Yes. While OLSAT measures reasoning ability, students can improve their scores by becoming familiar with question formats, learning strategic approaches to different problem types, and building confidence with timed practice. Many students underperform simply because they haven't seen the question styles before—personalized tutoring helps students understand what each question type is asking and develop efficient solving strategies.

During an initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current reasoning skills, identify which question types (verbal, nonverbal, or figural) feel most challenging, and discuss your goals for the test. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized study plan focused on areas that need the most support, rather than generic test prep.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges on OLSAT. Tutors teach students how to recognize when to move on from a difficult question, practice working through sections with time limits, and develop a rhythm that prevents rushing through easy questions or getting stuck on hard ones. With repeated timed practice, students build the automaticity needed to manage the full test without anxiety.

OLSAT includes verbal reasoning (synonyms, classifications, analogies), nonverbal reasoning (pattern completion, matrix reasoning), and figural reasoning (spatial visualization). Many students find nonverbal and figural sections more challenging because they require different thinking than typical classroom work. A tutor can focus practice on your student's weaker areas to build confidence and accuracy in those specific question types.

Most students benefit from completing 3-5 full-length practice tests under timed conditions, spaced over several weeks. This allows time to identify patterns in mistakes, adjust strategies, and build test-day familiarity without over-practicing. Between practice tests, tutors focus on targeted skill-building in weak areas rather than endless drilling.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats and uncertainty about how to approach problems. By working through practice questions regularly and building a clear strategy for each question type, students gain confidence and reduce anxiety. Tutors also teach relaxation techniques and help reframe challenging questions as puzzles to solve rather than threats, which shifts students' mindset going into test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in OLSAT prep and understand the specific needs of Jacksonville students. During the matching process, you can discuss your student's age, current reasoning strengths, and test timeline so you're paired with a tutor whose expertise and teaching style fit your needs.