Score improvement depends on a student's starting point and how consistently they practice. Most students who work with a tutor see meaningful gains by focusing on test-specific strategies, understanding question formats, and building confidence with timed practice. Rather than expecting a specific number, the goal is to help each student perform at their best on test day by identifying weak areas and strengthening reasoning skills.

Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who will start by assessing your student's current strengths and challenges—often through a practice section or diagnostic conversation. This helps identify which areas (verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, or figural reasoning) need the most focus. The tutor will then create a personalized study plan tailored to your student's learning style and timeline before the test.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on timed tests. A tutor helps by teaching time-management strategies specific to each section, having your student practice with actual timed conditions, and identifying which question types slow them down. Regular timed practice tests build familiarity with the pace needed and reduce test-day anxiety from racing the clock.

The OLSAT has three main sections: verbal reasoning (word relationships, analogies, comprehension), non-verbal reasoning (pattern recognition, spatial relationships), and figural reasoning (visual patterns and sequences). Neither section is inherently "harder"—it depends on the student. Some excel with words but struggle with visual patterns, while others are the opposite. A tutor identifies which section needs work and builds targeted skills in that area.

Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks, with shorter practice sections in between. This schedule allows time to learn strategies and build skills without overwhelming your student. Tutors use practice test results to pinpoint persistent weak areas and adjust the study plan accordingly, making each test a learning tool rather than just a benchmark.

Test anxiety often comes from unfamiliarity with question formats or feeling unprepared. Tutoring reduces anxiety by demystifying the test—your student sees exactly what to expect, practices repeatedly, and learns strategies that feel natural by test day. Regular success in practice builds confidence, and a tutor can also teach breathing and focus techniques to manage nerves during the actual exam.

Look for tutors with experience preparing students for standardized tests and familiarity with the OLSAT format specifically. They should understand how reasoning skills are tested, have access to authentic practice materials, and be able to explain strategies clearly. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven experience helping students succeed on ability tests like the OLSAT.