Essay or MCQ – Which Matters More for the LNAT?

One of the most common questions I get from students preparing for the LNAT is:

“Which section matters more – the essay or the multiple choice questions?”

At first glance, it seems like a simple strategic choice. But the reality is more nuanced — and if you want to stand out in competitive applications to Oxford, UCL, Cambridge, KCL, and other top law schools, understanding how each section is used in admissions is essential.

Why the Question Itself Is Misleading

Many students assume that one section is inherently more important than the other — usually leaning toward MCQ because:

  • It feels measurable: you can track your score

  • It’s satisfying to improve incrementally

  • The feedback loop is immediate

In contrast, the essay often feels frustrating or vague:

  • It lacks fixed “right” answers

  • Students don’t receive real feedback during practice

  • It requires deeper clarity of structure, tone, and argument

Because of this, even high-achieving students often spend far too little time on the essay, hoping that a strong MCQ score will carry them through. This is a strategic mistake.

What Top Universities Actually Prioritise

While LNAT MCQs are important — especially for meeting basic score benchmarks — the essay becomes the decisive factor in applications to:

  • Oxford

  • Cambridge (from 2025)

  • UCL

  • And in borderline cases across most LNAT universities

Why?

Because admissions teams often receive hundreds of applicants with very similar MCQ scores (e.g. 27–30+). The essay is used as a qualitative tool to:

  • Assess written reasoning and argument structure

  • Judge clarity of thought under timed conditions

  • Spot standout applicants with Oxbridge-style logic

In short: the essay is your voice. It allows you to demonstrate originality, depth, and structure — things that MCQs alone can’t reveal.

Why Standard School Essay Practice Is Not Enough

Many students wrongly assume that their A-Level, IB, or Gaokao writing skills are enough for the LNAT essay. They’re not.

Top universities are looking for:

  • Legal-style reasoning (without needing legal knowledge)

  • Precise structuring of claims and counterclaims

  • Evidence of independence of thought

  • A clear, academic tone in fewer than 750 words

This means your preparation should include training on Oxbridge essay logic, exemplar breakdowns, and mark scheme-aligned feedback — none of which are available through passive practice alone.

So… Which Is More Important?

The honest answer is: both matter — but not always equally, and not in the same way.

  • If you’re applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or UCL, the essay may often be the deciding factor

  • If you’re applying to LSE, or Bristol, your MCQ score may carry more weight

  • In all cases, a strong essay score will not weaken your application

Want to Master Both the MCQ and Essay?

I offer bespoke 1:1 LNAT tutoring focused on both sides of the exam — helping students build elite-level essay structure and diagnostic MCQ technique.

My students routinely improve their scores by +5 to +8 points, and many receive offers from Oxford, UCL, KCL, and top global law faculties.

Book a Free Strategy Call Today or Enquire Here to raise your LNAT preparation.