15 Must-Know Strategies to Pass the Ghana School of Law Entrance Examination with Ease

The structure of the Ghana School of Law entrance examination changed in 2024. Candidates are now required to answer four (4) questions out of six, selected from core law courses studied at the undergraduate (LLB) level.

These courses are;

Constitutional Law

Contract Law

Law of Tort

Criminal Law

Immovable Property

Ghana Legal System

Bear in mind that the six questions may not necessarily cover all six subjects. For example, there may be one question from each course or multiple questions from some of the areas.

The exam is divided into two parts: Section A and Section B, each containing three questions. Candidates must answer at least two questions from each section. This structure was used in the 2024 exam, but the Independent Examinations Committee (IEC) reserves the right to change the format at any time, including possibly introducing a compulsory question. Therefore, stay open-minded and prepare thoroughly, seriously, and intensively, knowing that anything can happen.

Over the years, this entrance exam has become a dreaded hurdle for many due to its highly competitive nature. Thousands of prospective students sit for it annually, but only a limited number gain admission. This limitation is largely due to facility constraints and other challenges at the Ghana School of Law, the sole institution offering professional legal education in Ghana.

Traditionally, the pass mark has been set at 50%, but it is unclear whether this remains fixed. The IEC may adjust the pass mark up or down depending on overall candidate performance in a given year.

Some candidates have written the exam multiple times without success; others have succeeded after several attempts. A fortunate few gain admission on their first try.

The purpose of this write-up is to help you become one of the successful candidates—with less pressure and more confidence in your abilities.

To help you achieve this, the steps to success are grouped into two main categories:

• Pre-Examination Protocols
• D-Day Protocols

Traditionally, the exam takes place in September. So, if you finish your LLB early in the year, you typically have several months to prepare.

PRE-EXAMINATION PROTOCOLS

1. Create Summary Notes for All Six Courses

Organize each subject into concise summary notes grounded in legal principles and supported by statutes and case law. Avoid rote memorization—true understanding is key. The IEC tends to test practical understanding rather than superficial recall.

2. Find the Right Study Group or Prep Class

Choose based on your learning style. While some thrive in study groups or classes, others do better studying alone. Understand what works best for you. However, study groups can help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses and expose you to diverse perspectives.

3. Practice with Mock Exams and Past Questions

Simulate the exam environment by timing yourself while answering essay and problem questions. This sharpens your speed and accuracy, which are crucial when competing for limited slots. Group discussions or prep class materials can help curate practice questions.

4. Dedicate at Least One Month to Intensive Revision

Revisit your summary notes multiple times in the final month. Avoid cramming new topics late in the process. Effective revision helps you recall the right authorities and principles during the exam. Confidence comes from preparation.

D-DAY PROTOCOLS

5. Arrive Early and Verify Your Exam Hall

Get to your center ahead of time. Locate your exam hall and confirm your index number on the seating list. This prevents last-minute confusion that could cost you valuable time. Currently, the two main exam venues are the University of Ghana and KNUST, Kumasi.

6. Manage Your Anxiety

Don’t let fear interfere. Stay calm and composed. Take deep breaths, remind yourself that you've prepared, and approach the exam like any other you’ve taken before.

7. Read All Instructions and Questions Carefully

Before answering, carefully read the instructions and all six questions. Misreading a question or missing key directives could derail your efforts. Use the reading time wisely before the exam officially begins.

8. Use the Correct Answer Booklets

You’ll receive two answer booklets—A and B—corresponding to Sections A and B of the exam. Ensure you answer the correct questions in their respective booklets. Follow invigilators' directions carefully.

9. Present Yourself as a Competent Law Graduate

Your writing must reflect your legal training. Demonstrate sound reasoning and accurate application of legal principles. Watch your grammar, tenses, and spelling—especially with legal terms and case names.

Ensure your handwriting is clear and legible. Examiners don’t know you personally, so make your answers easy to read. If your handwriting is naturally difficult to read, use clear and frequent paragraphing.

10. Use Paragraphs Effectively

Structure your answers with regular paragraph breaks. This makes it easier for the examiner to follow your arguments and assign marks appropriately.

11. Underline Legal Authorities Properly

Underline all case names and statutes. No need to write them in all caps—just capitalize the first letters. Do not use red ink or different colors. Blue is ideal.

12. Differentiate Between Essay and Problem Questions

Approach each question according to its type. Problem questions usually ask you to "advise the parties," "identify legal issues," etc. Essay questions may say "discuss," "explain," or "highlight." Mixing the two can be disastrous.

Stay tuned for my next write-up on how to answer essay and problem questions effectively at the GSL entrance exam.

13. Use Extra Time Wisely

Even if you finish early, don’t rush out. Use remaining time to review your answers. Correct minor errors, clarify unclear points, and ensure you've followed all instructions.

14. Avoid Answering Extra Questions

Stick to the required number of questions. Answering more than directed can result in penalties. If you accidentally answer extra questions, clearly cross out the ones you don’t want marked.

15. Start with Your Strongest Questions

Begin the exam with the questions you know best. This creates a strong first impression and builds momentum. Save the tougher ones for later.

Stay focused in your preparation and don't be swayed by seeming likely questions that may circulate.