Many students struggle with time management, trying to craft a polished essay in just 35 minutes while analyzing two competing positions. Others find it difficult to structure a clear, persuasive argument under pressure or to identify the most compelling criteria for their chosen position. Additionally, students often overthink the prompt or spend too much time on planning, leaving insufficient time for writing a coherent response. Personalized tutoring can help you develop a reliable strategy that balances planning, writing, and reviewing within the time constraint.

Most students benefit from dedicating 2-4 weeks of focused practice to the essay section, completing 5-10 practice essays under timed conditions. This allows you to develop a consistent approach, identify your weak areas, and build confidence before test day. However, the ideal timeline depends on your starting point—some students need more practice to refine their structure and argumentation skills. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can assess your current level and create a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline and goals.

The essay is not numerically scored and doesn't contribute to your LSAT score (which ranges from 120-180). However, law schools review your essay as part of the holistic application review process, and a well-written essay can positively influence admissions decisions. A poorly written or incoherent essay, on the other hand, may raise concerns about your writing ability. Treating the essay seriously and submitting a strong response demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

Effective strategies include spending 3-5 minutes analyzing the prompt and outlining your argument, 20-25 minutes drafting your response, and 5-7 minutes reviewing for clarity and errors. Many successful test-takers use a template approach—developing a consistent structure for introducing your position, presenting evidence, and addressing counterarguments. Practicing this rhythm repeatedly helps you internalize the process so you can execute it automatically on test day. Tutors can help you refine your personal strategy and practice with real LSAT essay prompts.

The LSAC (Law School Admission Council) provides official LSAT PrepPlus, which includes access to real past essays and the official writing sample prompts. Additionally, many LSAT prep books include sample essays and practice prompts. The key is practicing with authentic materials under timed conditions, then reviewing your work to identify patterns in your strengths and weaknesses. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can guide your practice, provide constructive feedback, and help you refine your approach based on your specific challenges.

A tutor can analyze your practice essays to identify specific weaknesses—such as unclear thesis statements, weak argumentation, or time management issues—and provide targeted feedback you won't get from self-study alone. They can also teach you a personalized writing strategy that fits your natural thinking style, help you practice under realistic test conditions, and build your confidence through constructive guidance. For students in Provo preparing for the LSAT, connecting with an expert tutor ensures you receive individualized instruction tailored to your goals and timeline.

The first step is connecting with Varsity Tutors to discuss your current level, goals, and timeline. During an initial consultation, a tutor can assess your writing strengths and challenges, explain their approach to essay preparation, and outline a personalized study plan. From there, you'll typically work through practice essays, receive detailed feedback, and refine your strategy over several sessions. Whether you're just beginning LSAT prep or fine-tuning your essay in the final weeks, Varsity Tutors can match you with a tutor who fits your needs.