Score improvement depends on your starting point and consistency, but students typically see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused preparation. If you're starting below your target score, improvements of 3-5 points are realistic with dedicated practice and expert guidance on strategy. The key is identifying your specific weaknesses—whether that's passage analysis, timing, or question type mastery—and building targeted skills rather than generic test prep.

Effective pacing combines strategic reading (focusing on structure and argument flow rather than memorizing details), smart question selection (tackling easier questions first), and timed practice. Many students waste time re-reading passages; instead, learning to annotate efficiently and trust your first read saves critical minutes. Tutors can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy based on your reading speed and question accuracy patterns, then refine it through timed drills.

The LSAT Reading Comprehension section features main point questions, specific reference questions, inference questions, and author's tone/purpose questions. Each type requires a different approach—main point questions reward big-picture thinking, while specific reference questions demand careful passage navigation. Understanding the unique demands of each type and practicing targeted strategies for them is far more effective than generic reading practice.

Your first session typically involves a diagnostic assessment—working through a timed Reading Comprehension section so your tutor can identify your specific strengths and weaknesses. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any particular passage types or question formats that trouble you. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan focused on closing your specific gaps rather than generic test prep.

Practice tests are essential—they build stamina, reveal patterns in your mistakes, and help calibrate your pacing under real test conditions. Most successful students complete 10-15 full practice tests before test day, using them to identify which passage types or question formats consistently trip them up. Your tutor uses practice test results to guide your study focus, ensuring every hour of preparation targets your actual weaknesses.

Dense passages reward active reading—annotating the argument structure, identifying the main claim and supporting evidence, and noting the author's perspective as you read. Rather than trying to understand every detail, focus on the logical skeleton: what's the main point, what supports it, and what's the author's tone? Tutors teach annotation systems and passage mapping techniques that transform overwhelming texts into manageable frameworks, making questions much easier to answer quickly and accurately.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, dedicating 5-10 hours weekly to LSAT study with 2-3 hours focused specifically on Reading Comprehension. Early weeks emphasize understanding question types and developing annotation strategies; middle weeks involve timed section practice; final weeks focus on full-length tests and refining weak areas. Your tutor helps you build a schedule that fits your timeline and intensity level, ensuring steady progress without burnout.