Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see meaningful gains with consistent, focused preparation. If you're starting from a diagnostic score in the 140s-150s range, improvement of 5-10 points is common; students already scoring in the 160s often gain 2-5 points through targeted refinement. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's Logic Games speed, Reading Comprehension accuracy, or Logical Reasoning patterns—and dedicating focused practice time to those sections.

Effective LSAT prep teaches you to manage the strict time constraints (35 minutes per section) through strategic pacing and question selection. Early in prep, you'll work untimed to master concepts, then gradually introduce time pressure through timed drills and practice tests. You'll learn which question types to prioritize, how to quickly identify and skip difficult questions, and techniques for maximizing points within your time limits. By week 10, you should be comfortable completing full sections under real test conditions.

Logic Games (Analytical Reasoning) intimidates many test-takers, but they're highly learnable through systematic practice. A strong prep class breaks down game types, teaches diagramming techniques, and has you practice games progressively—starting with individual game types, then mixing them, then working under timed conditions. Most students see dramatic improvement in this section once they understand the patterns and develop efficient notation systems. Expect to spend concentrated time here, especially in the first 4-5 weeks of prep.

A typical 10-week prep schedule includes 8-12 full-length practice tests, taken under timed, test-like conditions. Early tests (weeks 1-4) help establish your baseline and identify weak areas; mid-prep tests (weeks 5-7) track improvement and refine strategy; final tests (weeks 8-10) build confidence and simulate test day. Between full tests, you'll work on targeted sections and question types. The goal is to take enough real LSAT questions that you're comfortable with every question format and confident in your pacing strategy.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format, time pressure, and high stakes—all of which are addressed directly in structured prep. By practicing hundreds of questions, taking multiple full-length tests, and developing reliable strategies, you build genuine confidence rather than just hoping for the best. Your tutor can also teach stress-management techniques, help you understand that some questions are designed to be difficult, and work with you to develop a mindset focused on maximizing points rather than achieving perfection.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT prep and understand the specific challenges students in Portland face when preparing for law school. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style—whether you need intensive Logic Games support, reading strategy refinement, or overall test confidence building. Your tutor will customize the 10-week curriculum to your diagnostic results and goals, ensuring you're spending time on what actually moves your score.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to establish your baseline score and identify your strongest and weakest sections. You'll discuss your law school goals, target score, and any specific concerns (like Logic Games anxiety or reading speed). Your tutor will explain the 10-week plan, outline what to expect from each section, and often assign initial diagnostic work or a practice test to complete before session two. This foundation helps ensure the rest of your prep is strategically focused on your actual needs.