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*)​

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