Top 5 Tips to Stand Out in the LAT

Scoring well on the Law Admission Test (LAT) is essential if you're aiming to study law at UNSW in 2026. But with thousands of students competing for limited spots each year, how can you stand out?

The LAT doesn’t test your knowledge of the law or the HSC syllabus. It tests how you think, reason, and write. Fortunately, these are skills you can build — with the right strategies.

Here are 5 top tips to help you rise above the competition and impress LAT markers:

1. Focus on Clarity, Not Complexity

Many students believe they need to sound “smart” to get a high score. So they overcomplicate their language or try to write like a philosopher. This almost always backfires.

How to stand out:

• Use clear, precise language — not jargon or fluff.

• Make your argument easy to follow with strong topic sentences and logical flow.

• Your goal is to communicate, not confuse.

Tip: Imagine explaining your argument to a bright Year 9 student. If they’d get lost, simplify it.

2. Structure Is Everything

No matter how good your ideas are, they won’t shine if your writing is disorganised. Markers are looking for clear, well-developed arguments with a sense of direction.

How to stand out:

• Use a classic structure: introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion.

• In each body paragraph, include one idea, explained and supported.

• Make sure each paragraph connects clearly to your thesis and answers the exam question.

Tip: Before you write, take 5 minutes to plan your response. A solid plan = a sharp essay.

3. Engage With Counter Arguments

The best LAT responses don’t just take one side — they show the student can weigh perspectives and consider and rebut counter-arguments. This shows depth of thought.

How to stand out:

• Acknowledge the other side of the issue.

• Anticipate objections and rebut them.

• Show that your position is stronger because it withstands scrutiny.

Tip: Use phrases like “While some argue…”, “However, a closer look reveals…”, or “This raises the question…” to introduce complexity.

4. Use Logical Reasoning

Strong reasoning is the heart of the LAT. You’re not just giving your opinion — you’re proving it with logic, analogies, and relevant examples.

How to stand out:

• Back up your points with examples from the stimulus texts.

• Use cause-and-effect reasoning to show why your argument makes sense.

• Avoid vague generalisations.

Tip: Make a personal “example bank” — collect interesting ideas, events, and analogies that you can use in essays.

5. Practise Under Exam Conditions – Often

The LAT is timed, and nerves can affect even the best writers. You need to train your brain to think and write under pressure.

How to stand out:

• Simulate the real test at least a few times before the LAT: 2 hours, no breaks, two tasks.

• Review your work and identify patterns in your weaknesses.

• Get expert feedback to sharpen your responses.

Tip: Don’t just practise writing — practise planning. A strong 5-minute plan can save you from writing a weak 55-minute essay.

Ready to Take Your LAT Prep to the Next Level?

Start applying these five tips now and build them into your preparation routine. You’ll walk into the exam not just ready — but confident.

At LAT Plus, we specialise in helping students master the LAT through targeted writing practice, expert feedback, and high-performance strategies. Sign up to one of our Accelerator Programs today for more helpful strategies!