Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but most students see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused practice. If you're scoring in the 140s and want to reach the 160s, that typically requires identifying and fixing specific weaknesses—whether that's skimming technique, question type strategy, or managing test anxiety. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use diagnostic practice tests to measure progress and adjust your study plan accordingly, so you can track exactly what's working.

The most effective approach combines active reading—annotating key points, argument structure, and author tone—with strategic question analysis. Rather than re-reading the entire passage for each question, successful test-takers learn to locate relevant sections quickly and distinguish between questions asking for main ideas, inferences, or specific details. Many students benefit from the "read for structure" method, where you focus on understanding how the passage is organized rather than memorizing every fact. A tutor can help you practice and refine the strategy that matches your reading speed and comprehension style.

Pacing issues usually stem from either reading too slowly, spending too much time on difficult questions, or re-reading passages unnecessarily. The standard target is about 8-9 minutes per passage plus questions, which requires practice to internalize. Many students find it helpful to set time checkpoints during practice tests—after reading the passage, after the first few questions—to catch themselves falling behind. Personalized instruction includes timed practice drills and strategies for knowing when to skip a tough question and return to it later, which can dramatically improve your overall score.

Most test-prep experts recommend completing 15-20 full-length practice tests under timed conditions before test day, with at least half of those completed in the final 4-6 weeks. However, quality matters more than quantity—it's better to complete 10 tests and review every single question thoroughly than to rush through 20 without analysis. Tutors can help you structure a practice schedule that builds your endurance while leaving time for targeted review of weak question types. They'll also help you analyze patterns in your mistakes so you're not just taking tests, but learning from them.

Test anxiety on the LSAT often peaks during Reading Comprehension because the section feels relentless and time-pressured. Effective strategies include breathing techniques, mental rehearsal of your pacing plan, and building confidence through repeated successful timed practice. Many students also benefit from reframing difficult passages as interesting intellectual challenges rather than threats, which shifts their mindset during the actual test. Tutors can help you develop personalized anxiety-management techniques and practice them repeatedly so they become automatic on test day.

Look for tutors with strong LSAT scores themselves and proven experience helping students improve their Reading Comprehension specifically. They should use diagnostic assessments to identify your exact weaknesses, provide detailed feedback on practice questions, and teach you strategies tailored to your learning style—not a one-size-fits-all approach. The best tutors also understand test psychology and can help you build confidence alongside skill development. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in New Haven who specialize in LSAT prep and can create a customized study plan for your timeline and goals.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a practice section or a full-length test—to establish your baseline score and identify specific weaknesses. Your tutor will review your results with you, discuss your target score and timeline, and explain their teaching approach. Together, you'll create a customized study plan that addresses your unique challenges, whether that's timing, passage comprehension, or specific question types. This foundation ensures that every session afterward is focused and productive, moving you toward your goal efficiently.