Effective pacing starts with a strategic approach: most students benefit from spending 3-4 minutes reading and annotating each passage, then 8-9 minutes answering the 5-8 questions that follow. The key is learning what to annotate (main idea, argument structure, tone shifts) versus what to skip. Practice tests are essential—work through full sections under timed conditions to build speed without sacrificing accuracy, and review your timing on each passage to spot patterns. A tutor can help you refine your annotation strategy and find the pace that works for your reading style.

The LSAT uses six main question types: Main Point (what's the passage primarily about?), Detail/Retrieval (what specific fact is mentioned?), Inference (what can be reasonably concluded?), Author's Tone/Attitude (how does the author feel?), Function (why did the author include this?), and Comparative (how do two passages relate?). Each requires a different strategy—Detail questions reward careful rereading, while Inference questions demand you distinguish between what's stated and what's implied. Understanding these patterns helps you read more strategically the first time through. Tutors can walk you through sample questions for each type and show you how to eliminate wrong answers systematically.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused work. If you're scoring in the 140s and aiming for the 160s, improvement typically comes from mastering question-type strategies and building reading speed—realistic gains are 3-5 points. If you're starting lower, the gains can be larger as you develop foundational skills. The LSAT rewards consistency and practice; working through 20-30 full-length practice tests while getting feedback on your approach tends to yield the best results. A tutor can accelerate this by identifying your specific weak spots and helping you avoid repeating mistakes.

Practice tests serve two purposes: building stamina under timed conditions and identifying patterns in your mistakes. Early in prep, focus on accuracy over speed—take untimed sections to understand question types and build confidence. Once you're comfortable with the format, take full timed sections (35 minutes for 4 passages) and track your score. After each test, review every question you missed, not just to learn the right answer but to understand why you chose wrong—did you misread the passage, misunderstand the question, or struggle with timing? Aim for 15-20 full practice tests over your prep period, spacing them out to allow time for review and targeted work on weak areas. A tutor can help you analyze your practice test results and create a study plan based on what you find.

The LSAT intentionally uses challenging passages on philosophy, science, and law—but you don't need to understand the topic deeply to answer questions correctly. Instead, focus on the passage structure: Where does the author make their main claim? What evidence or examples support it? What's the tone? Annotate these elements lightly as you read, and you'll have a roadmap for answering questions without needing subject expertise. Many students waste time trying to fully comprehend unfamiliar material; instead, practice reading for argument and structure. Tutors can show you how to recognize passage patterns quickly and build confidence tackling any topic the test throws at you.

Look for a tutor with strong LSAT credentials (ideally a 170+ score or extensive test prep experience) who can explain the reasoning behind right and wrong answers clearly. They should assess your baseline performance, identify whether your struggles are with reading speed, question comprehension, or strategy, and tailor their approach accordingly. A good tutor also uses recent official LSAT materials and practice tests, gives you homework between sessions, and tracks your progress over time. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in St. Louis who specialize in LSAT prep and can work with your schedule to build a personalized study plan.

Your first session typically focuses on assessment and planning. Expect to take a timed Reading Comprehension section (or review a recent one you've completed) so your tutor can see your current performance level, timing patterns, and mistake types. They'll ask about your target score, timeline, and any specific challenges you've noticed. From there, they'll outline a personalized approach—whether that's building foundational skills, refining strategy, or tackling advanced inference questions. You'll likely receive homework (practice passages or questions to work through before your next session) and a sense of how many sessions you might need to reach your goals.