Most test-takers benefit from spending 5-8 minutes planning their response, 20-22 minutes writing, and 3-5 minutes reviewing for errors. The key is avoiding the trap of perfectionism—law schools understand the time constraint and don't expect polished prose, just clear reasoning and organization. Practicing with actual timed essays helps you develop a rhythm and identify where you tend to lose time, whether in planning, writing, or editing.

Many students struggle with choosing a position too quickly without fully analyzing both options, leading to weak arguments. Others spend too much time perfecting sentences at the expense of covering all key points, or fail to directly address the prompt's specific criteria. A third common issue is poor organization—jumping between ideas rather than building a logical structure that makes your argument easy to follow.

The most effective approach is completing full, timed practice essays under realistic conditions—not just reading sample essays or outlining responses. After each practice essay, review it against the prompt's criteria to identify patterns in your reasoning or structural weaknesses. Many students find it helpful to write 5-10 timed essays before test day, which builds both speed and confidence in constructing arguments quickly.

A clear, straightforward structure typically works best: a brief introduction stating your choice, 2-3 body paragraphs that develop your strongest arguments using the prompt's criteria, and a short conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea with supporting details—this makes your reasoning transparent to admissions readers. Avoid overly complex structures; clarity and logical flow matter far more than sophistication on a timed essay.

Personalized instruction allows a tutor to identify your specific weaknesses—whether that's analyzing both options thoroughly, organizing ideas clearly, or managing time effectively—and create targeted practice. A tutor can review your essays in detail, provide feedback on your reasoning and structure, and help you develop a consistent approach that works under pressure. For students in Columbus preparing for law school, working with an expert tutor can significantly strengthen this component of your application.

While the Essay Section isn't scored, it's still worth dedicated practice since law schools review it as part of your application—especially if your other LSAT scores are borderline. However, most test-takers prioritize the scored sections (Logic Games, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning) first, then allocate 2-3 weeks to focused essay practice closer to test day. The goal is to be competent and confident on the essay without sacrificing preparation for the sections that directly impact your score.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT preparation and can focus specifically on the Essay Section. During an initial session, a tutor will assess your current approach, identify areas for improvement, and develop a personalized study plan based on your timeline and goals. Whether you're just beginning LSAT prep or refining your essay skills a few weeks before test day, tutoring provides targeted support to help you perform confidently on this important component.