The LSAT Essay Section presents a scenario with two competing choices and asks you to argue for one option based on specific criteria provided. You have 35 minutes to read the prompt, plan your response, and write a persuasive essay. The test evaluates your ability to construct a clear argument, support it with relevant reasoning, and write coherently under time pressure—all critical skills for law school success.

Most test-takers benefit from spending 2-3 minutes reading and understanding the prompt, 5-7 minutes planning and outlining their argument, and 20-25 minutes writing a clear, well-organized response. This leaves a few minutes for proofreading. The key is getting your main argument and supporting points down clearly rather than aiming for perfection—admissions officers know you're writing under pressure and expect a draft-quality essay.

Students often spend too much time writing without planning first, leading to disorganized or off-topic essays. Another frequent mistake is choosing a position without fully analyzing both options, which weakens your argument. Many also struggle with pacing and either rush through their writing or spend too much time editing a rough draft. Working with a tutor to practice multiple essays and refine your approach can help you avoid these pitfalls.

While the essay isn't scored, tutoring can significantly improve your writing clarity, argument structure, and confidence during the test. Most students see noticeable improvement in organization and persuasiveness after 4-6 focused practice sessions. The real benefit is developing a reliable strategy you can execute under pressure, which reduces test anxiety and ensures law schools see your best written work.

Aim to complete at least 10-15 full timed essays under realistic test conditions before your exam. This gives you enough repetition to internalize your planning and writing strategy without becoming overly mechanical. Working through practice essays with personalized feedback—where a tutor identifies patterns in your reasoning or organization—is far more valuable than completing essays alone, as you'll understand what's working and what needs adjustment.

An expert tutor can help you develop a consistent pre-writing strategy, teach you how to quickly identify the strongest argument for each prompt, and provide detailed feedback on your essay drafts to improve clarity and persuasiveness. They'll also help you practice under timed conditions, manage test anxiety, and build the confidence you need to write a strong essay on test day. For students in Des Moines preparing for law school, personalized instruction tailored to your writing style and reasoning patterns is invaluable.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT preparation and can focus specifically on the essay section. You'll work together to assess your current writing strengths and weaknesses, develop a personalized study plan, and practice essays with detailed feedback. Whether you're just beginning your LSAT prep or refining your essay approach close to test day, a tutor can help you maximize this important component of your law school application.