Most students struggle with three main areas: identifying the question type quickly (assumption, strengthen, weaken, flaw, etc.), distinguishing between close answer choices, and managing time under pressure. Many also find it hard to separate the author's argument from their own opinions, which leads to incorrect answers. A tutor can teach you to recognize patterns in question construction and develop a systematic approach so you're not second-guessing yourself on test day.

Pacing improves through deliberate practice with timed drills, starting with untimed work to build accuracy, then gradually adding time pressure. Many students rush through stimulus passages and miss key details, while others get stuck on one question and run out of time. A tutor can help you develop a personalized rhythm—knowing when to skip a tough question, how long to spend on each part, and which question types to tackle first based on your strengths.

The LSAT tests about 10-12 core question types across the two Logical Reasoning sections, with assumption, strengthen, weaken, and flaw questions appearing most often. Each type requires a different approach—for example, assumption questions ask what the argument depends on, while weaken questions ask what would undermine it. Learning to spot these patterns quickly and apply the right strategy is key to improving your score efficiently.

Your first session typically focuses on understanding where you stand—a tutor will review a recent practice test or sample questions to identify which question types trip you up and whether your challenges are conceptual or time-based. From there, you'll create a study plan tailored to your goals and timeline, whether you're aiming for a specific score or preparing for an upcoming test date. This diagnostic approach ensures your tutoring time is spent on what actually matters for your improvement.

Practice tests are essential—they build your stamina, help you identify patterns in your mistakes, and let you practice timing under realistic conditions. Most successful LSAT test-takers complete 20-40 full practice tests before test day. A tutor can help you use practice tests strategically: reviewing your wrong answers to spot trends, adjusting your approach based on what you learn, and building confidence as you see your score improve over time.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or doubt in your abilities—tutoring addresses both. By mastering question types, building a reliable strategy, and practicing under timed conditions, you develop genuine confidence rather than false reassurance. A tutor can also teach you test-day techniques like managing your mental energy, knowing when to move on from a tough question, and staying calm when you encounter unfamiliar question variations.

Look for tutors with strong LSAT scores themselves (typically 170+), proven teaching experience with Logical Reasoning specifically, and familiarity with current LSAT format and question types. They should be able to explain not just the right answer, but why wrong answers are tempting and how to avoid those traps. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of the test and can adapt their teaching to your learning style and goals.