The essay section gives you 35 minutes total, and most test-takers benefit from spending about 5-7 minutes planning their argument, 20-25 minutes writing, and 3-5 minutes reviewing. During practice, work on hitting this timing consistently so it becomes automatic on test day. Tutors can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy that matches your writing speed and planning style.

Many students rush into writing without fully analyzing both positions, leading to weak arguments or missed nuances. Others spend too much time planning and run out of time for a complete draft. Additionally, some test-takers focus too heavily on perfect grammar or length rather than constructing a clear, logical argument for their chosen position. Working with a tutor can help you identify which mistakes you're making and build habits that prevent them.

Yes. While the essay isn't scored, law schools do review it, and strong writing demonstrates analytical clarity and persuasive reasoning—both critical for law school success. Tutors can teach you how to quickly identify the strongest argument, structure your response logically, and write clearly under time pressure. With targeted practice and feedback, most students develop noticeably stronger essays within a few weeks.

The key is to choose the position you can argue most convincingly and completely in 35 minutes—not necessarily the one you personally agree with. Spend your planning time analyzing both sides, then pick the one with clearer supporting points or fewer logical weaknesses. Tutors can teach you how to quickly evaluate both options and make strategic choices that lead to stronger essays consistently.

Most students benefit from writing 15-25 full timed essays during their LSAT prep, spread across several weeks. This gives you enough repetition to internalize your strategy and build writing fluency, while spacing out practice helps with retention. Quality matters more than quantity—each essay should be reviewed for clarity, logic, and argument strength. A tutor can guide your practice schedule and provide detailed feedback on each essay.

Anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or how to approach the task. Practicing essays under timed conditions builds confidence and makes the format feel familiar, reducing test-day stress. Working with a tutor also helps you develop a reliable process you can trust, which calms your mind when you sit down to write. Many students find that consistent practice transforms the essay from a source of worry into a straightforward task.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT prep and the essay section specifically. You can work with a tutor who understands the nuances of persuasive writing under pressure and can give you personalized feedback on your essays. Whether you need focused help on essay strategy or comprehensive LSAT prep, you can get matched with a tutor who fits your goals and schedule.