Score improvement depends on your starting point and study consistency, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 3-7 points on the LSAT scale—within 4-8 weeks of focused work. The key is identifying your specific weaknesses: whether you're struggling with timing, missing inference questions, or misunderstanding passage structure. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps you target these gaps rather than studying broadly, which accelerates improvement.

Timing issues usually stem from one of two problems: either you're reading too slowly and carefully, or you're reading too fast and missing key details. Expert tutors help you find the right balance by teaching strategic reading techniques—like identifying passage structure, author's main point, and tone on the first read—so you can answer questions efficiently. Practice with timed passages under test conditions, combined with targeted feedback, trains your brain to work at the right speed without sacrificing accuracy.

The LSAT tests several question types: Main Point (what's the passage about?), Detail/Retrieval (what specific fact is mentioned?), Inference (what can you reasonably conclude?), Author's Tone/Attitude, Function (why did the author include this?), and Comparative Reading (how do two passages relate?). Each type requires a different approach—some reward careful re-reading, while others require logical reasoning. Tutors help you recognize each question type quickly and apply the right strategy, which is crucial for managing your time effectively.

Your first session focuses on assessment and strategy. You'll typically work through a timed Reading Comprehension section while your tutor observes your approach, asking questions to understand where you struggle—is it comprehension, timing, specific question types, or test anxiety? From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan targeting your weaknesses and builds a foundation for future sessions. This diagnostic approach means your tutoring is tailored to you from day one, not generic.

Practice tests are essential—they're the only way to build stamina, test your strategies under realistic time pressure, and identify patterns in your mistakes. Most students benefit from taking full practice tests every 1-2 weeks, then reviewing them with a tutor to pinpoint why they missed questions. This cycle of testing, analyzing, and targeted practice is far more effective than drilling individual questions in isolation, and it helps you build confidence before test day.

Look for tutors with strong LSAT scores themselves (typically 160+), proven experience teaching Reading Comprehension, and the ability to explain not just answers but the reasoning behind them. They should be able to diagnose your specific issues—whether you're an inference-question person or a timing-management person—and adjust their teaching accordingly. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have track records helping students improve their RC scores and can work with your schedule.

Test anxiety often worsens when you feel unprepared or unsure of your strategy. Personalized tutoring builds confidence by giving you a clear, practiced approach to each question type and passage structure, so you feel more in control on test day. Regular practice under timed conditions also desensitizes you to the pressure, and tutors can teach you calming techniques and mindset strategies. When you know exactly what to expect and have a solid plan, anxiety naturally decreases.