Could I get into Law at Oxford?

I’m in my final year of secondary school in Scotland and i’m doing 3 Advanced highers (two of which are essay based) and a higher. I’m looking to apply to Oxford for 2026 entry. Let’s say I achieve the entry requirements. Would I have a good chance of getting in if I: 1) Get a really good LNAT score and revise hard for it, 2) Do well on the interview. I have Law work experience but apart from that not a lot of Law related extracurriculars.

However, my uncle graduated from Oxford and my cousin is there doing English Lit, but I don’t know if that matters. So let’s say I achieve all of the aforementioned things, would I have a good chance of getting in?? And if not, what would affect my application the most?

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

Being related to alumni or current students makes no difference to your application. If you are predicted to achieve the Scottish equivalent of AAA, you would be a competitive candidate assuming that your previous academic record is good and you get a good reference and so forth. There are about nine applicants for each place to read law at Oxford, so have some good alternate universities in your list. Good luck!

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

thegeek888

Original post by downtown-glimpse

I’m in my final year of secondary school in Scotland and i’m doing 3 Advanced highers (two of which are essay based) and a higher. I’m looking to apply to Oxford for 2026 entry. Let’s say I achieve the entry requirements. Would I have a good chance of getting in if I: 1) Get a really good LNAT score and revise hard for it, 2) Do well on the interview. I have Law work experience but apart from that not a lot of Law related extracurriculars.
However, my uncle graduated from Oxford and my cousin is there doing English Lit, but I don’t know if that matters. So let’s say I achieve all of the aforementioned things, would I have a good chance of getting in?? And if not, what would affect my application the most?

Which other universities have you thought about applying to? Edinburgh? Glasgow?

Reply 3

JE9

Original post by downtown-glimpse

I’m in my final year of secondary school in Scotland and i’m doing 3 Advanced highers (two of which are essay based) and a higher. I’m looking to apply to Oxford for 2026 entry. Let’s say I achieve the entry requirements. Would I have a good chance of getting in if I: 1) Get a really good LNAT score and revise hard for it, 2) Do well on the interview. I have Law work experience but apart from that not a lot of Law related extracurriculars.
However, my uncle graduated from Oxford and my cousin is there doing English Lit, but I don’t know if that matters. So let’s say I achieve all of the aforementioned things, would I have a good chance of getting in?? And if not, what would affect my application the most?

If you achieve the required grades, a strong LNAT mcq+ essay score is likely to be the most competitive factor of your application, as it’s the area most people( even the strongest candidates) fall down on.

Everyone has good grades, but a good LNAT and other parts of your application will be more impactful- note that many people with good LNAT section A scores have poor Sec B essays- so nailing both will be valuable.

Reply 4

downtown-glimpse

Original post by thegeek888

Which other universities have you thought about applying to? Edinburgh? Glasgow?

I’m going to apply to scottish unis like Glasgow, Edi, Strath, but just thought that I could apply early to Oxford and see what happens

Reply 5

downtown-glimpse

Original post by Stiffy Byng

I reckon I will achieve the entry requirements for the Scottish equivalent of A-levels. However, I was wondering that if I started revising for the LNAT and interview now. And I ‘aced’ them and performed well above average. Would they just accept me?

I know other factors like extracurriculars, personal statement, and grades matter. But would a brilliant LNAT result and a successful interview supersede these?

Furthermore, could you describe what makes a good reference? And how would you get one? I’m guessing you mean someone working in a law firm or in a law related field. I don’t think my manager at H&M would cut it.

Reply 6

Stiffy Byng

You need an academic reference from a teacher at your school which characterises you as an outstanding pupil.

A high score in the LNAT will not guarantee an offer. The tutors look at each application in the round. You can't revise for the LNAT because it tests reasoning and not knowledge, but you can take practice tests and should do so for a month or so before you take the test.

Reply 7

thegeek888

Original post by downtown-glimpse

I’m going to apply to scottish unis like Glasgow, Edi, Strath, but just thought that I could apply early to Oxford and see what happens

Yes, by all means apply to Oxford but remember there are 9 applicants per place.

However, I recommend "Arbitio" for LNAT practice. 🙂

Edinburgh and Glasgow are also top-notch universities. 😉

Reply 8

downtown-glimpse

Original post by thegeek888

Yes, by all means apply to Oxford but remember there are 9 applicants per place.
However, I recommend "Arbitio" for LNAT practice. 🙂
Edinburgh and Glasgow are also top-notch universities. 😉

thank you!! You’re so helpful