Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you practice, but students typically see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused work. If you're struggling with game setup and diagramming, you might improve 5-10 points relatively quickly. If you're already scoring in the mid-range, reaching higher scores requires mastering advanced strategies and building speed, which usually takes longer. The key is identifying your specific weaknesses—whether that's understanding question types, managing time, or handling unusual game formats—and addressing them systematically.

Most test-takers should spend 8-9 minutes per game to have time for all questions, which means you need to set up and diagram each game quickly and accurately. The strategy isn't to rush through games—it's to spend your setup time wisely so you can answer questions efficiently. Many students waste time on poor diagrams or get stuck on one game instead of moving on. A tutor can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy based on which game types slow you down and teach you which games to tackle first based on your strengths.

The biggest mistakes are: (1) setting up diagrams that are too complicated or unclear, leading to errors when answering questions; (2) not fully capturing all constraints before starting questions; (3) misreading question stems, especially negation language like "cannot" or "must"; and (4) spending too long on one difficult game instead of moving on. Students also often try to memorize game types rather than understanding the underlying logic, which limits their flexibility when they encounter unfamiliar formats. Working with a tutor helps you catch these patterns early and build better habits.

For serious LSAT prep, aim for 3-4 focused sessions per week on Logic Games, with each session lasting 60-90 minutes. An effective plan typically starts with learning and drilling individual game types (sequencing, grouping, matching), then moves to mixed sets of games under timed conditions, and finally full sections with practice tests. You should complete at least 50-70 games total during prep to build pattern recognition and speed. A tutor can create a customized schedule based on your timeline and current skill level, ensuring you're practicing the right games at the right difficulty level rather than just grinding through problems randomly.

Different game types require different approaches: sequencing games usually need a linear diagram, grouping games often work best with slots or columns, and matching games benefit from grids or tables. The key is finding a method that's clear enough to work with quickly but detailed enough to capture all constraints. Many students waste time trying to use one diagram style for all games, which slows them down. A tutor can teach you the most efficient diagramming techniques for each game type and help you practice until they become automatic, so you're not thinking about how to diagram—you're just doing it.

Test anxiety on Logic Games often stems from feeling unprepared or encountering an unfamiliar game format. The best antidote is thorough, strategic practice that builds genuine confidence in your diagramming and problem-solving skills. During the actual test, manage anxiety by: staying calm if you hit a tough game (skip it and come back), trusting your diagram setup, and remembering that you've seen similar logic patterns before. Tutoring also helps by simulating test conditions through timed practice tests, so the real test feels familiar rather than frightening.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT Analytical Reasoning and understand the specific challenges this section presents. When you get matched with a tutor, they'll assess your current skill level, identify which game types and strategies need work, and create a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline and target score. You can work with a tutor for a few focused sessions to tackle specific weaknesses, or commit to ongoing prep leading up to your test date—whatever works best for your schedule and goals.