Improvement typically comes from three areas: (1) building reading speed and comprehension through repeated practice with timed passages, (2) learning to recognize question types and apply the correct strategy to each one, and (3) identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's inference questions, dense passages, or pacing. Most students see meaningful score gains with focused practice over 4-8 weeks. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction can help you diagnose exactly where you're losing points and develop targeted strategies rather than general test prep.

A typical effective schedule includes 3-4 focused study sessions per week, with each session combining timed practice drills, untimed review of missed questions, and strategy work on specific question types. Early weeks should focus on understanding question formats and building accuracy; later weeks shift toward speed and consistency. Most students benefit from spacing practice over several weeks rather than cramming—this helps with retention and pacing under pressure. A tutor can help you create a personalized schedule based on your timeline and current performance level.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face. The key is developing a consistent system: spend about 3-4 minutes reading and annotating the passage, then 4-5 minutes answering questions. Many students rush through the passage to save time, then struggle with inference and detail questions. Others read too carefully and run out of time. A strategic approach involves learning which information to mark while reading, how to eliminate wrong answers efficiently, and when to skip difficult questions and come back. Personalized practice with timed drills helps you find the rhythm that works for your reading style.

The main question types are: Main Point (what's the primary purpose?), Detail/Reference (where does the passage mention X?), Inference (what can be logically concluded?), Strengthen/Weaken (which fact supports or undermines an argument?), and Structure (how is the passage organized?). Each type requires a different approach—for example, Inference questions reward careful reading of exact language, while Strengthen questions require understanding logical relationships. Recognizing which type you're facing before you answer is essential for applying the right strategy and managing your time effectively.

Start with accuracy and understanding, then build speed. Many students try to rush from the beginning and develop bad habits that are hard to break. Spend your first few weeks doing untimed practice to master question types and strategies, build your accuracy to 80%+, then gradually introduce timing pressure. Once you're accurate on untimed passages, speed becomes a natural byproduct of practice and confidence. This approach also reduces test anxiety—you'll feel more prepared because you truly understand the material rather than just guessing faster.

A tutor can pinpoint exactly where you're losing points—whether it's missing inferences, struggling with dense passages, or running out of time—then create strategies tailored to your specific weaknesses. They can teach you question-type specific approaches, help you practice with real LSAT passages under time pressure, and provide immediate feedback on your reasoning. For students in Minneapolis preparing for law school, personalized instruction can be especially valuable because a tutor can adapt to your learning pace and help you build both the skills and confidence needed to perform well on test day.