The LNAT is part of the essential minimum admissions requirements for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program at the University School of Law – SUSS.
The National Law Admissions Test* is designed to be a test of aptitude rather than educational achievement. SUSS considers that the applicants LNAT scores indicate that they possess the skills required to do well in legal education.
* The official expansion of LNAT.
The SUSS LLB is a recognized degree under the Legal Profession Act. SUSS is listed as an approved university by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education, which conducts the Singapore Bar Exam. SUSS LLB graduates with a CGPA of at least 3.5 will be eligible to sit for Part B of the Singapore Bar Examinations.
Who should apply for the Bachelor of Laws program at SUSS ?
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is an institution dedicated to working adults. SUSS Law programs allow students to pursue higher education while balancing career, family and social responsibilities.
The LLB degree program at SUSS is meant for students with ‘A’ Level or Diploma qualifications. Students in the LLB program will take about 4.5 to 5 years to complete their studies.
The average age of students at the SUSS law school is in the late 30s. As per the official brochure, the admissions process will give preference to applicants who have a fair amount of work experience.
Applicants who have worked in fields such as social work, law enforcement, the prison service will be preferred. Therefore, candidates with a current involvement in community work connected with Criminal Law and Family Law will have an advantage.
Essential Admissions Criteria for Bachelor of Laws at SUSS Law School
- Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents or residents in Singapore
- Applicants to the LLB program must have at least the GCE ‘A’ level with three passes (prior to 2006) or three H2 passes (from 2006), or a local Polytechnic Diploma or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or a NUS High School Diploma
- Demonstrate aptitude to practice law through taking the UK Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
- All applicants (other than fresh school leavers with A’ Levels or diploma certificates) will be required to provide a full CV detailing their work experience as well
- All eligible applicants will be assessed through admission interviews, a review of their personal statements on aspirations and motivations, and any supporting evidence of their commitment to the practice of criminal and family law.
- Check the official website and admissions brochure for English Language and Mother Tongue Language requirements
LNAT for SUSS LLB program
LNAT scores are mandatory for applying to the Bachelor of Laws program at SUSS. But, there is no official information about the specific fixed weight given to the LNAT scores.
The initial shortlisting process may be based on several factors such as :
- The applicant’s LNAT scores
- Previous academic & non-academic achievements
- Work experience
- LNAT essays
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the next round of the selection process, consisting of an essay (45 minutes) and a panel discussion. The discussion panel will include Law faculty, Judges and Lawyers.
What is a good LNAT score for SUSS LLB ?
Though there is no official cut-off LNAT score mentioned by SUSS Law School, the cohort average LNAT scores for LLB applicants is around 17/42.*
* Based on informal posts by applicants.
Remember, the cohort average is misleading since it includes all applicants and not just the selected candidates. The average cohort LNAT scores and the selected candidate averages will change from year to year. A good indicator of this is the increasing trend seen in the overall average LNAT scores.
Considering the high degree of competition for the limited number of seats, a higher LNAT score does give an edge to your application.
A good LNAT score to target for SUSS LLB application would be around 27/42 or higher. This is similar to the average LNAT scores for successful candidates in top-tier Law programs in the UK.
Importance of the LNAT Essay for SUSS LLB application
The SUSS LLB admission process does not specifically provide information on how the LNAT essays will be used in the overall selection process.
Generally, the essays may be used in the initial shortlisting to evaluate the candidates writing skills and clarity of thought. The essays may also be used as a background for some interview questions.
When should a SUSS LLB applicant take the LNAT ?
The SUSS Law School LLB program commences during the month of January every year.
For the January intake, the applications process will be open between the 1st of January and 15th of July of the previous year. All applicants must register and take the LNAT test before the 15 of July; i.e. before the end of the application cycle.
Note that the number of available LNAT test slots may be limited, especially closer to the application closure date. Candidates should register to take the LNAT at least a couple of weeks ahead of the cut-off dates.
You should take the LNAT as early as possible !
The offer of admission into the SUSS LLB program will depend on the number of places available at the time of application.
Considering that the seats to applicants ratio can be around 1:10, the University will prioritize eligible applicants who applied early. Take the LNAT as early as possible, since this would the main external dependency for completing your application.
How many times can you take the LNAT for SUSS LLB application ?
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) applicants can take the LNAT only once, between 1 September and 31 July of the following year.
In case of a candidate taking the LNAT twice, without authorization, the later (second) test sitting and scores will be invalid.
Give yourself adequate time to prepare well for the exam and sit for the exam.
What is the best prep strategy to achieve a high LNAT score ?
Practice, Practice, Practice. That is the mantra for scoring high in the LNAT.
Considering that you will get one LNAT attempt for the upcoming application process, you should prepare in a structured and disciplined manner. The upward trend in the average LNAT scores is an indication that the competition for the seats at top law schools is increasing year-on-year.
Refer to our articles on the ideal LNAT prep strategy and the LawMint online prep pack for LNAT.
The Latest information on SUSS LLB program :
Click here to visit the SUSS Law School website for information about the upcoming Bachelor of Laws program.
FAQs – SUSS LNAT
1. What is the typical LNAT score to even receive the interview call for SUSS Law School LLB? A score of 16 should suffice?
The average LNAT score for SUSS applicants is 17/42. However, all applicants are not shortlisted. A higher LNAT score significantly improves the possibility of receiving an offer. Candidates with low LNAT may be offered if they have strong previous academics and relevant work experience.
2. Are there older candidates around? Read from some article that the average age of SUSS law students are in their late thirties.
The SUSS LLB program emphasizes on candidates having prior work experience, the average age of the students in the program is in the 30s.
3. I am applying SUSS Law. Can I know about the application process? What’s the LNAT like and what’s the panel interview like ?
Visit the SUSS official website for details about the current year’s application details and deadlines. Refer to the previous sections of this article for details about the LNAT process.
