Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity, but most students see meaningful gains (3-5 points on the LSAT scale) within 4-8 weeks of focused practice. Students who work with tutors on targeted strategies—like active reading techniques, question type recognition, and time management—often improve faster than those studying alone. The key is identifying your specific weaknesses (passage types, question formats, or timing issues) and drilling those areas systematically.

Effective strategies include previewing questions before reading (to guide your focus), annotating passages strategically (without over-marking), and using a consistent approach to comparative reading passages. Many students benefit from practicing "active reading"—engaging with the author's argument and tone rather than passively absorbing details. Tutors can teach you which strategies work best for your learning style and help you practice them under timed conditions until they become automatic.

Practice tests are essential—they help you identify weak areas, build stamina, and simulate test-day conditions. Most students benefit from taking full practice tests regularly, then reviewing Reading Comprehension sections in detail to understand why they missed questions. A tutor can help you analyze your performance patterns (e.g., "I struggle with law passages" or "I rush through questions") and create a targeted study plan using real LSAT materials.

Timing issues usually stem from either reading too slowly, spending too long on difficult passages, or second-guessing answers. The solution involves practicing with a timer, learning to skip challenging sections and return to them later, and building confidence in your first instinct. Tutors can teach you benchmarks (e.g., 8-9 minutes per passage) and help you practice pacing drills until you naturally work at the right speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—reviewing your recent practice test results or having you work through a passage under timed conditions—to identify your specific challenges. A tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning preferences, then create a personalized study plan focused on your weaknesses. You'll leave with concrete strategies to practice and a clear roadmap for improvement.

Look for tutors with strong LSAT scores (typically 160+), proven teaching experience, and familiarity with the current LSAT format. They should understand Reading Comprehension at a deep level—not just knowing the answers, but understanding *why* certain answers are correct and how to teach that reasoning to students. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated mastery of the test and a track record of helping students improve.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing if you're approaching passages correctly or whether you'll finish in time. Tutoring builds confidence through repeated practice with feedback, clear strategy instruction, and timed drills that simulate test conditions. As you see improvement and develop reliable techniques, anxiety naturally decreases because you trust your preparation and approach.