Most test-takers have about 8-9 minutes per passage, which requires a strategic approach. Rather than reading passively, successful readers preview the questions first, then actively read the passage while marking key claims and structural shifts. This helps you answer main idea and inference questions faster. Many students also benefit from spending slightly more time on difficult passages upfront rather than getting stuck mid-section. A tutor can help you find the right balance between reading speed and comprehension for your learning style.

The biggest mistakes fall into a few categories: (1) selecting answers that sound reasonable but aren't supported by the text, (2) misunderstanding question stems like "most likely" versus "must be true," (3) losing track of the author's perspective versus an opposing view presented in the passage, and (4) running out of time on harder passages. For students in Detroit preparing for the LSAT, personalized instruction on these specific error patterns can dramatically improve accuracy. Working through real practice tests with expert feedback helps you spot your individual weak points before test day.

LSAT passages fall into predictable categories—scientific, legal, historical, and social science—each with distinct structures and argument patterns. Legal passages often feature competing interpretations; scientific passages build from observation to conclusion; historical passages balance narrative with analysis. Learning to recognize these patterns helps you predict what information will matter for questions. Tutors can teach you to map each passage type efficiently, marking conclusions, counterarguments, and evidence in ways that make answering questions faster and more accurate.

Effective LSAT prep typically involves 3-4 weeks of focused Reading Comprehension work, with 4-5 practice sections per week early on, then full timed sections under test conditions. Start by untimed practice to build accuracy, then gradually add time pressure. After each section, review every question—not just the ones you missed—to understand why right answers work and why traps are appealing. Many students benefit from spacing out practice over time rather than cramming; this builds the pattern recognition skills that transfer to test day. A tutor can help you create a personalized schedule that fits your timeline and current performance level.

Reading Comprehension anxiety often stems from time pressure or uncertainty about answers. Building confidence comes from repetition—the more practice sections you complete, the more familiar the question formats become, and the less mental energy you waste on decision fatigue. Developing a consistent strategy (like your passage mapping approach) also reduces anxiety because you know what to expect and what to do. Many students find it helpful to practice with a tutor who can normalize the difficulty level and remind you that even strong test-takers find some passages challenging. On test day, keeping your strategy consistent and accepting that some questions are genuinely hard can help you stay focused.

Expert tutors analyze your practice tests and timed sections to spot patterns—do you miss inference questions consistently? Struggle with certain subject areas? Run out of time? They use this data to pinpoint whether you need help with reading speed, comprehension, question strategy, or all three. For students in Detroit, connecting with a tutor means getting a customized curriculum focused on your actual weak points rather than generic test prep. You'll work through real LSAT passages with immediate feedback, allowing you to adjust your approach and track improvement across multiple practice sections.