Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity. Students typically see 5-15 point improvements with focused preparation, though results vary. The LSAT is scored from 120-180, with the median score around 150. A 5-week program works best if you're targeting incremental gains or fine-tuning a solid foundation—if you're starting from a significantly lower baseline, a longer prep timeline may be more realistic.

Taking a full-length practice test is the best diagnostic tool. This reveals which sections—Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, or Logic Games—are pulling down your overall score and where your timing breaks down. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who analyze your practice test results to pinpoint specific question types and reasoning patterns that need targeted work, so your 5 weeks of prep focuses on real weaknesses rather than areas you've already mastered.

Logic Games require a different skill set than other LSAT sections—they demand spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and the ability to work quickly under pressure. Many test-takers struggle because they try to solve games without a systematic diagram approach. Expert tutors teach proven diagramming techniques and logic game templates that make these questions more manageable, plus strategies for knowing when to skip a game and come back to it to maximize your score.

Pacing is critical—the LSAT gives you roughly 8-9 minutes per Logical Reasoning question, 8-9 minutes per Reading Comprehension passage, and 8-9 minutes per Logic Game. The key is practicing with a timer consistently so speed becomes automatic, then strategically choosing which questions to tackle first and which to skip or guess on. Tutors help you develop a personalized pacing strategy based on your strengths; for example, if Reading Comp is your weakest section, you might tackle it earlier when you're fresh.

Test anxiety is common, especially on a high-stakes exam like the LSAT. Building confidence through repeated practice tests under timed conditions desensitizes you to the pressure. Tutors also teach breathing techniques, mental strategies for staying focused when you hit a difficult question, and how to reframe mistakes during practice as learning opportunities rather than failures. Starting your 5-week prep with a realistic practice test helps you get comfortable with the test format before test day arrives.

Aim for at least 6-8 full-length practice tests spread across your 5 weeks—roughly one every 3-4 days. This frequency allows you to apply lessons learned, identify patterns in your mistakes, and build stamina for the actual test day. Between practice tests, focus on drilling specific question types and sections where you're weak. Tutors help you review each practice test strategically, identifying not just what you got wrong, but why, so you don't repeat the same mistakes.

Reading Comprehension success comes down to active reading and understanding question types. Rather than trying to memorize every detail, focus on the passage's main idea, structure, and author's tone. The LSAT tests your ability to find specific information and make inferences—not your general knowledge. Tutors teach strategies like annotating passages efficiently, previewing questions before reading, and identifying which questions require close reading versus skimming. With consistent practice, you'll develop a rhythm that balances speed with accuracy.