How Universities Use LNAT Scores

One of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of the LNAT is how universities actually use your scores. There is no single approach: each university has its own admissions process, and the LNAT plays a different role at each. This lesson explains the key approaches and what they mean for your application strategy.

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The Three Main Approaches

Universities generally use LNAT scores in one of three ways:

Approach	Description	Universities
Threshold	A minimum score is used to filter applicants. Those below the threshold are typically rejected.	Some universities apply informal thresholds
Weighted	The LNAT score is combined with other factors (grades, personal statement, etc.) to produce an overall score or ranking.	UCL, KCL, Bristol, Durham, Glasgow
Holistic	The LNAT is considered alongside other factors, but no rigid formula is applied.	Oxford, Cambridge

Important: Most universities do not publish their exact LNAT thresholds or weighting formulas. The information below is based on published admissions statistics, official university guidance, and widely reported patterns.

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University of Oxford