The most frequent mistakes fall into a few categories: misidentifying the argument's conclusion, confusing necessary conditions with sufficient conditions, and selecting answer choices that sound good without matching what the question actually asks. Students often rush through stimulus passages without fully mapping the logical structure, which leads to errors on assumption and inference questions. Another common issue is overthinking—selecting an answer that's technically related to the argument but doesn't answer the specific question. A tutor can help you develop a systematic approach to breaking down arguments, spotting logical flaws, and eliminating wrong answers methodically rather than relying on instinct.

Pacing is about working smarter, not faster. The Logical Reasoning sections have 24-26 questions in 35 minutes, so you need a strategy beyond just reading quickly. Expert tutors recommend starting with a 1-2 minute scan of all questions to identify easier ones, then tackling them first to build confidence and bank time. More complex assumption or parallel reasoning questions might need 2-3 minutes, while basic inference questions should take 60-90 seconds. Practice tests are essential—use them to identify your personal timing patterns and which question types slow you down. Your tutor can help you develop conditional benchmarks: if you're finishing 5+ questions early, you have time to be thorough; if you're rushing at the end, you need to trim time on easier questions.

The LSAT tests several core question types repeatedly: Main Point/Primary Purpose, Assumption, Weaken/Strengthen, Flaw, Inference, and Parallel Reasoning. Assumption questions are particularly common and often challenge students because they require you to identify unstated premises that make an argument work. Weaken/Strengthen questions test your ability to evaluate how additional information affects an argument's logic. Flaw questions ask you to spot logical errors in reasoning. Because these types repeat across every test, a tutor will help you develop a pattern-recognition system for each one—understanding what each question is really asking and what wrong answers typically look like. Once you master the framework for each question type, your accuracy and speed both improve.

Consistency beats intensity. Research on learning science shows that spaced repetition and practice testing build stronger skill development than cramming. A realistic schedule for students in Minneapolis preparing for the LSAT typically involves 3-5 focused study sessions per week, with each Logical Reasoning session running 45-90 minutes depending on where you are in your prep. Start by drilling individual question types for accuracy, then move to timed sections once your accuracy is solid (usually 75%+ on untimed work). Full practice tests should happen 1-2 times per week in your final 4-6 weeks of prep. Your tutor will help you track which question types need more work and adjust your schedule accordingly—if you're struggling with assumption questions, you might dedicate an entire session to those before moving on.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who tailor their approach to your needs. Your first sessions usually involve diagnostic work—reviewing your practice test results, identifying which question types give you trouble, and understanding your timing patterns. From there, your tutor builds a customized plan that might include drilling specific question types, learning logical reasoning frameworks (like mapping conditional statements or argument structures), reviewing your wrong answers to spot patterns, and gradually introducing timed practice. Sessions are personalized 1-on-1 instruction, so pacing and depth align with your learning speed. Many students work with a tutor 1-2 times per week throughout their LSAT prep, with frequency increasing as test day approaches. Your tutor will also help you develop confidence by celebrating progress on practice tests and adjusting strategies when something isn't working.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach. The best antidote is building genuine skill and confidence through targeted practice. Work extensively with practice tests so the format and question types feel familiar—familiarity reduces anxiety. Develop a consistent pre-test routine: breathing exercises, reviewing key frameworks, and reminding yourself that you've seen every question type before. During the actual test, focus on the process (reading carefully, following your strategy) rather than the outcome (your score). If you freeze on a question, a tutor-taught strategy like marking it and moving on helps preserve your mental energy. Many students also benefit from discussing test-day anxiety with their tutor, who can help normalize the experience and build a mental game plan specific to your anxiety triggers.