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Do present methods of law aptitude testing work?

  • Writer: Legal Outreach Project
    Legal Outreach Project
  • 4 days ago
  • 3 min read

Written by Elizabeth Price


Disclaimer: The data cited in this piece has not been verified or obtained directly by the university. LNAT scores mentioned are not to be taken as conclusive, and students obtaining lower than average scores are not necessarily guaranteed a place. This piece is a discussion on aptitude tests and should not be used as a guideline or benchmark on scores to aim for. We are not privy to the decision-making process of KCL or other universities.


For the 2022 admissions cycle for Kings College London, the average LNAT score for a LLB offer holder was 26 with a minimum score of 12 and maximum score of 36 (“LNAT for King’s College London LLB 2025 and 2026”) This high degree of variation in LNAT scores begs the question: how efficient are present methods of law aptitude testing?


The LNAT is frequently criticised for its multiple-choice format, with academic discourse

frequently arguing that multiple choice questions do not accurately reflect the application and argumentation skills required for problem-questions and essays at undergraduate level. There is a lack of academic research into the correlation between high LNAT and degree performance, however, research into the American law school entrance exam, the LSAT, can be examined to discuss correlation. The LSAT and LNAT are slightly different in content: the LNAT examines critical reading skills whilst the LSAT examines logical reasoning and analytical skills, however both employ multiple-choice format. Research on the ability of the LSAT to predict legal aptitude has found a range of results: a study found a positive correlation of 0.45 between LSAT score and 1st year Grade Point Average (“Understanding the Impact of Range Restriction on LSAT Correlation Studies | AccessLex”). However, when only examining above-average LSAT scores of 155+ the correlation fell to 0.14 (“Understanding the Impact of Range Restriction on LSAT Correlation Studies | AccessLex”).


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So, by comparing the effectiveness of LSAT in predicting higher-education outcomes, it

can be interpreted that high LSAT scores do predict high levels of degree performance, however this becomes almost indistinguishable for top-scorers. Accordingly, if the LNAT score is used to predict undergraduate performance it is effective to distinguish between a low-scoring LNAT taker and a high-scorer. It is not as effective, however, at distinguishing between high-scoring applicants.


Other aspects of the law admissions process seem to be more effective precursors for

academic success. For instance, high A-level grades correlated with degree classifications of 2:1 and above (“Differences in Student Outcomes”). However, in 2025 28.2% of students obtained an A or A* and with such a high-proportion of top-scorers it is difficult to distinguish between applicants (Adams and Goodier). To supplement A-levels, the personal statement is highly weighted in competitive institutes such as LSE to distinguish between applicants. However, the personal statement is an un-equitable marker due to the opportunity deficit between lower and higher income students and the opportunity for paid counselling and personal statement writing services.


It is necessary for universities to be able to distinguish between top scorers and thus a

legal aptitude test is needed. As established, the LSAT test does have correlation with GPA but this correlation is weak when a cut-off is applied and only higher-level scorers are examined. Thus, more research needs to be undertaken into developing a new legal aptitude test which distinguishes between top scorers.


There are many considerations that need to be taken into account. Firstly, a benefit

of the LNAT is that it is time efficient and affordable to undertake and mark and the reformed

test must have these qualities. Universities should reconsider the weight placed on legal aptitude tests. Many universities which require the LNAT view results holistically, which is beneficial in mitigating the flaws of the LNAT, but lacks transparency and clarity on how decisions are made. Finally, the imbalance between the format of the LNAT and skills used in an actual law degree can be mitigated by placing greater weight on the essay than the multiple-choice section. Unlike the personal statement, the essay is under timed conditions and LNAT providers can publish a rubric for marking criteria for more equal understanding of what's expected of them.


Sources

Adams, Richard, and Michael Goodier. “Record Proportion of A-Level Students Get Top

Grades in England.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 14 Aug. 2025,


“Differences in Student Outcomes.” Office for Students, Office for Students org,

www.officeforstudents.org.uk. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.


“LNAT for King’s College London LLB 2025 and 2026.” Law Mint, Law Mint, 2025,


“Understanding the Impact of Range Restriction on LSAT Correlation Studies |

AccessLex.” Accesslex.org, 2019,

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