Cambridge Law Test (CLT)

Required for Law at Cambridge

Format

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- 60 minutes
- 1 essay 
​- Taken on day of interview at Cambridge (ordinarily*)

• This year (2021) it will take place online in the week commencing 23 November.

Does the CLT test knowledge of law?
No. Though the Cambridge Law Test contain questions involving legal ideas, it does not test knowledge of law.

Marking Criteria

• identification of and engagement with the issues raised by the question; critical analysis and evaluation of ideas;
• ​clarity of written expression;
• whether the candidate has explained his or her reasoning in a clear and logical way;
• whether the candidate has produced a coherent, well-structured and balanced argument.

General  Advice

• PRACTICE! It really does make a difference!
  • ​LNAT questions are very similar. Use these too!
• Identify the issues
• Have a clear line of argument
  • Take a strong stance; don't sit on the fence.
• Identify and tackle key objections. 
  • ​Unlike at A-Level, your essay does not need to have two equally balanced arguments. However, you should demonstrate that you recognise potential objections and are capable of countering them.
• Timing:
  • ​5 mins - choosing a question
  • 5 mins - planning your answer
  • ​Remainder -- writing your essay
• Useful resource:
  
  • ​Letters to a Law Student by Nicholas McBride
    
• Don't worry too much!
  
  • ​This is just one part of the application process.
    

What is a good score?

First, how does scoring work?
Your essay will be assigned a mark out of 10.

You will not find out your score.
​
What is a good score?​

• 1-3: Probably unacceptable
• 4: Weak
• 5: Doubtful of an offer
• 6: Possibly worth an offer
• 7: Probably worth an offer
• 8: Strong - worth an offer
• 9: Very strong - definitely worth an offer
• 10: Exceptional applicant - must take.

Sample Papers

5 papers