Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but students typically see 3-7 point increases (on the 120-180 scale) with focused, consistent practice over 4-8 weeks. Some students improve faster if they identify specific weaknesses early—like struggling with inference questions versus main idea questions. Working with a tutor helps you pinpoint exactly which question types and passage genres are holding you back, so you can target your practice most effectively.

Pacing is one of the most fixable challenges on Reading Comprehension. Most students benefit from a strategic approach: spending 3-4 minutes reading the passage carefully (rather than rushing), then 4-5 minutes answering questions. The key is reading actively—marking main ideas, author tone, and structure as you go—so you don't waste time re-reading. A tutor can help you practice this rhythm with real LSAT passages and adjust your strategy based on whether you're a fast reader who misses details or a careful reader who runs out of time.

LSAT Reading Comprehension tests six main question types: Main Point, Role of a Detail, Inference, Author's Attitude, Function, and Strengthen/Weaken questions. Most students find Inference and Strengthen/Weaken questions hardest because they require deeper reasoning beyond what's explicitly stated. Personalized tutoring lets you practice each question type with targeted drills, so you understand the specific reasoning required for each—rather than treating all questions the same way.

Most LSAT prep experts recommend taking 15-20 full practice tests total during your prep period, with at least 5-10 of those under strict timed conditions in the weeks before your test date. However, quality matters more than quantity—it's better to take 10 tests and thoroughly review every mistake than to rush through 20 without analysis. A tutor can help you review your practice tests strategically, identifying patterns in your mistakes and adjusting your approach based on what you're learning.

Test anxiety on Reading Comprehension often stems from time pressure and fear of misunderstanding passages. Building confidence through repeated, timed practice with real LSAT passages is the most effective solution—you'll internalize that you can handle the material. Developing a consistent pre-test routine, practicing deep breathing during timed sections, and focusing on one passage at a time (rather than thinking about the whole section) also help significantly. Working with a tutor gives you a trusted person to process your anxiety with and build a personalized strategy for staying calm under pressure.

Yes—most students find dense legal and scientific passages more challenging than humanities passages, especially when they contain unfamiliar terminology or complex sentence structures. Law school-related passages can also feel intimidating if you're not familiar with legal concepts. The good news is that you don't need background knowledge in any subject; the LSAT is designed so all information you need is in the passage. A tutor can help you develop strategies for tackling tough passages, like how to mark key terms, identify the main argument quickly, and avoid getting lost in technical details.

Look for someone with strong LSAT credentials (ideally a high LSAT score themselves), experience teaching Reading Comprehension specifically, and the ability to explain reasoning clearly. They should be able to diagnose your specific weaknesses—whether that's pacing, inference reasoning, or handling certain passage types—rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Seattle who can create a personalized study plan based on your goals and timeline.