If you reached this page by searching for an "SAT Reading class near me," Varsity Tutors offers comprehensive SAT Reading courses you may wish to look into. We are a leader in the competitive test prep space because we specialize in providing students with the individualized attention they need to pursue their academic goals.
The SAT is a high-stakes exam taken by high school juniors and seniors across the country as part of the college application process. It is divided into four sections, one of which assesses a test taker's critical reading skills. If your student could retain more of the information they read, taking an SAT Reading prep class may prove to be a wise investment.
Students take the SAT in order to fulfill the standardized testing requirement on their undergraduate college applications. The SAT Reading section is scored with the assessment's Writing and Language section on a scale from 200-800. A student's score on this section is then added to their Math score (also on a 200-800 scale) to produce a final grade from 400-1,600. In addition, there is an optional essay section scored separately from the rest of the exam.
Colleges and universities each assign different weights to standardized test scores, and some may consider the Verbal Score more important than other sections. This becomes more likely if your student plans to major in a "Verbal" discipline such as English. Enrolling your student in an SAT Reading prep course may help them build the study skills required to feel more confident on exam day.
The entire SAT Reading section is comprised of multiple-choice questions based on provided reading passages, making reading comprehension and attention to detail the most important skills for the exam. Students only have 65 minutes to read all of the passages and answer 52 questions, so time management can also be a beneficial skill to practice during an SAT Reading class.
Most SAT Reading classes begin by helping students feel comfortable with the formatting of the exam. The SAT is a traditional pencil-and-paper test. The SAT Reading section consists of four reading passages (or groups of reading passages) about the topics listed below:
- One passage that comes from contemporary or class US or world literature
- One or a pair of passages from one of the United States founding documents or another passage from the Great Global Conversation that these documents inspired
- A social science selection related to sociology, psychology, economics, or related areas
- 2-3 science passages examining developments and foundational concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, or Earth science.
How Can SAT Reading Prep Courses Near Me Help My Student Prepare?
Taking an SAT Reading course can equip your student with the skills needed for each of these passages. For example, the Literature passage is likely to ask students to interpret who the characters are and what they want, as well as how the context of the story may impact them. If your student has a hard time relating to works of fiction, your student's instructor might draw practice passages from an English Language Arts textbook during SAT Reading prep courses to make it a little easier.
Understanding creative writing can also be difficult for some students, so your student's instructor may encourage them to try writing some original material. If your student has some experience with creative writing, it may be easier for them to relate to the process that goes into producing fiction. Naturally, answering questions about that process may then become easier.
Likewise, the Founding Fathers of the United States employed English mechanics that are very different from the standards of today. Some of the words they used are out-of-date, important concepts could be capitalized for emphasis, and certain words had multiple acceptable spellings. If your student has a hard time adapting to older written material, they may review it during their SAT Reading course until they are more comfortable with the English conventions of yesteryear.
If your student feels as though the 18th century is too far removed from their modern life, parallels may be drawn between then and now to make it more interesting. Modern political discourse is civil compared to the feud between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. It may also prove beneficial to look at how Founding concepts have translated to the contemporary United States. For example, how has the separation of powers prescribed in the Constitution been adapted throughout American history? Developing an appreciation for the past can help students interpret it in the present.
The passage on social science can prove tricky because the subject matters (psychology, economics, sociology, etc.) are rarely studied at the high school level. Your student may wish to review these concepts during SAT Reading prep classes to help them develop a frame of reference that can place these subjects within their proper context. Otherwise, students may feel that they are reading random words about a subject they have little understanding of.
Graphs and charts can also appear on this section, so your student may need to review them for the social sciences passage. Thankfully, students never need to use mathematics on the SAT Reading section, so interpreting data in graphical form is enough. Your student's instructor may provide practice problems about charts and graphs to make your student more comfortable with this segment of the exam.
Finally, scientific reading passages tend to be densely packed with pertinent information. If your student has a hard time concentrating on dense material, their instructor may demonstrate active reading techniques such as jotting down notes during SAT Reading prep courses. Not only can this help ensure that a student is concentrating on a reading passage, they may also be able to refer to their notes instead of the passage itself to answer a challenging question!
Some students may also have a hard time relating to scientific material. Your student's instructor might identify ways in which science has positively changed the world, such as the invention of the internet, to make it seem more relevant to their everyday lives. Alternatively, practice passages may be drawn from scientific topics that your student finds interesting to make them more relatable. If your student is fascinated by Earth Science, reading passages about it can help them prepare even if their actual SAT Reading section has a passage on biology instead.
While a lot of different topics are covered, students do not need any prior knowledge to answer SAT Reading questions. That said, a general knowledge base about the topics above can help a student digest written information more quickly. Taking an SAT Reading class could be a great way to help the student in your life build a solid background in the topics most likely to appear on test day.
Similarly, many students practice test-taking strategies during SAT Reading prep classes. For instance, multiple-choice questions might contain enough information to answer another item on the exam. A student who knows to keep an eye open for opportunities to leverage an exam against itself may be able to correctly answer a couple of questions that they otherwise could have missed.
Since students only have 65 minutes for the entire test, it can prove beneficial to take practice tests to get a feel for what the time available feels like. There is no penalty for guessing on the SAT, so an SAT Reading class might go over how to eliminate incorrect answer choices and take a guess if your student gets stuck. Your student cannot afford to spend 20 minutes on number 17, after all!
In addition, students can take practice exams during SAT Reading courses to gain firsthand experience with how the test works. If your student consistently performs better on one section of the test than another, the results of a practice test may help identify the areas of opportunity future SAT Reading classes should focus on. Alternatively, a student who memorizes the directions in an SAT Reading prep course doesn't need to read them on exam day, potentially allowing them to apply a little extra time to the rest of the test.
If you would like an example of the types of questions your student might review during an SAT Reading prep class, consider the sample question below:
- This question is based on a provided written passage
- In the context of the passage, the author's use of the phrase "her light step flying to keep time with his long stride" (line 3) is primarily meant to convey the idea that:
- Ethan and Mattie share a powerful enthusiasm.
- Mattie strives to match the speed at which Ethan works.
- Mattie and Ethan playfully compete with each other.
- Ethan walks at a pace that frustrates Mattie.
- In the context of the passage, the author's use of the phrase "her light step flying to keep time with his long stride" (line 3) is primarily meant to convey the idea that:
If you feel that your student would not have answered this question correctly, they may review critical reading techniques during their SAT Reading courses to help them identify the context that gives a particular line its intended meaning. If you would like to look at more practice questions, your student's SAT Reading prep class instructor can show you additional problems.
Varsity Tutors offers two different SAT Reading prep classes to help as many students as possible to pursue academic success. Our first SAT Reading class consists of private one-on-one tutoring. Your student can spend as long as they need to on any concept, and any questions they have may be addressed in a timely fashion. In contrast, large SAT Reading courses generally follow set curricula that may not be adjusted based on the needs of an individual student.
A private tutor can also take the time to get to know your student on a personal level, potentially allowing them to foster a learning environment where your student is more comfortable asking questions as necessary. Tutors may also be able to adjust their approach to suit their pupil's unique learning style. For example, auditory learners might need to read material out loud in their head in order to fully grasp it, while visual learners might prefer to draw a little star to highlight important concepts. Either approach is workable, but classroom teachers often need to choose one at the expense of the other.
Furthermore, your student's one-on-one instructor may even be able to design study sessions around your student's interests to create a more engaging SAT Reading course. For instance, a student with a passion for business might practice reading dense passages on economics to prepare for the social science passage on the exam. If a student is actively engaged in the learning process, they are likely to get more out of it.
Alternatively, you may choose an SAT Reading group course. An SAT Reading course is comprised of a teacher, your student, and several classmates preparing for the same exam. Students are free to help each other out as needed, potentially creating a collaborative learning environment that helps everybody pursue their goals.
This format adds a little bit more structure to the learning process, which some students might find beneficial. You also get more value for your money while retaining the right to arrange a separate SAT Reading prep class if your student needs more personalized attention to grasp a particular topic.
We also try to make it easy to find "SAT Reading classes near me." Our Live Learning Platform facilitates digital study sessions, providing the benefits of attending an SAT Reading course with an instructor in the same room without actually needing to arrange such a meeting. If you're interested in tutoring, we'll try to match you with an instructor who fits your scheduling needs. Alternatively, we offer multiple SAT Reading prep courses concurrently to help you find one that fits your life. Nobody should need to rearrange their life just to accommodate an SAT Reading prep course!
If you would like us to connect you with the "SAT Reading courses near me" you have been searching for, please contact an Educational Consultant using the info provided below for more information. Varsity Tutors is dedicated to helping as many students as possible reach for their academic goals!
Josh: SAT Reading course instructor
...sound. That said, I still have a secret crush on math and science, and I love exploring and analyzing languages and the written word. (In fact, much of the music I have written has been inspired by literary or linguistic concepts.) I have taught courses in music theory, history, and composition at the University of Washington, and I have tutored students of all ages in school subjects ranging from biology to social studies. I especially...
Education & Certification
- Stanford University - Bachelor in Arts, Music, Concentration in Composition
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Masters, Music Composition
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +42 subjects
Rachel: SAT Reading course instructor
...a student as an individual and to adjust my own tutoring to fit the way they learn best. I believe that all students have what it takes to succeed in school, its just a matter of finding the style of learning that is most effective for them. What works or makes sense for one student will not necessarily work for the next student, and so it is essential as a tutor to be able to...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- +89 subjects
Michael: SAT Reading course instructor
...this test draws on the strengths that I developed throughout college and during my months of preparation for the test. While the LSAT is challenging, it is learnable, and with a basic understanding of logical concepts and some key strategies to approach each section, anyone is capable of improving his/her score significantly. These concepts and strategies helped boost my score 17 points over the course of 2 months. As someone who has recently gone through...
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelors, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +26 subjects
Nisarg: SAT Reading course instructor
...a freshman here at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. I graduated from Wayzata High, and I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in neuroscience. At the University, I'm usually in class, studying, hanging out with my friends, or at club meetings! In my free time, I love to breakdance, write poetry, debate politics and economics, and participate in practically every nerdy endeavor possible (huge Star Wars fan!!). I love to talk and will talk...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota - Bachelors, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- +38 subjects
Brianna: SAT Reading course instructor
...special needs children, doing everything from teaching special education to one-on-one in-home mentoring. Through my experiences, I have continued to carry my passion for working with children and have developed my skills in making successful and individualized learning fun. Math, science and test prep are the subjects I'm particularly passionate about tutoring, as I've always loved those subjects myself. Additionally, I've worked extensively with adults on business skills, marketing and social media.... I believe that education is integral in development and students should be taught in an individualized way as each student is different.
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +217 subjects
Keith: SAT Reading course instructor
...were struggling with. Thats why I hope to tutor as many students as I can handle. The thing I enjoy most about teaching is the opportunity to help students learn. I enjoy knowledge, both the receiving and the giving thereof, and Im looking forward to being able to help your student (or you yourself) grow in the field you are currently grappling with. I have been fortunate to do well in my own academic pursuits:...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Unknown, International History
- Valparaiso University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +56 subjects
Rebecca: SAT Reading course instructor
...programs for the Institute of Reading Development, where I saw that, as my students' reading skills improved, their overall confidence skyrocketed. They became better students because they stopped feeling incapable and inept. This experience is the foundation of my tutoring philosophy. I believe education increases one's own sense of ability and self-worth. Because of this, I aim to inspire interest and excitement in my students, not simply teach them effect ways to memorize a textbook....
Education & Certification
- Occidental College - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- GRE
- PSAT
- +31 subjects
Kaley: SAT Reading course instructor
...love teaching and I have been working with kids since high school. I have experience both as a classroom teacher and a tutor and in these roles I look for ways to make learning fun and rewarding. I especially love teaching reading and writing and I have taught or tutored these subjects to students ranging from kindergarten through adults. I also have experience tutoring test prep subjects and focus both on the content material and...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Education and Public Policy
- Harvard Graduate School of Education - Masters, Human Development and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- PSAT Writing Skills
- College English
- +35 subjects
David: SAT Reading course instructor
...have tutored for many years and I have found that students may learn in different ways and all can excel. I like to present material in an engaging and relevant manner so that we can all learn and achieve success. One-on-one tutoring is an effective technique, particularly for explaining and modeling math, and I enjoy seeing students attitudes toward school brighten when they see immediate progress in their work. As a writing tutor, I like...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +37 subjects
Mahak: SAT Reading course instructor
...both the SAT and ACT in high school as well as three SAT subject tests. I took various different prep courses to prepare and along the way learned so many different tips and tricks that stuck with me. My tutors helped me improve my score beyond my expectations, and I hope to do the same for my students. Since I have been on the other side of the picture, I know what worked best for...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Science, Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- +12 subjects
Hallie: SAT Reading course instructor
...now tutor a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, writing, Spanish, and Algebra. I am particularly passionate about preparations for standardized testing, including the SATs and AP exams, and helping students through the college application process. My hope is that the support I provide to struggling students will empower them to expand their academic curiosity and appreciate learning. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going to the theater, and baking, preferably something with...
Education & Certification
- Skidmore College - Bachelors, theater
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +51 subjects
Alex: SAT Reading course instructor
...as an EMT-Paramedic, a lifeguard, a martial arts instructor, and a swim instructor. I have been fortunate enough to travel to several different countries in Central America, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. I have done medical aid work in both Nicaragua and Haiti. My teaching experiences outside of academic instruction include 8 years of teaching Kenpo Karate, several years of swimming instruction for noncompetitive swimmers and triathletes, and four years training college and graduate...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +146 subjects
Earnest: SAT Reading course instructor
...background. In school, I learned how to break down problems, analyze each component, and then proceed step-by-step to a solution. This same approach has helped me excel as a tutor because breaking down problems for students and guiding them as they grapple with the concepts involved helps identify sticking points and facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the material at hand. My previous tutoring experience has taught me how to be patient, present information to students...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- University of Pennsylvania - Masters, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Verbal
- +19 subjects
Parisa: SAT Reading course instructor
...think it's important to note one thing about my teaching style. I was never someone who simply "got" things in class. I often struggled to understand relatively simple concepts, especially when compared to my classmates, whether that was in test-taking or in any academic subject. So, I know what it's like to really wrestle with a subject, and I know what kind of assistance is helpful (and what kind of assistance/teaching is not). I think...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Current Undergrad, Politics Honors and Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- +26 subjects
Alex: SAT Reading course instructor
...and Calculus, as well as test prep for the SAT. In that time period, I have had the opportunity to work with dozens of students with different backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles. As much as tutoring helps the student, it also helps me. My instruction incorporates the best techniques and explanations that I have found most effective over the years. I believe there are two critical ingredients needed to conquer any math issues. The...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- Drexel University - Current Grad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- Study Skills and Organization
- +17 subjects
Max: SAT Reading course instructor
...helping high school students achieve their academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th graders just won the 2016 New Haven regional championship!), and I've been tutoring middle and high school students for over 7 years. On top of all of that, I'm an aspiring professional in the business world - this past summer...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- +104 subjects
Vivek: SAT Reading course instructor
...College. I am a biology major and neuroscience minor. Science has been my passion from a young age. I like tutoring because I sincerely enjoy helping others and being able to impart my knowledge and experience. Along with being strong in my curricular classes, I have experience helping and tutoring younger students in various subjects and test prep. As a patient and encouraging teacher, I am adept at helping others reach their educational goals.... My teaching philosophy is "work hard, play hard." It may sound childish, but I believe the brain requires balance in everything, including activities. With a strong work ethic, along with support and freedom, the tutor and student will go far.
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +66 subjects
Mark: SAT Reading course instructor
I am a recent Yale graduate with a B.S in chemical engineering. I have over 5 years of experience tutoring a wide range of subjects, and I am very passionate about math and science. My favorite part of tutoring is instilling confidence into students and making them feel that they can understand and enjoy a subject.... Everyone learns differently, but everyone can learn anything.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineer
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- Pre-Calculus
- +39 subjects
Ruth: SAT Reading course instructor
...currently working primarily with 10th grade students. I have previously worked at middle and elementary schools as well. I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2016 with a B.A. in English and Theatre. I then got my M.S.Ed from Northwestern. I have worked with children of all ages in various capacities, including teaching, and I find that the best way for students to learn is to have fun and engage them.... Learning is most effective when the student is having fun, and the best way to learn is to teach.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, English Lang./Lit. and Theatre and Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- +43 subjects
Gabrielle: SAT Reading course instructor
...a wide variety of subjects. From ESL to public speaking, I have had the chance to help students make remarkable advancements in both confidence and competency levels. I am particularly passionate about tutoring English, Mandarin, and standardized test prep. In my experience working with students struggling to pass a class or to prepare for college entrance exams, we always have fun determining the study method that works best for them. Everybody has a different learning...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Languages
- Literature
- +29 subjects