Raising My SAT Reading Score – Strategies?

Hey everyone! I'm planning on taking the SAT again, and I really need to improve my reading score. What strategies or resources have you found helpful in raising your SAT reading score? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!

Hey! Raising your SAT reading score can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely doable with the right approach and resources. Here are some strategies that have worked for others:

1. Practice active reading: As you read passages, underline or take notes on key ideas, arguments, and supporting evidence. This helps you stay engaged with the text and makes it easier to answer questions later.

2. Time management: The SAT reading section has 52 questions with 65 minutes allotted. A general rule is to spend about 30-45 seconds reading the question and another 30-45 seconds answering it. Practice pacing yourself so you can answer all questions accurately within the time limit.

3. Attack questions strategically: Start by answering the questions that are easier or more straightforward, then move on to the harder ones. This ensures you get as many points as possible and reduces the chance of running out of time on difficult questions. Use process of elimination when needed!

4. Understand question types: Familiarize yourself with the different types of questions you'll encounter, such as main idea, inference, vocabulary in context, evidence-based, and more. Knowing these will help you focus on the right aspects of the passage and answer more efficiently.

5. Use reputable resources: In addition to official College Board practice tests, consider utilizing resources like Khan Academy, which provides a free online platform with personalized study plans and practice questions. Another resource is Erica Meltzer's "The Critical Reader" book, which specifically focuses on SAT reading strategies and techniques.

6. Brush up on grammar and vocabulary: Although the bulk of the reading section focuses on passage comprehension, having a strong grasp of grammar and vocabulary can help you better understand complex sentence structures and tricky wording.

7. Review mistakes: After completing practice tests or exercises, thoroughly review your incorrect answers. This will help you identify any patterns in the types of questions you're consistently missing, enabling you to focus your preparation on those areas.

8. Consistent practice: Make a study schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key to improving your reading score, so try to set aside dedicated time each week for SAT reading practice.

Remember that every student is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Try various strategies and resources to find the right combination for you. Best of luck in your preparations!