Strategic University Selection

Your LNAT score — combined with your academic profile and personal statement — should directly inform which universities you apply to. Strategic selection means being honest about your competitiveness at different institutions and constructing a balanced list of choices.

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The UCAS Framework

Through UCAS, you can apply to a maximum of 5 university courses. If you are applying to Law at LNAT-requiring universities, some or all of these choices will need to be LNAT universities. But not all 5 need to require the LNAT — you can mix LNAT and non-LNAT universities in your application.

Key Consideration: If you are applying to Oxford, that uses one of your 5 UCAS choices. You then have 4 remaining choices, which can be any combination of LNAT and non-LNAT universities.

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Matching Your Score to Universities

If Your LNAT Score Is 28+

You are in a very strong position. Your LNAT score is competitive for all LNAT-requiring universities, including Oxford.

Recommended Strategy	Detail
Apply to Oxford	Your score is in the competitive range; focus on Section B and interview preparation
Apply to UCL and/or King's	Your score is strong for these institutions
Include 1–2 other LNAT universities	Bristol, Durham as strong options
Consider 1 non-LNAT university	As a safety option or because you genuinely prefer it

If Your LNAT Score Is 24–27

You have a good score that is competitive for most LNAT universities but may be below the typical range for Oxford.

Recommended Strategy	Detail
Oxford is a reach	Possible but you would need a strong Section B, excellent GCSEs, and a standout interview. Consider carefully.
UCL and King's are realistic	Your score is competitive, especially with strong academics
Bristol and Durham are strong matches	Well within the competitive range
Include Glasgow or SOAS	Provides balance and safety

If Your LNAT Score Is 20–23

Your score is around the average. This limits your options at the most competitive universities but still leaves several strong choices.

Recommended Strategy	Detail
Oxford and UCL are unlikely	Scores in this range are below the typical competitive level for these institutions
King's and Bristol are possible	If the rest of your application is very strong
Durham and Glasgow are realistic	Your score is competitive at these institutions
Consider non-LNAT universities	Expand your options — many excellent Law programmes do not require the LNAT

If Your LNAT Score Is Below 20

Your LNAT score is below average and will limit your options at LNAT-requiring universities.

Recommended Strategy	Detail
Focus on non-LNAT universities	Many outstanding Law programmes do not require the LNAT
SOAS may still be an option	Depending on the rest of your application
Consider resitting	If you are willing to take a gap year, you can resit the LNAT in the next cycle
Strengthen other application elements	An exceptional personal statement and strong academics can compensate at less score-dependent universities

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Constructing a Balanced List

The classic approach to university selection is to include a mix of:

• 1–2 ambitious choices — Universities where your score and profile put you at the competitive edge
• 2–3 realistic choices — Universities where your profile matches the typical successful applicant
• 1 safer choice — A university where you are confident of meeting the entry requirements

Example Balanced Lists