Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you apply strategies, but most students see meaningful gains—often 3-5 points—within 4-8 weeks of focused work. Students who struggle with pacing and question types typically see faster improvements than those working on deeper comprehension issues. The key is identifying your specific weak areas (timing, inference questions, comparative reading, etc.) and drilling those systematically with personalized guidance.

Your first session focuses on assessment and strategy. A tutor will likely have you complete a timed Reading Comprehension section or sample passages to identify your baseline performance, then review which question types trip you up most and whether timing is your primary constraint. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan targeting your specific challenges—whether that's improving inference skills, speeding up your reading, or mastering comparative reading passages.

Effective pacing combines strategic reading with smart question prioritization. Rather than trying to understand every detail, many high-scorers read for structure and main ideas first, then reference back to the passage for specific questions. You can also gain time by tackling easier question types first (like main point or author's tone) before moving to inference-heavy questions. With practice and feedback, you'll develop a rhythm that works for your reading speed—typically aiming to spend 8-9 minutes per passage plus questions.

Consistent, focused practice works better than cramming. Most students benefit from 4-5 practice sessions per week, with each session including 1-2 full passages (about 15-20 minutes of timed work) plus review. The review phase is crucial—spending time analyzing why you missed questions and understanding the passage structure matters more than volume. Spacing out your practice over several weeks, rather than doing it all at once, helps reinforce learning and builds the stamina you'll need on test day.

The LSAT tests several question types: main point/primary purpose, detail/reference questions, inference questions, comparative reading (comparing two passages), and reasoning questions about how arguments are structured. Each type requires a slightly different approach—detail questions reward careful passage reference, while inference questions demand you distinguish between what's stated and what logically follows. A tutor can help you develop specific strategies for each type and identify which ones are slowing you down or causing errors.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or losing confidence mid-section. Building confidence comes from repeated, successful practice under timed conditions—when you know you've solved similar problems before, the actual test feels less threatening. Breathing techniques and a pre-test routine help manage anxiety in the moment. A tutor can also help you develop mental strategies like focusing on one passage at a time rather than worrying about the whole section, which keeps anxiety from derailing your performance.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT prep and understand the specific demands of Reading Comprehension. The right fit combines strong test knowledge with teaching ability—someone who can diagnose your weak areas quickly and explain strategies clearly. When you connect with a tutor, you can discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style to ensure they're the right match for your needs.