A Student Guide to the UNSW Law Admission Test (LAT)

Preparing for the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Law Admission Test (LAT) can be an intense and challenging process at times. However, with the right knowledge, resources, and strategies, it's a process that can lead to rewarding outcomes. This guide provides an overview of the LAT, along with advice on how to navigate the journey towards law school admission.

Understanding the LAT

The Law Admission Test is a requirement for high school students who wish to study an undergraduate law dual degree at UNSW Sydney. The test is designed to assess aptitudes and skills that are crucial to success in the law program, including critical thinking, analysis, and written communication. The LAT does not test your knowledge of law; instead, it focuses on your ability to understand and interpret information, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

Structure of the LAT

The LAT is a two-hour examination primarily focused on assessing your skills in comprehension, analysis, interpretation, and written communication. The test consists of two sections:

Section 1: This section presents a series of prompts related to a contemporary issue. You are required to analyse the prompts and provide a response demonstrating your ability to understand and interpret information, apply critical analysis, and form a logical argument.

Section 2: This section is an essay writing exercise. You'll be required to construct a well-reasoned and structured essay on a specified topic. This tests your ability to articulate a coherent argument, supported by evidence and persuasive language.

The rest of the blog remains accurate and useful in providing students with the guidance they need to succeed in their LAT preparation.

How to Prepare for the LAT

Start Early

Preparation for the LAT should start well in advance of the test date. This allows ample time to familiarise yourself with the format of the test, develop necessary skills, and engage in practice tests.

Develop Critical Thinking and Analysis Skills

As the LAT assesses critical thinking and analysis, regularly engaging with a variety of texts, such as newspaper editorials, journals, or academic articles, can be beneficial. This can help improve comprehension skills, critical analysis, and the ability to articulate an argument, all of which are tested in the LAT.

Practice Writing for the Law Admission Test

Practice writing essays on a variety of topics to enhance your written communication skills. This will help you become comfortable with constructing a logical argument and supporting it with evidence, which is crucial for Part 2 of the LAT.

Seek Help

Consider joining a preparation course, like the LAT Academy, where expert tutors can guide you on the best practices for the test. See more details about our two day Premium Masterclass here.

Common Student Questions

How is the LAT scored?

The LAT is scored by trained markers, who assess your responses based on specific criteria. Each of the two parts of the test has its own criteria, which consider the quality of your analysis, the clarity of your argument, and your written communication skills.

How important is the LAT for admission?

The LAT is an important component of the admission process for the undergraduate law dual degree at UNSW. It is used in conjunction with your academic results to make a selection decision.

Can I sit the LAT more than once?

Yes, you can sit the LAT as many times as you wish. However, only the most recent LAT score will be considered in your law school application.

When should I start preparing for the LAT?

The sooner, the better. Starting your preparation early gives you ample time to familiarise yourself with the test, refine your skills, and build your confidence.

In conclusion, while the LAT can be a challenging hurdle, it's far from insurmountable. With the right preparation, a clear understanding of the test, and a commitment to developing the necessary skills, you're well on your way to success. Remember, the journey to law school is not a sprint, but a marathon. Take it step by step, and you'll cross the finish line in your own time.