Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand and where you want to go. A tutor will likely review your diagnostic test results, discuss your target law schools and score goals, and identify which sections (logic games, reading comprehension, or logical reasoning) need the most work. This assessment helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your specific challenges rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Logic games require a different skill set than most students have practiced—they demand spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and the ability to work through complex conditional statements under time pressure. Many students struggle because they try to memorize game types rather than understanding the underlying logical structure. Working with a tutor on diagramming techniques and practice strategies can transform logic games from your biggest weakness into a strength.

Most students benefit from taking 15-20 full practice tests under timed conditions leading up to test day, spacing them out over several weeks to allow for review and skill-building between attempts. Rather than rushing through tests, the real value comes from analyzing every single question you miss—understanding not just what the right answer is, but why you fell for the trap answers. A tutor can help you develop this analytical review process so each practice test makes you stronger.

Pacing is about knowing when to move on and when to invest time, which varies by section and by you as a test-taker. For logic games, most students need 8-9 minutes per game; for reading comprehension, about 8-9 minutes per passage; for logical reasoning, roughly 1.5 minutes per question. A tutor can help you practice strategic skipping, identify which question types slow you down, and build the confidence to make quick decisions under pressure rather than second-guessing yourself.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach—which is why personalized tutoring that builds genuine confidence in your strategy and skills is so effective. Beyond preparation, techniques like timed practice sessions, reviewing past performance to see real improvement, and developing a calm pre-test routine all help. Many students also benefit from discussing their specific anxiety triggers with a tutor who can offer targeted mental strategies for test day.

Effective reading comprehension on the LSAT is about active reading—identifying the main point, author's tone, and logical structure as you go, rather than passively reading and then hunting for answers. Many students waste time by reading too slowly or rereading passages multiple times. A tutor can teach you how to annotate strategically, predict answer choices before looking at options, and tackle different passage types (comparative, dense theory, narrative) with tailored approaches that fit your reading style.

Look for tutors with strong LSAT scores themselves, ideally in the 170+ range, combined with teaching experience that shows they understand how students think and where they commonly struggle. Beyond raw scores, the best tutors know the test inside and out—they can explain why each answer choice works or doesn't, adapt their teaching to your learning style, and help you develop a personal strategy rather than just drilling problems. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who meet these standards and can work with your schedule for students in Manhattan.