On the LSAT, you have about 8-9 minutes per passage, including both reading and answering all questions. Most students benefit from spending 3-4 minutes reading carefully and 5-6 minutes on questions, though this varies by individual. The key is reading actively—annotating main points, author tone, and argument structure—rather than re-reading passively. Expert tutors can help you calibrate your pace and develop annotation strategies that work for your reading style, so you're not rushing or wasting time on unnecessary detail.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see 3-7 point gains (on the 120-180 LSAT scale) within 4-8 weeks of focused work. Students who struggle with question interpretation or pacing often see faster improvement than those working from a higher baseline. Consistent practice with feedback—identifying patterns in the types of questions you miss—is what drives real gains. Personalized instruction accelerates this by pinpointing exactly where you're losing points rather than spending time on areas you've already mastered.

LSAT Reading Comprehension questions fall into several categories: main point/primary purpose, detail/fact-based questions, inference questions, author's tone/attitude, and function questions (why did the author include this detail?). Each question type requires a slightly different approach—for example, inference questions reward careful reasoning, while detail questions punish misreading. Learning to recognize question types quickly and apply the right strategy for each is essential for efficient performance. Tutors can walk you through the specific logic of each type and help you build pattern recognition so you're not solving each question from scratch.

Effective LSAT prep typically follows this progression: learn question types and strategies (weeks 1-2), practice individual passages with untimed work (weeks 2-4), then gradually introduce time pressure with full sections (weeks 4-8), and finally take full practice tests under real conditions. Most students benefit from 4-6 hours of focused Reading Comprehension work per week. The key is reviewing every single question you miss—not just the ones you got wrong, but also questions you guessed on correctly—to identify patterns in your thinking. Personalized tutoring helps you stay accountable to this structure and adjust based on what's actually working for you.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—working through a passage or two so your tutor can observe your reading process, annotation habits, and question-solving approach. This reveals whether you're struggling with comprehension, time management, question interpretation, or a combination of factors. You'll also discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan focused on your biggest opportunities for improvement, so every session builds toward your goals.

Track your performance by question type and passage subject matter across multiple practice tests—you'll likely notice patterns, like consistently missing inference questions or struggling with science passages. Also note whether you're running out of time or making careless errors when you have time. Many students assume they're slow readers when they're actually inefficient at identifying what matters in a passage. Expert tutors can review your practice work and pinpoint whether your weakness is conceptual (not understanding the question type), strategic (not knowing how to approach it), or execution-based (rushing or misreading). This diagnosis determines whether you need strategy coaching, more practice, or both.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach, so building confidence through targeted practice is the best antidote. Develop a pre-test routine (review your annotation strategy, remind yourself of question types, take deep breaths), and during the test, focus on controlling what you can—reading actively, pacing yourself, and trusting your preparation—rather than worrying about outcomes. Personalized tutoring builds this confidence by giving you concrete strategies you've practiced repeatedly, so the test feels like familiar territory. Your tutor can also help you distinguish between productive nervousness (which sharpens focus) and counterproductive anxiety (which clouds judgment), and develop mental tools to stay grounded.