Most test-takers benefit from spending about 5 minutes planning, 25 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing for errors and clarity. The key is getting your core argument and supporting points on paper clearly—law schools value logical structure and persuasiveness over length. Personalized tutoring can help you develop a timing strategy that works with your natural writing pace and refine it through practice essays.

Common struggles include organizing thoughts quickly under pressure, balancing depth of reasoning with time constraints, and understanding exactly what law schools are looking for in an essay. Many students also overthink the "right" choice between the two options, when the actual quality of your argument matters more. Working with an expert tutor helps you identify your specific weaknesses—whether that's brainstorming speed, argument clarity, or managing test anxiety—and build targeted skills.

While the essay isn't scored, improvement is absolutely measurable: clearer arguments, stronger organization, better grammar, and increased confidence. Most students see significant gains in essay quality within 4-6 weeks of focused practice with personalized instruction. The real benefit is submitting an essay that genuinely strengthens your law school application rather than one that raises questions about your writing ability.

Aim for 8-12 full practice essays under timed conditions to build muscle memory and confidence. This volume lets you experiment with different argument structures, identify patterns in prompt types, and refine your personal timing strategy. Tutors can provide feedback on each essay, highlight recurring issues, and help you develop a study schedule that fits your timeline before test day.

Your LSAT score is weighted far more heavily in admissions decisions, so it should be your primary focus. That said, don't neglect the essay—a well-written sample shows law schools you can think clearly and communicate effectively, while a poorly written one can hurt your candidacy. Many students benefit from balancing their study time: majority on core LSAT sections, with dedicated essay practice in the final weeks before test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT preparation, including focused essay coaching. You can work with a tutor who understands the nuances of what law schools evaluate, provides detailed feedback on your writing, and helps you develop a personalized study plan. Whether you need intensive essay prep or want to refine your skills in the weeks before test day, personalized 1-on-1 instruction ensures you get targeted support for your specific needs.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to write or how to organize your thoughts quickly. Building confidence through repeated practice essays—especially with feedback from an expert tutor—reduces that uncertainty significantly. Tutors can also teach you grounding techniques, help you develop a pre-essay routine that calms your mind, and remind you that the essay is just one component of your law school application, not a pass-fail moment.