Your first session focuses on assessment and strategy. A tutor will likely review your diagnostic test results, discuss your target law schools and score goals, and identify which sections need the most work. This helps create a personalized study plan that fits your timeline and learning style, so you're not following a generic prep course.

Logic games are one of the most coachable sections of the LSAT. Many students find them intimidating simply because they're unfamiliar, but with targeted instruction on diagramming strategies and practice, most students see significant improvement. A tutor can teach you the specific techniques that work for different game types and help you build speed and confidence through repeated, guided practice.

Pacing is as much about strategy as speed. Tutors teach you how to prioritize questions (tackling easier ones first, managing difficult ones), recognize when to skip and return to a question, and practice under timed conditions to build automaticity. The key is developing a personalized approach during tutoring so you're not figuring out your strategy on test day.

Most students benefit from taking 15-25 full practice tests spread across their preparation period, with tutoring sessions focused on reviewing mistakes and refining strategy. Rather than just taking tests, the real value comes from analyzing why you missed questions and adjusting your approach—something a tutor can guide you through systematically.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format and uncertainty about your abilities. Tutoring builds confidence through repeated practice in controlled settings, teaches breathing and mental strategies for managing stress, and helps you understand that mistakes during practice are learning opportunities, not failures. By test day, you'll have practiced the experience so many times that the actual test feels more routine.

LSAT reading comprehension requires a different strategy than typical reading—it's about understanding structure and author's purpose, not memorizing details. Tutors teach active reading techniques, how to identify main arguments quickly, and how to navigate the question types efficiently. With practice, you'll develop a system that works for your brain rather than trying to force someone else's method.

Look for tutors with strong LSAT scores (typically 170+), law school experience, and a track record of helping students improve. Beyond credentials, you want someone who can explain concepts clearly, adapt to your learning style, and provide honest feedback about your progress. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in New Haven who meet these standards and can work with your schedule.