Effective pacing combines strategic reading with question awareness—many students waste time re-reading passages when they should reference them selectively while answering. A tutor can teach you how to identify passage structure quickly, prioritize which questions to tackle first based on difficulty, and use active reading techniques to retain information on the first pass. With practice and feedback on your actual test-style passages, you'll develop a rhythm that lets you complete all four passages with time for review.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and consistency, but most students see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused work. If you're scoring in the 140s-150s range, improvements of 2-4 points are realistic; students starting lower often see larger jumps as they master fundamental strategies. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's inference questions, timing, or passage comprehension—and drilling those systematically with expert guidance and practice tests.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full Reading Comprehension section or a sample passage—to identify your strengths and specific problem areas. The tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style, then develop a customized study plan. You'll also get an overview of the section's structure, question types, and the core strategies that will anchor your preparation moving forward.

Inference questions test your ability to draw conclusions that logically follow from the passage without being explicitly stated—a skill that requires careful reading and strong logical reasoning. The challenge is distinguishing between valid inferences and answer choices that seem reasonable but go beyond what the passage supports. Tutoring focuses on teaching you to identify the textual evidence supporting each inference, practice eliminating tempting wrong answers, and develop confidence in your reasoning process through repeated, targeted practice.

Most test prep experts recommend completing 8-10 full-length practice tests under timed conditions before your LSAT, with at least 3-4 dedicated to Reading Comprehension drilling. However, quality matters more than quantity—working through practice tests with a tutor who can analyze your mistakes, identify patterns, and adjust your strategy is far more valuable than grinding through tests alone. Your tutor will help you space out practice strategically, review each section thoroughly, and build the stamina and confidence you need for test day.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity or lack of confidence in your strategies—both things tutoring directly addresses. By practicing extensively with timed passages, receiving immediate feedback, and building a reliable set of techniques, you'll develop genuine confidence rather than just positive thinking. Your tutor can also teach you practical anxiety-management techniques like strategic breathing, how to reset after a difficult passage, and how to maintain focus when time pressure increases.

Look for tutors with strong LSAT scores (typically 170+), proven experience teaching Reading Comprehension specifically, and familiarity with the full range of passage types and question formats. They should be able to explain their reasoning clearly, adapt their teaching to your learning style, and use real LSAC materials in your sessions. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with experienced tutors who have demonstrated expertise in LSAT prep and a track record of helping students improve their scores.