Score improvement depends on your starting point and study intensity, but most students see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused preparation. If you're consistently missing 8-10 questions per section, targeted tutoring can help you identify patterns in your errors and develop strategies to address them systematically. The key is consistent practice with real LSAT passages combined with expert feedback on your reasoning—not just getting answers right, but understanding why you got them wrong.

Effective pacing starts with understanding your personal reading speed and adjusting your approach accordingly. Some students benefit from reading the questions first to know what to look for, while others do better with a quick passage preview followed by focused reading. Tutors can help you test different strategies on practice passages to find what works for your brain, then build the stamina to execute it under timed conditions. The goal is finding a rhythm that lets you read actively without rushing through critical details.

Most test prep experts recommend completing at least 15-20 full-length practice tests, with at least 5-10 done under strict timed conditions close to test day. However, quality matters more than quantity—reviewing why you missed questions is far more valuable than simply completing tests. A personalized study schedule with a tutor helps you space out practice strategically, identify which passage types trip you up, and focus your efforts on the areas where you'll gain the most points.

LSAT Reading Comprehension questions fall into several categories: main point/primary purpose, detail/fact questions, inference questions, author's tone/attitude, function questions (why did the author include this?), and comparative reading questions. Each type requires a slightly different approach—for example, inference questions demand careful reasoning about what logically follows, while detail questions reward careful passage re-reading. Understanding the nuances of each question type and practicing them separately helps you respond more accurately and efficiently on test day.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach. Building confidence through consistent, successful practice is the best antidote—when you've solved similar passages dozens of times, the section feels less intimidating. Working with a tutor also helps you develop a clear, repeatable strategy you can rely on, which reduces the mental load during the test. Techniques like breathing exercises and positive self-talk matter too, but they're most effective when paired with genuine preparation.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in LSAT prep and understand the specific demands of Reading Comprehension. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your target score, current weaknesses, and learning style so they can tailor their approach to your needs. The best fit is someone who not only knows the test deeply but also explains concepts clearly and adapts their teaching based on your progress—something you'll feel immediately in your first session.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic conversation about your LSAT timeline, target score, and any specific passages or question types that frustrate you. Many tutors will have you work through a timed passage or two so they can observe your approach and identify where breakdowns happen—whether it's comprehension, time management, or reasoning. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan that addresses your biggest opportunities for improvement and fits your schedule leading up to test day.