A effective strategy is to spend 5 minutes planning your argument, 25 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing for clarity and errors. Many test-takers struggle with pacing because they overthink their position or spend too long on the introduction. Personalized tutoring can help you develop a reliable time management approach that works with your natural writing speed, so you're not rushed or leaving ideas incomplete on test day.

Students typically struggle with three main issues: understanding the prompt's decision criteria, organizing a coherent argument under time pressure, and balancing depth with brevity. Many also second-guess their chosen position mid-essay, which disrupts their flow. Working with a tutor helps you practice prompt analysis, build confidence in your position quickly, and develop writing habits that showcase clear reasoning—exactly what law schools want to see.

While the essay isn't numerically scored, improvement is absolutely measurable through stronger organization, clearer argumentation, and fewer errors—all visible to admissions committees. Most students see noticeable gains within 4-6 weeks of focused practice, especially when working on identifying decision criteria and structuring arguments efficiently. Consistent practice with feedback is key; tutors can pinpoint exactly where your reasoning breaks down and help you build more persuasive essays.

The multiple-choice sections (Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Analytical Reasoning) determine your LSAT score and carry more weight in admissions, so they should be your primary focus. However, neglecting the essay is a mistake—law schools do read it, and a poorly written essay can raise red flags about your communication skills. A balanced approach is ideal: prioritize score improvement on multiple-choice while developing solid essay skills through targeted practice.

Effective practice involves writing full essays under timed conditions (not just outlining), then reviewing them for argument clarity, logical flow, and grammatical errors. Many students benefit from writing 2-3 essays weekly while studying for the LSAT, analyzing what worked and what didn't in each attempt. Tutors can provide detailed feedback on your reasoning and writing quality, helping you identify patterns in your mistakes and refine your approach before test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT preparation and the essay section specifically. When you reach out, you can discuss your goals—whether you want to strengthen your essay writing, improve your argument structure, or build confidence under time pressure. Tutors work with you flexibly, fitting sessions around your schedule and focusing on the areas where you need the most support.

Your first session typically involves assessing your current essay-writing skills—you might write a timed practice essay so your tutor can see your strengths and identify improvement areas. You'll discuss your LSAT timeline, overall score goals, and any specific concerns about the essay section. From there, your tutor will create a personalized study plan that integrates essay practice with your broader LSAT preparation, ensuring you're making the most of your study time.