Reading Comprehension and Logic Games tend to be the most challenging sections for many students. Logic Games require pattern recognition and systematic reasoning that many haven't practiced before, while Reading Comprehension demands speed, accuracy, and strong inference skills simultaneously.

Logical Reasoning is typically more manageable once you understand argument structure, but timing pressure makes it tricky. A personalized prep approach helps identify which sections are holding back your score, so your study time focuses where it matters most.

During a 5-week intensive prep program, aim to complete 4-6 full-length, timed practice tests. This gives you multiple opportunities to identify patterns in mistakes, practice test-day stamina, and track score improvement over time. The LSAC publishes over 90 official practice tests, providing plenty of material.

Quality matters more than quantity—each test should be reviewed thoroughly to understand why you missed questions, not just to chase a higher score. Tutors can guide you on which tests to prioritize and how to extract maximum learning from each one.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity. Students typically see 5-15 point increases with focused prep, though some see more. If you're starting at 145 and aiming for 160, that's a significant but achievable goal with consistent effort. Starting near 160+ means improvements come more slowly.

The LSAT rewards pattern recognition and strategy mastery, which develop over time. Tutors work with you to identify your ceiling based on diagnostic scores and create a study plan that maximizes your potential within your 5-week window.

Timing is one of the LSAT's biggest challenges. You have roughly 8.5 minutes per Logic Game, 8-9 minutes per Reading Comprehension passage, and 1.5 minutes per Logical Reasoning question. Most students struggle with either speed or accuracy initially—the goal is building both simultaneously.

Effective strategies include: starting with easier questions first, practicing untimed sections to build accuracy, then gradually adding time pressure, and learning to recognize when to skip a question strategically. A tutor can help you develop pacing benchmarks specific to your speed and teach techniques to gain back seconds in each section.

Test anxiety on the LSAT is common—the stakes feel high, the time pressure is real, and the reasoning is unfamiliar. Building confidence comes from three things: understanding exactly how the test works, practicing under timed conditions repeatedly until it feels routine, and knowing you're prepared.

During a 5-week prep course, you'll take multiple full-length practice tests in realistic conditions, which trains your brain to stay calm on test day. Tutors also teach mental strategies—like box breathing between sections, positive self-talk, and breaking questions into manageable chunks—that help you stay focused when anxiety creeps in.

For a compressed 5-week timeline, you need a tutor with strong LSAT expertise who understands how to prioritize effectively. Look for someone who can: give you a diagnostic assessment and create a targeted study plan, teach you section-specific strategies (not just content), provide detailed feedback on practice tests, and adjust the plan based on your progress.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors in San Diego who specialize in LSAT prep and understand the pacing demands of an intensive course. They'll work with your schedule and learning style to maximize improvement in your timeframe.