A Law Student’s Approach to University Applications

Every student’s university application experience will be different, although feelings of uncertainty and confusion are common, alongside excitement and optimism about future studies.

Applying for a law degree is a distinctive process. Universities do not expect applicants to have detailed legal knowledge before beginning their course, yet they still look for the skills and qualities suited to legal study.

Having navigated this process myself, I aim to offer insight into the specific stages that are unique to law applications.

Choosing law as your subject

Genuine passion, rather than a passing interest, is an essential starting point.

Without it, you may need to consider whether committing to a university course is the right path, especially as alternatives to higher education may suit you better. My own interest developed from curiosity about the work of lawyers and was strengthened by studying law at A Level.

I realised how diverse legal studies can be and how a law degree would develop communication and critical thinking skills that are valuable in any career. I have written separately about my experience of studying A Level law.

For those who have not studied law before, there are many ways to explore whether the subject is right for you. Family members, friends or online content creators who are lawyers can offer insight into both legal study and legal practice.

Their experiences may help you decide whether the day‑to‑day work of a lawyer is something you can see yourself doing. You can also read articles about recent legal developments, browse university course pages and attend open days. These steps will help you determine whether law is the right choice.

Choosing the right university

Alongside location, league tables and entry requirements, choosing where to study law involves additional considerations.

The structure of the course and the topics covered should be examined closely. Most universities offer similar compulsory modules, but optional modules often distinguish one course from another.

Some courses offer practical modules, while others focus on theoretical areas linked to politics or philosophy. When researching courses, I was drawn to those offering a wide range of optional modules, as this allowed me to keep both academic and career options open.

Teaching style is another important factor. Some courses emphasise collaborative learning, where small groups work through legal problems and practical tasks. Others rely more heavily on traditional lectures and independent study.

If you prefer working alone or feel less confident in group settings, a heavily collaborative course may not suit you.

Writing a law personal statement

A personal statement is your opportunity to present yourself as a strong candidate. Law applicants often face the challenge of writing about a subject they have not formally studied.

When discussing your education, you should highlight how your subjects have prepared you for legal study. For example, I wrote about the analytical and essay‑writing skills gained from English, my understanding of the legislative process from Politics, and the detailed research undertaken for my EPQ. Critical thinking in Maths, essay writing in History and the advantages of speaking another language are all examples of how your studies can be linked to law.

Extracurricular activities should also be connected to your suitability for legal study. Team sports may have strengthened your communication skills, while balancing a part‑time job may have improved your organisation.

Demonstrating academic interest in law is a defining feature of a strong personal statement. Work experience in a legal setting is helpful but not essential. My own lack of legal work experience did not disadvantage me. There are many alternative ways to expand your legal knowledge.

Wider reading can introduce you to the English legal system, the process of law‑making and the different branches of law. Books such as What About Law by Barnard et al, The Law Machine by Berlins and Dyer and Letters to a Law Student by McBride provide useful foundations. After this, exploring a specific area of law that interests you can give your statement individuality.

Keeping up to date with case law is also valuable. Case decisions evolve constantly and researching an important or unusual case can strengthen your statement. Reflect on why the case interested you, whether you agreed with the decision and whether you found similar cases in the same area.

Visiting courts, whether a local Magistrates’ Court or the UK Supreme Court, allows you to see the law in action. Observing hearings helps you understand how legal skills are applied in practice and gives you material to discuss in your statement.

The LNAT

Some universities require applicants to sit the LNAT, the Law National Aptitude Test. These include Bristol, Durham, Glasgow, King’s College London, LSE, Nottingham, Oxford, SOAS and UCL.

The University of Cambridge uses its own admissions test. The LNAT is an online timed assessment consisting of two parts. The first involves reading twelve passages and answering multiple‑choice questions within ninety‑five minutes. The second requires writing an essay from a choice of three questions within forty minutes.

Each student will find their own approach to preparing for the LNAT, but several practical points are worth noting.

The test must be booked independently, so staying aware of deadlines is essential. There is a seventy-five‑pound booking fee, although bursaries are available.

I booked my test in September and sat it during October half term, which allowed time to prepare without conflicting with college work. Sitting the test early can help avoid clashes with mock exams and other deadlines.

Preparation resources vary in quality

Some books offer practice passages and essay questions, although I found these less useful than expected.

The most effective resource is the LNAT simulator, which is free to download from the official website. It replicates the timing and format of the real test and helps you practise under exam conditions.

Suggested essay questions are also available online, and practising writing within forty minutes is important, as universities will assess the clarity and quality of your writing.

On the day, ensure you have slept well, eaten and brought your printed booking confirmation and photographic identification such as a passport or driving licence. Without these, you will not be admitted.

Make sure you know where your test centre is and allow time for delays. The LNAT is strictly timed, so you must be prepared to concentrate for two hours and fifteen minutes without pausing the test.

Using the practice simulator is the best way to prepare for this.