When should I start studying for the LNAT?

Apr 02, 2024

Written By Claudia Chan

The LNAT is designed to test your intellectual abilities rather than your legal knowledge. While the LNAT is not knowledge based, it is still important to get some practice in beforehand. So, when should you start preparing?

LNAT: a timeline

Deadlines for Oxbridge applicants

The deadline for Oxbridge applicants to submit their UCAS form is generally in mid-October. You must meet this deadline to guarantee that your application will be considered. As such, it is important to sit the LNAT before, or at the latest on, the UCAS deadline date.

Deadlines for London School of Economics (LSE) applicants

The deadline for LSE applicants to do the LNAT is generally at the end of December. You must meet the deadline to guarantee that your application will be considered.

Deadlines for all other LNAT universities

The deadline for all other universities is on the same day as the deadline to submit your UCAS form. This is typically at the end of January.

To find out more information, as well as check the specific dates, look at the individual university’s site or the LNAT official website.

When should I start studying for Section A?

Section A is the multiple choice section of the test. It tests your reading comprehension skills. One thing to bear in mind is that even though the choices may look similar, there are actually subtle differences between them. So, make sure you read the questions and the possible answers carefully.

In order to conquer the multiple choice section, you will want to familiarise yourself with the potential type of questions and passages that may appear. The best way to do this is to start doing questions the summer before you take the LNAT.

Over the summer holidays, start to search for LNAT papers on the official LNAT website, and for LNAT revision guides - either through your school or local library, or by buying or borrowing a copy.

When you are roughly at around the two month stage before your test, familiarise yourself with the length and type of passages and the corresponding questions and answers. Allocate some time each week to attempt some of the questions at your own pace. Look up advice on how to answer these questions and ask a friend or family member if you get stuck.

A month before your test you want to allocate more time to studying for the LNAT. Spend some time each week attempting questions and hone in on the types of questions that often cost you marks. Attempt to do at least one practice LNAT section A test under timed conditions to get used to the timings.

Two weeks before the test, you should aim to do at least one more section A test. This should be done as part of a whole LNAT paper to replicate what the test will be like on the day.

When should I start studying Section B?

Section B is the essay section of the test. It aims to test your writing abilities and your ability to argue. The questions are typically on current affairs issues, therefore, the best way to prepare for this is to read the news.

Unlike section A, there is no particular time frame at which you should start doing this, but the rule is: the sooner the better. Ideally, you would start to get into the habit of reading the news regularly when you start sixth form. This way, it will be integrated into your daily routine at an earlier stage. However, it’s never too late to start!

The best time to read the news would be the summer before your LNAT. At this stage, it is important to read not only the headlines but also the opinions/ comments sections of newspapers. Here is where people make their case for or against a given issue, much like what you will need to do for the LNAT.

Once you feel comfortable that you understand an issue enough to formulate your own view, it is important to practice your skills and argue. As there is a limited amount of LNAT sample essay questions online and in revision guides, you may wish to use them sparingly.

Two months before the test, it’s advisable to get into the habit of writing essays. Do not do this under timed conditions yet as you want to be familiar with the type of essay the LNAT demands.

A month before the test, begin writing essays under timed conditions. You should be familiar with the style by now, so now is the time to refine your skill.

Two weeks before the test, aim to start writing timed essays more regularly, particularly one of which should be done as part of a whole LNAT paper, to replicate what the test will be like on the day.

A sample study schedule

Summer: source LNAT resources - i.e past papers, sample papers and revision guides. You also want to start reading the news, and in particular the opinions/comments section.

Two months before the test: spend some time doing LNAT section A practice questions. During this time, you should identify the different types of questions and learn how to approach them. For section B, practice essay writing (not under timed conditions).

One month before the test: increase the amount of time you’re spending on LNAT prep. Attempt to do at least one practice LNAT section A test under timed conditions to get used to the timings. For section B, aim to write a couple of essays.

Two weeks before the test: Final stretch! Again, increase the time you’re spending on LNAT prep, and make sure to complete some timed papers! Try not to overwork yourself, and take regular breaks.

Note that this study schedule is not for everyone! You may wish to start earlier or later, it all depends on what your individual study preferences are.

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