Score improvement depends on your child's starting point and how consistently they practice. Most students see meaningful gains—typically 5-15 percentile points—when they work with a tutor to understand question formats, develop test-taking strategies, and practice regularly over 4-8 weeks. The key is identifying specific weak areas (like verbal reasoning or figural patterns) and targeting those directly.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question types and time pressure. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps by building confidence through repeated practice with real OLSAT-style questions, teaching pacing strategies, and creating a low-pressure environment where your child can ask questions freely. As students see themselves improving, anxiety naturally decreases.

The OLSAT has three main sections—Verbal, Nonverbal, and Figural—and students typically struggle most with figural reasoning (pattern recognition and spatial relationships) and verbal analogies. A tutor can break down each question type, teach the underlying logic, and provide targeted practice so your child understands what each section is really testing.

During an initial session, a tutor will typically assess your child's current skills by reviewing practice test results or administering a diagnostic, discuss test anxiety or specific concerns, and explain the OLSAT format and question types. This helps create a personalized study plan focused on your child's biggest opportunities for improvement.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of consistent preparation, meeting 1-2 times per week with a tutor and practicing independently between sessions. If your child is taking the test soon, even 2-3 weeks of focused tutoring can help build confidence and improve pacing. The timeline depends on your child's current ability level and how much time they can dedicate to practice.

Practice tests reveal exactly which question types your child finds difficult and help build familiarity with the test format and time limits. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions teaches pacing—a critical skill since many students rush through easier questions and run out of time for harder ones. A tutor can review results to identify patterns and adjust the study plan accordingly.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in test prep and understand the OLSAT format. When you reach out, we learn about your child's current level, timeline, and specific challenges—then match you with a tutor whose expertise and teaching style fit your needs. You can meet with your tutor flexibly to work around your schedule.