Top Law Universities For AAA?

python38

But is it really worth it just to apply to Birmingham etc.?

If you want to apply to any of these unis:

Spoiler

Then you need to take it.

Taken off: http://www.lnat.ac.uk/2009/

Reply 6

MrGumby

python38

I mean, do you think it's worth taking the LNAT just to be able to apply to a few more universities (Birmingham etc.) which aren't all that reputable outside of law?

I'll probably be applying to Cambridge, Warwick and LSE - and I'll be adding a "safety" university as well that's lower in the rankings and probably won't require the LNAT. Is it worth taking a test just for what is likely to be only one university?

Please note that I'm not trying to be lazy; it's just that I'll be very busy this autumn (I'm applying to American universities as well, although I'm a British citizen) and taking a lot of tests anyway.

You can apply to 5 unis.

If you want to apply to any unis which are mentioned above, then you need the LNAT. If not, you don't. Simple.

Reply 7

sleekchic

18

python38

I mean, do you think it's worth taking the LNAT just to be able to apply to a few more universities (Birmingham etc.) which aren't all that reputable outside of law?

I'll probably be applying to Cambridge, Warwick and LSE - and I'll be adding a "safety" university as well that's lower in the rankings and probably won't require the LNAT. Is it worth taking a test just for what is likely to be only one university?

Please note that I'm not trying to be lazy; it's just that I'll be very busy this autumn (I'm applying to American universities as well, although I'm a British citizen) and taking a lot of tests anyway.

I'm still confused as to what you mean by "not reputable outside of law" especially in respect to Birmingham.

Yes it is worth taking the LNAT even if only one of the unis you are applying to requires it because there really is no way of getting around it however if you think there's no point in applying to Birmingham simply because of the LNAT then don't apply to it but the LNAT is just one test and it will not require as much preparation as your other tests.

You can take the LNAT from sometime in September (I think) till late June next year but if you want your results by the end of January then you need to take it by mid-January.

Reply 8

The LNAT requires a couple of hours preparation and a couple of hours for the actual test. Hardly taxing to your time. It's not a test that you can really prepare for.

See here for university reputation: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=88536

Your lack of GCSEs may be a problem, though. I think you should also consider taking an essay based A level as your current subject combination does not demonstrate a variety of skills. Whilst true that most universities state that they take students from both science and essay backgrounds, I think they usually have more broadness than yours. You have two Maths A levels as well as Physics, which I’m led to believe is pretty much just Maths. Additionally, many universities have a minimum GCSE English grade requirement which you will not have met, but I’m sure that they would waive this requirement if you took A level English.

Due to your unsual position your best bet is to email the univerisities which you are interested in attending before you apply.

Reply 9

248677

2

python38

My A-levels were in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics. However, because I'm homeschooled, I never took my GCSEs. I already have Cambridge on my list and possibly Warwick - which others should I pick? And which would be a good "safety" university?

I'm looking for a place that not only is good for law, but also with good financial aid (if possible), and preferably where socializing doesn't revolve around drinking/clubbing.

I'd really appreciate some suggestions. Thanks. :smile:

P.S. I read on this forum that one can apply to two courses at one university - is that true? I'm quite interested in Business Studies/Management as well...

P.S.S. Do I have to take any admissions tests besides the Cambridge Law Test?

For the socialising aspect, you'll soon realise that every single university will have a party/drinking/clubbing scene, even those such as Cambridge, even if it is to a lesser extent. Don't let this put you off - there will always be people like yourself, who just aren't into that kind of thing, and instead you should spend your time looking at universities who have a good social / society / student union run activies that don't involve parties. You won't get far if you just look for universities that don't have a party scene.

Most of the London unis are always going to be a good choice - KCL, UCL, LSE etc, then Durham, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton and Exeter are all pretty much high choices. For a reserve, you may want to look for ones that would give an AAB offer - if you search TSR for Law offers they'll be several examples of universities that do this. I know Cardiff has in the past, and Leicester, but you'll have to research this more carefully.

Yes, you can apply to more than one course at the same university, it just then gets difficult to make your personal statement applicable to both courses at the same time - remember other universites won't see what other subjects / unis you've applied too. If you're applying to them for management for example, and your PS is orientated to Law entirely, you won't stand much chance. But it shouldn't be too much of a problem if you're careful and the courses are related.

And as everyone else has said, the majority of the decent universites, particularly russell group universities, will require the LNAT. I agree with the following...

simon12345

The LNAT requires a couple of hours preparation and a couple of hours for the actual test. Hardly taxing to your time. It's not a test that you can really prepare for.

It really isn't difficult to prepare for, and often you'll do really well without much effort. Do not rule out the good universities just because you don't want to take an entrance test. And the universities will only use it to a small extent - often you have to get a decent score, around the average (usually 16/17 +) out of 30, for them to consider you. And even that is just a guideline - if the rest of your application is outstanding, less reliance will be placed on the LNAT.

I also agree with this...

simon12345

Your lack of GCSEs may be a problem, though. I think you should also consider taking an essay based A level as your current subject combination does not demonstrate a variety of skills.

Absolutely true. Whilst many universities don't mind what A Levels you've taken for law as long as they're respected (as yours are), it is often good to show a range of skills, and you seem a little restricted. Especially as you've done Maths and Further maths - whilst a very respected A Level, often universities are not keen on excepting Further Maths as one of your three (especially if you're only doing three) unless you're applying to do a Maths course. Although this was just an opinion I got from one or two admissions officers and it could be wrong.

Remember if you're applying to Cambridge they are looking for very high UMS scores as well - I don't know whether you've got these or not but I'd just thought I'd mention that they are looking for 90% in most modules and their entrance is now A*AA for most colleges. Do check out their website though - I'm not positively certain that all colleges are using the Cambridge Law Test, and I know at least one that is keeping its offer at AAA.

Good luck.

Reply 10

python38

Thanks! Most of the universities in the second group did require the LNAT and, if you say, it requires that little preparation, I might take it. I'll see if I can find a thread on it.

Would American qualifications count? On the Writing part of the SAT, which I mentioned earlier, I scored 800 (full marks); and on the Critical Reading part, I scored in the 98th percentile. I'm also planning to take SAT IIs in English Literature, World History, Biology and Chemistry this autumn.

However, I'm not sure if most UK universities consider these qualifications; and I wouldn't know how to report them to them, either.

I edited my post after you quoted but my points raised kinda seem redundant now. Yes, I'm sure American qualifications count but I don't have any idea about what they are equivalent to in terms of English qualifications. You report them by entering them into UCAS. Due to your unusual position I really think you need to contact universities before you apply, or take a look on their websites and see what they say about American qualifications.

King's College London have this as their entry requirement:

USA: Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT
Four AP subjects with 5555. No subject preference

I have no idea what it means. You'll probably understand, though.

Reply 11

Innately_Hedonistic

This kid sounds arrogant.

Reply 12

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=587702

python38

Thanks! Most of the universities in the second group did require the LNAT and, if you say, it requires that little preparation, I might take it. I'll see if I can find a thread on it.

Reply 13

MrGumby

python38

To be honest... I'm not going to take it. I don't know how I can say this without sounding lazy, but I will already be extremely busy till I finish my education round about next May or June. And the LNAT site says, if I want to be sure my application's considered, I need to have sat it by the 10th January next year.

On a different topic, would the University of Manchester be considered a "safety university" for someone with my qualifications? I visited the city recently and really liked it, but I'm not sure how good it is for law, or how easy it is to get in.

And what should my fourth university be?

I'm not even a law student or potential law student so I can't really give advice about the law departments. Don't just pick uni's off reputation, go and visit them.

Reply 14

beatleboar

13

I am in the situation of I don't quite know where I stand in terms of how good a university I am actually likely to get into? I have been told that I am oxbridge material right down to struggling to get into the university of hull with a law degree. Can anyone clariify where I actually stand. GCSE's 9A* 2A's I think I will get quite average AS-levels however I know that my teachers will predict me A*A*A or A*A*A* as the maths department are currently debating over this factor. Where do I apply as I know my AS-level results are going to hold me back no matter where I apply.

Reply 15

beatleboar

I am in the situation of I don't quite know where I stand in terms of how good a university I am actually likely to get into? I have been told that I am oxbridge material right down to struggling to get into the university of hull with a law degree. Can anyone clariify where I actually stand. GCSE's 9A* 2A's I think I will get quite average AS-levels however I know that my teachers will predict me A*A*A or A*A*A* as the maths department are currently debating over this factor. Where do I apply as I know my AS-level results are going to hold me back no matter where I apply.

Sounds to me like you should be aiming for the elite (i.e. a university in the top two groups of the link I posted earlier in this thread). Definetely apply to Oxbridge.

Reply 16

beatleboar

13

simon12345

Sounds to me like you should be aiming for the elite (i.e. a university in the top two groups of the link I posted earlier in this thread). Definetely apply to Oxbridge.

my problem is that i will get poor as-level results though. Surely this will hinder my chances considerably?

Reply 17

numb3rb0y

15

beatleboar

my problem is that i will get poor as-level results though. Surely this will hinder my chances considerably?

If your teachers have seen fit to predict you high grades then it'll count for something, just make sure you do well on the LNAT.

Reply 18