I got a 5 first time, 5.5 on my other try for the analytical. Tips: read the essay topics ahead of time (they're on the ets page), make an outline ahead of time, use keywords, write out as many ideas to support your statement as possible, write as much as you can.
Make an outline ahead of time so that you can base your essay around it. This really cuts down on the amount of time you use preparing for your essay. After you get your topic, you'll only have to write down 4-5 main ideas. I managed to have 5 or 6 paragraphs and around 5 minutes to proofread because I memorized what I was going to write ahead of time.
Issue tips: Use a mix of concrete example, scientific, use personal experience, ANY example you can think of. The big idea here is to think of as many as you can, try for 4-5. The ideas don't have to be amazing, the idea here is to just write down as many as you can think of. What really helped me was to go down the pool of topics and to just think: Am I for/against? What are 3 reasons? What is one counter argument? On test day, I had already seen the topic, and had 3 main ideas. The topics cover the same issues, they're just worded differently. *Use key words. It's graded by a computer so it will pick up on the words you use to piece out your essay. Use words like: I strongly disagree/agree, counter argument, example of, (repeat words from the topic they give you), in conclusion. Using lots of transitional words, or words that are traditionally used in very rigid essay writing will help. A computer won't really be able to tell if you elegantly explained your issue. It's not going to appreciate your long thought out metaphors. Spend time on developing as many ideas as you can.
Outline: I agree/disagree. This is why (list a very brief summary of your main points). Then outline your main points in the following 3-4 paragraphs, have at least 3-4 sentences in each paragraph. I had some really, really cheesy reasons. It didn't matter, they were still ideas! Then in another paragraph write what one counter argument could be, and why that would be wrong. <----- I think that is what made mine different. Then in your conclusion just make a short summary. The order I wrote it in was introduction, main idea sentence for each paragraph (didn't fill it in), one counter argument sentence (didn't fill it in), then the conclusion. That way if I ran out of time, at least they could see where I was headed.
Analyze tips: Go through the topic pool and think of at least 3-4 holes that argument has, then one way to improve/alternative to what the author is suggesting. It's easier to pick apart why an argument is weak, but why it will still work. Do not put anything person into this essay. Don't put "I think that... "
Outline: P#1 (Introduction) This argument is a valid one, but has many holes that weaken _____. There are many ways that _____ could strengthen their argument ... some ways are.. P# 2-4 Then list as many holes in the argument that you can think of. P # 5Write a paragraph about alternatives to the argument, and ways they could improve. P # 6 Then write your conclusion summarizing these.
If you've already gone through the pool of issues, and in your head thought of a couple of reasons for/against... or holes in the argument/ways to improve, and have an outline of an introduction, you really will have enough time for 5-6 paragraphs. Practice with the topics they give you (which are the SAME ones on the test!!), you might even get the same one on test day. (This happened to me for one of the essays.) Make sure you time yourself.
I hope this helps!