1. 1 LNAT Registration begins 1 st August; Tests begin 1 st September. Oxford (not Cambridge) book by 15 th October and sit by 1 st November. School application by 25th September for Oxford (Cambridge has own test). Test for Law This is highly competitive. Hard work and not glamorous (TV image). Be aware as to the different curriculum taught at different Law Schools. Scottish Law etc. Relevant experience. Law work. Courts. Apply only to Law courses do not mix on UCAS form. Show reasons for your choice clearly in personal statement. It will help them discern "intellectual potential" among the large numbers of well-qualified applicants. Information based on 2008-09. LNAT web site live from end of June.

2. 2 Applying to read Law LNAT (introduced in 2004) 9 Universities require the test. Sat from September 2009. Oxford applicants must sit the test by 1st November. Must be sat by mid January 2010. Cost £40. SectionQuestionsTimeScore Critical Reasoning and Logical Arguments 3080 minsRaw Score/30 EssayOne topic from 5 40 minsNot scored You need to remember the content of your essay at interview.

3. 3 Skills Tested 1.Reading Comprehension Finding topic, scope and purpose. Locating details. Working with multiple choice questions. 2. Logical Deductions Inferences. Assumptions. 3. Writing. Logically coherent structure. Persuasive argument. Facility with English language.

4. 4 In 2004-05 “The average mark for the multiple choice component of the test was 13.16 out of 24. The highest score, achieved by four candidates, was 21. The lowest score, again achieved by four candidates, was 3. The results show that there was only a very small difference between the average performance of men and women; and also only a very small difference between the performance of applicants from comprehensive, grammar and independent schools, and FE and sixth form colleges”. Average scores in 2005 – 16.77 (30) Top students (top 15%) scored 22-27. “One concern identified by admissions tutors at the eight consortium universities was the poor quality of many of the LNAT essays. Many candidates were unable to construct reasoned arguments of sufficient quality. Admissions tutors urge prospective law students and their schools and colleges to return the construction of argument to the centre of sixth form learning”.

5. 5 LNAT Sample Essay Question This will have a strong point of view; there is no need for specialised knowledge. Write 500-600 words typed in 40 minutes. Computer will cut them off at 750 words. Need to select your topic from a choice of 5. Decide on your position – need not be your own personal opinion. Rough out an outline and then fill in with details. Complete the rough draft (15 to 20 minutes) Need a couple of minutes at the end to check/add etc and to revisit. Example – “Leaders of democratic countries need to rely on their own best judgement rather than following the will of the people”. Do you agree? Need to type this in 20 minutes – need to practise typing speed.

6. 6 Challenges Need to become familiar with the computer format. Tracking question types. Road mapping the passages – take notes on whiteboards per passage paragraphs. This saves re-reading whole passages which is time consuming. Plan the essay. Write thoroughly and logically. Do not leave any blanks. Sitting Computer Based Tests. The Centres are very strict on what can be taken in to the test. Will get a letter stating no watches; phones etc. There is a timer on the computer screen. People will be taking other tests at the Centre – lots of coming and going which is very different to normal examination environment. Dress in layers. Arrive 15-20 minutes early (allow time to park). Bring appropriate ID. Bring confirmation email. Practise with computer based tests.

7. 7 Texts and papers and other preparation possibilities. 1. Texts – the best book would appear to be: - 2. A number of other books in the Guidance Centre for reference purposes. 3. LNAT web site has practise material (not as yet updated for 2009-10). 4. Kaplan possibilities.