Many students struggle with time management, spending too long planning and not leaving enough time to write a complete response. Others make the mistake of trying to argue both sides equally instead of committing to a clear position with strong supporting reasons. A third common issue is failing to address all the given criteria or misunderstanding how the two options compare on key dimensions. Personalized tutoring can help you identify which of these patterns affects your writing and develop targeted strategies to address them.

A effective approach is to spend about 5 minutes reading the prompt carefully and planning your argument, 25-28 minutes writing your essay, and 2-3 minutes reviewing for clarity and errors. The key is committing to your position quickly rather than deliberating endlessly—law schools value a well-reasoned argument over a perfectly polished one. Tutors can help you practice this timing repeatedly so it becomes automatic, reducing test-day anxiety and helping you produce your best work under pressure.

While the essay isn't scored, improvement is absolutely possible and meaningful. With focused tutoring, most students develop clearer argument structure, stronger reasoning, and more polished writing within 4-8 weeks of consistent practice. The real payoff is confidence—knowing you can tackle the prompt clearly and completely reduces anxiety on test day, which often translates to better performance on the scored sections as well.

Practice under timed conditions using official LSAC prompts, completing full 35-minute essays rather than just planning or outlining. After each practice essay, review it to identify patterns—do you struggle with committing to a position, addressing all criteria, or managing time? Tutors can provide detailed feedback on your reasoning and writing clarity, helping you spot weaknesses you might miss on your own. Spacing out practice over several weeks, rather than cramming, helps you internalize stronger habits.

Tutors for students in Manhattan can teach you a strategic approach to analyzing the prompt and choosing your position, help you practice under realistic time pressure, and provide detailed feedback on your reasoning and clarity. They can also identify your specific weak points—whether that's understanding the decision criteria, structuring your argument, or managing anxiety—and tailor practice to address them. This personalized guidance is far more effective than generic writing tips, especially under the pressure of a timed test.

The scored sections (Logical Reasoning, Logic Games, and Reading Comprehension) should be your primary focus since they determine your LSAT score, which is the biggest factor in law school admissions. However, don't neglect the essay—a weak writing sample can raise red flags, while a strong one supports your application. Most students benefit from dedicating focused practice time to the essay in the final 2-3 weeks before test day, after they've solidified their approach to the scored sections.

Look for tutors with deep knowledge of LSAT structure and what law schools value in writing samples, not just general writing instructors. They should be able to teach you strategic decision-making under time pressure, provide detailed feedback on your reasoning clarity, and help you practice with official LSAC prompts. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Manhattan who specialize in LSAT prep and can tailor their approach to your specific needs and timeline.