definitely recommend writing practice essays as revision for this part.
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It is important to know that the essay is typed. As such, computer literacy plays a role in how effectively (and quickly) you can get your point across. It is important to do well in this section as it can differentiate yourself from the other pupils who achieve the same score in the multiple choice section.
Be aware of spelling mistakes though as there is no spell checking software included in the word processor used for the test. The results came via e-mail and although at first I was disappointed with my result I did find solace in the fact that it was supposed to be a challenging exam and the fact that I did give my best effort, especially considering the average score is 16.8 / 30 (The essay sections is unmarked but looked on by the universities).
Ravi Pilaipakam-Thatai
Second Year LLB Student at Exeter University
04-10-2009
