You'll have 35 minutes to complete the essay section, which includes reading the prompt and writing your response. The most effective approach is to spend about 5 minutes understanding the prompt and planning your argument, 25 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing for clarity and errors. Many test-takers struggle with pacing because they try to write without planning first, leading to disorganized essays. Practicing timed essays during your prep helps you develop a rhythm where you're balancing thoughtfulness with efficiency.

The biggest mistakes are unclear thesis statements, weak organization, and failing to address both sides of the prompt before choosing a position. Many test-takers also rush into writing without outlining, resulting in rambling or off-topic responses. Another frequent issue is treating the essay like a creative writing exercise rather than a persuasive argument—law schools want to see clear reasoning and evidence, not flowery language. Finally, some students misunderstand the prompt entirely because they skim instead of carefully reading the specific criteria you're asked to evaluate.

Effective essay prep involves three key components: understanding the prompt format and what law schools evaluate, practicing timed essays under realistic conditions, and getting feedback on your reasoning and organization. Start by studying sample prompts to recognize common structures—you'll typically be asked to evaluate a decision based on competing criteria. Then complete practice essays (aim for 10-15) within the 35-minute window, and review them honestly for clarity, argument strength, and how well you addressed the prompt's specific requirements. Many students benefit from personalized guidance to identify their particular writing patterns and develop a more strategic approach to organizing complex arguments quickly.

Since the essay doesn't count toward your numerical score, most test-takers allocate more study time to logic games and reading comprehension—which directly impact your 120-180 score. However, neglecting essay prep entirely is a mistake; law schools do review it, and a poorly written essay can raise concerns about your communication skills. A practical balance is to dedicate roughly 10-15% of your total LSAT prep time to essay practice once you've built a strong foundation in the multiple-choice sections. This ensures you walk into test day confident about your ability to write a clear, organized response under pressure without sacrificing your focus on score-improving sections.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT preparation, including the essay section. When you work with a personalized tutor, they assess your specific writing challenges—whether it's thesis clarity, argument organization, or time management—and tailor their instruction accordingly. Tutors can provide real-time feedback on your essays, help you develop a strategic approach to the prompt, and build your confidence with practice under authentic test conditions. This personalized approach is particularly valuable because essay improvement requires targeted feedback rather than generic writing tips.

Most students see meaningful improvement in their essay quality within 2-3 weeks of focused, targeted practice—particularly in organization, clarity, and how efficiently they structure their argument. Early gains come from understanding the prompt better and eliminating common mistakes like weak thesis statements or off-topic reasoning. However, developing sophisticated legal reasoning and polished writing under time pressure typically takes longer. The good news is that even significant improvement in your essay demonstrates respect for the application process and can strengthen your overall candidacy, so it's worth investing time in this section even if it doesn't affect your numerical score.