Many students struggle with time management—35 minutes isn't much time to plan, draft, and refine an argument. Others find it difficult to quickly analyze both sides of the prompt and choose the stronger position, or they write unclear thesis statements that weaken their arguments. Additionally, some students overthink the essay or get stuck trying to make it "perfect" rather than focusing on clarity, organization, and logical reasoning, which is what law schools actually evaluate.

Most students see noticeable improvement in their essay writing within 4-8 weeks of focused practice, depending on their starting point and how frequently they practice. The key is consistent practice with real LSAT prompts, receiving feedback on your arguments and structure, and refining your approach each time. Working with a tutor who can identify your specific weaknesses—whether that's thesis clarity, argument organization, or time management—typically accelerates improvement.

Start by mastering the essay structure: a clear thesis that takes a position, well-organized body paragraphs that support your choice, and logical reasoning that explains why your selected option is stronger. Practice analyzing prompts quickly to identify the key differences between the two choices, then develop a timed writing routine so you can plan and write within 35 minutes without sacrificing clarity. Finally, learn to write persuasively while maintaining objectivity—avoid emotional language and focus on logical argumentation.

Aim to complete at least 15-20 full timed practice essays using official LSAT prompts to build speed and consistency. This volume allows you to identify patterns in your writing—such as recurring structural issues, argument weaknesses, or pacing problems—and develop strategies to address them. Quality feedback on each essay is more valuable than quantity, so working with a tutor who can pinpoint exactly what's holding you back will help you make the most of your practice.

While the Essay Section is unscored, it's still worth dedicating focused preparation time—typically 2-3 weeks of consistent practice—since law schools do review it and a strong essay can support your application. However, you should prioritize the scored sections (Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Analytical Reasoning) first, as those directly determine your LSAT score. Once you've built a solid foundation on the scored sections, shift some attention to essay practice to ensure you're not submitting a weak writing sample.

A tutor can teach you how to quickly deconstruct essay prompts, develop a thesis in minutes rather than getting stuck, and organize arguments logically under pressure. They'll review your practice essays to identify recurring issues—like weak thesis statements, unclear reasoning, or time management problems—and provide targeted feedback that helps you improve faster than self-study alone. Having someone who understands LSAT essay expectations and can model strong essay writing is invaluable for building confidence before test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced LSAT tutors who understand the Essay Section and can tailor instruction to your specific needs. Whether you're just beginning your LSAT prep or refining your essay skills in the final weeks before the test, a tutor can work with you on your schedule to build the writing skills and time management strategies law schools are looking for. Reach out to discuss your goals, and we'll match you with a tutor ready to help you succeed.