How to Score Above 30 on the LNAT MCQ: Top 3 Strategies That Work

By Henry Pelganta

A high LNAT score is a key differentiator in securing offers from top law schools like Oxford, UCL, KCL, and other Russell Group universities. In this guide, I’ll walk you through three strategies consistently used by students who score 30+ on the LNAT multiple-choice section — and how to apply them effectively.

1. Isolate Key Words

One of the most important habits of high-scoring LNAT candidates is knowing how to isolate the “key words” in each passage. But what does that really mean?

In the LNAT, key words are the terms that carry the core logical or argumentative weight of a sentence. If you removed them, the sentence would lose its meaning. Identifying them quickly allows you to:

  • Narrow down which sections of the passage are relevant

  • Eliminate distractor options

  • Align question wording with the author’s intent

Top performers scan the passage for key words that match those in the questions, and sometimes even in the answer options — although this requires judgment. This strategy is not about matching vocabulary, but matching logic.

2. Allocate Time by Passage, Not by Question

Time management is another make-or-break factor. Many students approach the LNAT in one of two flawed ways:

  • Allocating a fixed time per question (e.g. 2 minutes each)

  • Rushing to finish all questions early, often resorting to guessing

Both strategies lead to underperformance.

High LNAT scorers know that questions vary in complexity, so they allocate time by passage, not by question. Since the LNAT MCQ section lasts 95 minutes, aim to spend:

  • 6 to 8 minutes per passage, depending on the number of questions (usually 3–4)

This ensures you spend enough time on more conceptually difficult passages without sacrificing easier ones. It also avoids panic in the final minutes, leading to more consistent outcomes.

3. Distinguish Between Comprehension and Implication Questions

Another common source of error is treating all LNAT questions the same. But comprehension and implication questions require very different mindsets.

  • Comprehension questions ask you to find explicitly stated ideas — either word-for-word or rephrased.

  • Implication questions ask you to identify what is suggested, but not directly stated.

Here’s the key rule:
 For implication-based questions, if the idea is stated anywhere in the passage, it cannot be the right answer. Top scorers train themselves to recognise inference logic, not just facts. This skill takes time — but it’s one of the clearest indicators of LNAT success.

Want to Train Like a Top Scorer?

I’ve helped students raise their LNAT score by 5–8 points in just 6–8 weeks — many from non-native English backgrounds or with limited UK admissions experience.

If you want to master the exact techniques used by Oxbridge-level applicants, get in touch today.