top of page
Search
Ayushi

Difference between LSAT and LNAT

Law is a highly respected and broad field of study for students seeking higher education. The field provides several options to improve your career prospects. When getting admission into prominent law schools, students must take two highly regarded exams: the LSAT and the LNAT. People often mistakenly assume that these exams are the same.  It is vital to highlight that they are separate judgments.  This blog post will discuss the differences between these two tests.

Difference Between LSAT and LNAT
Image source: Dreamstime.com

LSAT and LNAT: Differences

The LNAT and LSAT are standardized examinations used for entrance to law schools, although they differ in several ways. LNAT, which began in 2004, measures verbal reasoning and critical thinking skills for admission to top law institutions in the United Kingdom. The LSAT, founded in 1948, assesses logical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning ability for admission to Juris Doctor (JD) programs in law schools in the United States, Canada, and Australia. They also differ in test duration, score validity, and the number of attempts permitted, among other things. Let's look at the significant distinctions between these two tests.

Feature 

LSAT 

LNAT

Purpose

Required for admission to law schools primarily in the U.S., Canada, and internationally

Required for undergraduate law programs in select UK universities

Test Structure

  • Two Logical Reasoning sections

  • One Reading Comprehension section

  • Unscored experimental section

  • Argumentative writing sample (unscored, mandatory)

  • Multiple-choice questions based on passages

  • One essay section

Recent Changes 

Logic Games section replaced with a second Logical Reasoning section to enhance accessibility

No recent changes reported

Skills Tested

  • Logical reasoning and argument evaluation

  • Reading comprehension

  • Analytical skills

  • Critical reading

  • Ability to develop and articulate complex arguments

Scoring

Scaled from 120-180, with Logical Reasoning contributing the most weight

Multiple-choice scored from 0-42; essays evaluated by individual universities

Test Format

Fully digital with tools for highlighting, note-taking, and navigation

Digital or paper-based (depends on testing center)

Global Recognition

Widely recognized by law schools worldwide

Primarily for specific UK universities

Difficulty

Focused on reasoning and comprehension skills; shorter and less stressful post-2024 changes

Emphasis on critical thinking; requires strong essay-writing skills

Cost

Approx. $215 USD (varies by location)

£75 GBP

Ideal For

Students targeting graduate-level law programs globally

Students applying to undergraduate law programs in the UK


Conclusion

The LSAT and LNAT are standardized tests that serve different goals. LNAT is used for undergraduate law admissions in the UK, but the LSAT is required for Juris Doctor (JD) schools in the United States, Canada, and Australia. They differ in time, score validity, number of attempts permitted, costs, tested abilities, and score range. LNAT scores are exclusive to the United Kingdom, but LSAT scores are recognized worldwide. Aspiring law students must grasp these distinctions to select the appropriate test for their academic objectives.

We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.



5 views

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page