LAT Study Plan: A Strategic Approach to Exam Success

The Law Admission Test (LAT) is the pivotal step between you and your dream career as a lawyer, serving as a key criterion for admission to The University of New South Wales (UNSW). While the exam may seem challenging, a well-structured preparation plan and strategic study techniques can significantly enhance your performance.

Success in the LAT requires not only strong analytical and critical thinking skills but also the ability to construct well-reasoned arguments under time constraints. Developing a study schedule, practicing with real exam-style questions, and refining your persuasive writing abilities are essential steps toward achieving a competitive score. With the right guidance and commitment, you can confidently navigate the LAT and take a decisive step toward your future in law.

LAT Study Plan: Best Study Techniques for LAT

Exam tips and strategies for the Law Admission Test (LAT) can be broadly divided into two key areas: how to prepare for the LAT and how to practise effectively for the exam.

The preparation phase involves gaining a thorough understanding of the test format, timing, required study materials, and, most importantly, how to plan effectively to approach the exam with confidence.

On the other hand, the practice phase focuses on what to revise, how to refine your skills, and strategies to maximise your score in the final assessment.

Both aspects are equally crucial for success, as preparation builds a strong foundation while practice sharpens your ability to apply your knowledge under exam conditions. Developing discipline, using official past papers, and simulating exam scenarios will further enhance your performance.

Let’s explore both areas in detail and create a study plan that sets you up for success.

1.  How to Prepare for LAT?

The most critical aspect when starting your journey to prepare for the LAT exam is to understand the test format, construct a timetable, and practise accordingly.

You can begin the process by outlining a timeline for LAT preparation, followed by continuous practice. We have broken down the essentials of a study plan for Law Admission Test preparation:

a. Understand the Test Format

As you outline your study plan, it’s important to be familiar with the test format. The LAT consists of two extended-response sections, designed to assess a student’s ability to construct logical, well-reasoned arguments within a two-hour timeframe. Each response is evaluated based on clarity of reasoning, depth of analysis, and written expression.

To perform well, you must be comfortable with responding to complex prompts that may include quotes, statistics, or hypothetical scenarios. Research from ResearchGate suggests that students who engage in structured argumentation exercises significantly improve their critical thinking and writing skills. Furthermore, practising under timed conditions can help you manage pressure and refine your ability to construct clear, persuasive arguments efficiently.

Don't forget, you can easily download sample papers and practise with them to develop a strong understanding of the LAT’s requirements. Analysing high-scoring responses from past exams can also provide insight into what assessors look for in top-tier answers.

b. Make a Schedule

An important part of your study plan is a schedule. A structured LAT study timetable ensures you cover all key areas while maintaining focus and efficiency. A well-balanced schedule should incorporate study sessions that focus on developing analytical thinking, improving written expression, and practising full-length exam responses.

Experts recommend following a phased approach: spend the first few weeks strengthening your understanding of the LAT exam format and refining your argumentation skills. In the second phase, focus on writing under timed conditions and receiving feedback. Finally, in the last few weeks, simulate real exam scenarios by completing full-length LAT papers with strict time constraints. Research from the University of Cincinnati Law Review highlights that law students who practice timed writing exercises see marked improvements in their ability to construct coherent arguments under pressure.

You can outline a timeline for the Law Admission Test preparation and set personal deadlines to ensure steady progress. In 2024, the Law Admission Test was held on 30 September 2024, so you want to plan months in advance, see below for a LAT study plan.

How to Practice for LAT?

The LAT does not come with a syllabus or point-to-the-point study material. You don’t have to cram lengthy definitions or acquire prior legal knowledge.

Instead, the test checks your credibility concerning your problem-solving, rhetorical, and logical reasoning skills, persuasive writing, and how you put your critical thinking efficiently into words. Your study plan should cover learning and polishing these skills to acquire good grades in the final.

Here are a few skills to sharpen when preparing for the law admission entry test.

a. Hone Your Reading and Comprehension Skills

Once you understand the LAT exam format, the next critical step is developing strong reading comprehension skills. The test requires you to extract key information from complex texts and apply it to structured responses. According to Kintsch (1998), "Comprehension: A Paradigm for Cognition", effective readers actively engage with the text, identifying main arguments, evaluating evidence, and drawing logical conclusions.

To sharpen comprehension skills, candidates should engage with high-level opinion pieces, legal cases, and academic texts. For example, reading editorials from The Guardian, case summaries from AustLII (Australian Legal Information Institute), and legal commentaries from The Conversation can help refine analytical reading. Additionally, summarising each article in 100 words or less can reinforce retention and understanding.

b. Sharpen Logical Reasoning Skills

Unlike standardised multiple-choice exams, the LAT assesses critical thinking and reasoning rather than rote memorisation. Instead of investing in expensive prep books, candidates should focus on real-world argument analysis. Research by van Gelder (2005), "Teaching Critical Thinking: Some Lessons from Cognitive Science", highlights that exposure to diverse argument structures improves reasoning ability.

To strengthen logical reasoning, students can:

• Analyse newspaper editorials (e.g., The Sydney Morning Herald) by identifying claims, supporting evidence, and counterarguments.

• Engage with philosophical texts, such as Plato’s "The Republic" or Kahneman’s "Thinking, Fast and Slow", to challenge cognitive biases.

• Practice writing counterarguments to academic essays to refine rebuttal strategies.
  

c. Enhance Your Written Communication Skills

Even with well-developed reasoning skills, the ability to articulate complex arguments clearly and concisely is crucial. The LAT requires responses that are persuasive, well-structured, and devoid of redundancy. According to Scardamalia & Bereiter (1987), "The Psychology of Written Composition", expert writers engage in continuous revision, restructuring their arguments for maximum impact.

To enhance written communication:

• Write daily summaries of legal arguments in under 250 words, ensuring clarity and brevity.

• Practice writing introductions and conclusions that succinctly state and reinforce arguments.

• Use the “Rule of Three”: Every paragraph should contain a claim, evidence, and explanation to maintain logical flow.
  

d. Improve Your Time Management Skills

Effective time management is a hallmark of legal professionals, and LAT preparation should reflect this skill. Research by Britton & Tesser (1991), "Effects of Time-Management Practices on College Grades", shows that students who adhere to structured study schedules perform significantly better in high-stakes exams.

To refine time management:

• Set a 55-minute timer for each practice essay to simulate exam conditions.

• Adopt the Pomodoro technique, breaking study sessions into 40-minute focused intervals followed by 10-minute reviews.

• Use past exam prompts and create a weekly writing schedule to track progress.
  

At LAT Academy, we provide comprehensive online preparation tailored to these strategies, helping candidates refine their analytical, writing, and time-management skills to excel in the LAT and take the first step toward their legal careers.

e. A simple study plan (March - September 2025)

March – April: Build Foundations

• Familiarise yourself with the LAT test format and marking criteria.

• Read high-scoring responses and practice one essay per week.

• Develop critical thinking by engaging with news articles and opinion pieces.
  

May – June: Strengthen Skills

• Increase to two timed essays per week.

• Focus on argument structure and logical reasoning.

• Review feedback and refine weak areas.
  

July – August: Intensive Practice

• Write three essays per week under timed conditions.

• Analyse mistakes and adjust strategies.

• Join study discussions for additional insights.
  

September: Final Exam Prep

• Complete full-length timed exams twice a week.

• Focus on speed, accuracy, and clarity.

• Get adequate rest before exam day.

  
  

  

  
  

  Wrap-Up: Achieve Your Dreams In The Legal Field
  

  Consequently, the right approach to study for the LAT is to craft and follow an impressive study plan. An exceptional study plan includes a strategic approach to test preparation, incorporating LAT exam tips and tricks. It involves your understanding of the test format and planning a timetable for your studies.

  At the same time, LAT judges your problem-solving, comprehension, and persuasive writing skills, so you can’t leave this space empty.

  The best thing you can do is to enrol yourself in an online tutoring academy to get your hands on useful resources, acquire guidance from competent tutors, and master the LAT with a strategic approach.

  Contact us today and clear your way to your dream career admission.

  
  

  Bibliography

  
  

  Britton, B. K., & Tesser, A. (1991). Effects of Time-Management Practices on College Grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 83(3), 405-410.

  Kintsch, W. (1998). Comprehension: A Paradigm for Cognition. Cambridge University Press.

  Kuhn, D., & Crowell, A. (2011). Developing Dialogic Argumentation Skills: A 3-Year Intervention Study. Cognition and Instruction, 29(3), 217-242. Retrieved from ResearchGate

  Oswald, H. (2023). Assessing Argumentation in High-Stakes Legal Admission Tests. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from Frontiers in AI

  Scardamalia, M., & Bereiter, C. (1987). The Psychology of Written Composition. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

  Schwartz, M. (2016). Time Management Strategies and Academic Performance in Law School. University of Cincinnati Law Review, 84(2), 385-412. Retrieved from University of Cincinnati Law Review

  van Gelder, T. (2005). Teaching Critical Thinking: Some Lessons from Cognitive Science. College Teaching, 53(1), 41-48.