LNAT essay word limit
LNAT recommends a maximum of 750 words and says the ideal essay is 500 to 600 words. You have 40 minutes to answer one of 3 questions. Count yours below.
Count your essay
0 words
Paste or type an essay to count it.
The numbers
| LNAT Section B | |
|---|---|
| Time | 40 minutes, planning included |
| Questions | Answer 1 of 3 |
| Ideal length | 500 to 600 words |
| Recommended maximum | 750 words |
Why length matters
- Much shorter than 500 words, LNAT says, an essay is too short to be judged properly.
- A very long essay is also at a disadvantage: LNAT rewards cutting repetition, extra words and digressions.
- Plan for about 10 minutes, write for about 23, and keep the last 7 to cut repetition and check the conclusion.
How the essay is marked
LNAT does not score the essay. Within 24 hours of your test, your universities can download it with your score. Each uses it its own way: as a basis for interview questions, to compare with your personal statement, or to choose between borderline applicants.
Too long?
Worked example An 820-word draft
A student's practice essay runs to 820 words, and the last two paragraphs repeat the first argument.
Why this works: Cut it to 500 to 600 words: drop the repeated paragraphs and one weaker reason. It is then inside LNAT's ideal and well under the 750-word maximum.
Why the tempting route fails: Keeping every word because more looks thorough: LNAT warns that a very long essay is at a disadvantage.
Questions people ask
Does the LNAT essay have a word limit?
LNAT recommends a maximum of 750 words and says 500 to 600 is ideal.
How long should an LNAT essay be?
500 to 600 words. Much shorter is too short to be judged properly; much longer is at a disadvantage.
Is the LNAT essay marked?
LNAT does not score it. The universities you apply to download it with your score and read it in their own way.