If you're interested in equipping your student with expert SAT Reading test prep services, Varsity Tutors can set you up with comprehensive SAT Reading courses you may want to learn more about. We specialize in helping students of all ages and ability levels develop the study habits they need to reach for academic success, a dedication that has established us as a leader in the SAT Reading test prep industry.
The SAT is a high-stakes exam used by colleges and universities across the United States as one factor in the competitive admissions process. It is comprised of four sections, one of which assesses a test-taker's critical reading ability. This section is combined with the Writing and Language section and scored on a scale from 200-800 that represents one half of a student's final grade on the SAT. This "Verbal" score may prove particularly important if your student intends to major in a subject such as History or Literature. If you feel that your student could benefit from dedicated SAT Reading prep, taking an SAT Reading class may be just what they need to pursue their educational goals.
SAT Reading test preparation may begin by emphasizing the most important skills students need on test day. The bulleted list below breaks down the skills students might review in an SAT Reading course:
- Command of Evidence
- Find evidence in the passages that supports answers or provides the basis for a sound conclusion
- Understand how authors present their arguments with evidence
- Identify relationships between text and accompanying data
- Words in Context
- Utilize context clues to understand what a word or phrase means
- Identify how word choices affect tone, style, and meaning
- Analysis in History/Social Studies and in Science
- Understand the meaning of the passage
- Draw inferences and conclusions
How Can SAT Reading Test Prep Near Me Help My Student Improve Their Study Efficiency?
One-on-one SAT Reading prep allows students to spend as much or as little time on each of the above skills as they might need to. For instance, if your student is a wizard when it comes to using context clues to decipher the meaning of an unfamiliar word but has a harder time with historical analysis, their SAT Reading test prep can concentrate on historic passages to help improve their SAT Reading preparation efficiency.
Similarly, SAT Reading tutors can go over each type of passage that may appear on your student's exam. Topics are drawn from a variety of sources, including U.S. and World literature, historical documents related to the founding of our country, passages about the social sciences (economics, psychology, sociology, etc.), and the sciences (biology, Earth science, physical science, etc.). Each of these requires a unique approach that SAT Reading prep can equip your student for.
Can SAT Reading Tutors Near Me Prepare My Student For Every Section On The Test?
Yes! For instance, the Literature passage may require students to identify how a fiction author uses word choice to define the tone of a piece, as well as how that tone impacts the overall message of the work. If your student could be more sensitive to details like these, SAT Reading classes may review active reading techniques such as highlighting the most important points to help quickly identify them.
Similarly, some questions may require students to infer additional info from the details provided in a work, even if they aren't directly stated. If your student could use a refresher on how to use the information provided to draw accurate conclusions, they may review questions like these with their SAT Reading class.
The second passage on the SAT Reading section is typically drawn from the early history of the United States. Authors such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams followed grammatical rules and mechanical conventions that seem completely foreign to modern audiences, potentially tripping your student up. If the student in your life could use some help deciphering older material, their instructor might provide sample passages they can practice with during their SAT Reading test prep.
If your student is one of the many who finds history boring, they might review how historical concepts such as the American Revolution impact their daily lives. After all, modern American politics, economics, and ideals can all be traced back to the Founding Fathers. If your student becomes legitimately interested in the passage they are reading, they may feel more engaged and ultimately get more out of their SAT Reading preparation.
The third passage on the SAT Reading section deals with the social sciences. Many high school students haven't formally studied topics such as sociology or psychology yet, leaving them without a frame of reference for the questions on this section. Therefore, students might choose to review some basic concepts during their SAT Reading prep to get a sense for what this portion expects of them.
Likewise, this is the first section of the exam where a chart or graph could appear. The SAT Reading section never asks math questions, but students are required to interpret information presented in graphical form. If your student has a hard time looking at a bar graph and using that information to answer questions, they may want to spend some SAT test prep time practicing it. Similarly, a section may consist of a graph and a short reading passage. If your student could more effectively blend two distinct information sources in order to draw solid conclusions, they can review how to do so in an SAT Reading course as well.
The final pair of passages on the test deal with the sciences. They tend to be dense, with a lot of potentially unfamiliar words and complicated supporting ideas. Students may utilize SAT Reading tutoring sessions to practice identifying the main idea in such works, giving them something to focus on as they read further.
While the SAT Reading section does not expect students to have any prior knowledge of the material, having a background to draw on may make it easier to place scientific articles into their proper context. Accordingly, working on common scientific concepts such as life cycles or gravity during SAT Reading test preparation could prove beneficial even if it does not directly appear on the test.
Is There Any Way SAT Reading Tutoring Near Me Can Help My Student Understand The Test's Formatting?
Absolutely! In fact, the structure students can expect on exam day is often one of the first topics discussed in SAT Reading courses. The SAT is a traditional pencil-and-paper exam, so it's just like other tests your student has taken in school. If your student occasionally deals with test anxiety, this sameness may be emphasized during SAT Reading courses to help them relax on exam day.
Students have 65 minutes to answer 52 multiple-choice questions (and read their associated passages), so time management is also an important consideration on exam day. If your student practices their active reading skills during their SAT Reading prep, the notes they take may be a faster reference if they need to double-check an answer. Likewise, many student go over the test's directions during SAT Reading prep so that they don't need to waste any valuable exam time reading them.
Many students also go over test-taking strategies during SAT Reading classes to improve their self-confidence heading into the exam. For example, reading the questions before their associated passage can help guide your student's reading as they know exactly what they looking for. Likewise, some multiple-choice items contain the information required to answer something else on the exam. If your student is vigilant about looking for these opportunities, they could answer a question correctly that they otherwise may have missed!
Most importantly, students can take practice exams during their SAT Reading preparation to gain firsthand experience with the test. If your student consistently performs better on one portion of the exam than another, future SAT Reading test prep sessions can gloss over where they are performing well to spend more time on your student's areas of opportunity. Some students also find it easier to manage the time available to them once they have experienced what it feels like for themselves during SAT Reading test prep.
If you're interested to see the types of questions your student may see on exam day, here's a sample question from the SAT's Reading component:
- This question is based on a provided written passage with an accompanying graph
- The passage most strongly suggests that researchers at the Martin Prosperity Institute share which assumption?
- Employees who work from home are more valuable to their employers than employees who commute.
- Employees whose commutes are shortened will use the time saved to do additional productive work for their employers.
- Employees can conduct business activities, such as composing memos or joining conference calls, while commuting.
- Employees who have lengthy commutes tend to make more money than employees who have shorter commutes.
- The passage most strongly suggests that researchers at the Martin Prosperity Institute share which assumption?
If you feel that the student in your life may have had a hard time with that question, it's not too late to enroll them in an SAT Reading course and help them prepare for test day.
What Kind Of SAT Reading Test Prep Solutions Near Me Does Varsity Tutors Offer?
Varsity Tutors can refer you to two different SAT Reading classes to help students pursue their dreams. First, we offer private SAT Reading tutoring services. Working with private SAT Reading tutors allows students to learn at their own pace, as there is no time limit on how long they may spend on a given concept. In contrast, many competing SAT Reading test preparation products follow set curricula with little to no flexibility to adapt to an individual student's needs.
Any questions your student has may also be answered immediately during one-on-one SAT Reading prep, allowing any misunderstandings to be corrected before they have a chance to spiral out of control. A private tutor can also take the time to get to know your student, incorporating their interests and learning style into their SAT Reading test prep to improve study efficiency.
For instance, it might prove beneficial for your student to begin by concentrating on passages about topics they are interested in to make SAT Reading prep more engaging. Less interesting passages may then be gradually incorporated into SAT Reading test prep to provide a more realistic sense of what the actual exam might be like.
Alternatively, you might want to look into one of our group courses. These are essentially an SAT Reading class consisting of the instructor, your student, and several other students preparing for the same test. Students are free to interact with each other as well as their teacher, potentially creating a collaborative learning environment that helps everybody pursue their academic goals together. Multiple students also split the cost of a group course, giving you more value for your SAT Reading test prep dollar.
Group courses also tend to be a little more formal than other SAT Reading preparation options, providing an extra bit of structure that some students may appreciate. Most importantly, all group course attendees can book private time outside of their standard SAT Reading prep with the teacher to go over anything that isn't sticking for whatever reason. That's right: your student can study in a group setting without compromising their right to individualized SAT Reading prep!
Either way, your student can study on our proprietary Live Learning Platform, an online classroom leveraging powerful features such as video chat functionality to provide a face-to-face learning experience without the headache of trying to get together in person. We believe that no student should need to rearrange their life just for SAT Reading test prep and design all of our SAT Reading prep products to accommodate your schedule to the greatest degree possible.
If you would like more information about our SAT Reading test prep options or simply want to talk it over with an expert, Educational Consultants are standing by to help you in any way they can. Choose Varsity Tutors for all of your SAT Reading prep needs!
Rebecca: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I find that this way we can build a productive tutoring relationship where I can help individualize learning to each person's particular learning style. Outside of academic interests, I enjoy cooking, being with friends...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +53 subjects
Diptesh: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...since high school and have been teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students from grades 6-12 and college in a variety of subjects since! I specialize in mathematics and science tutoring as well as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +88 subjects
Ariela: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...one of the reasons that I am good at test taking, is my ability to organize information. It's a skill I use both in my academic life, as well as professionally; as a stage manager, it is often my job to take in complicated and conflicting pieces of information (the blocking, a quick change in costumes, changes in a script) and quickly organize that information so that I can convey it to someone else. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- Writing
- +50 subjects
Gabrielle: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...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 style and once we hone in on the right one for you, an improvement in scores will become more than apparent. Overall, I find tutoring to be an incredibly rewarding profession and I...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Writing
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +29 subjects
Michael: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...the LSAT in the admissions process, however, I am particularly passionate about helping students master this test. I know from personal experience that the LSAT can be frustrating, but I will help students to break down each section and minimize the test's intimidation factor. With patience, repetition, and an understanding of how the test writers think, the LSAT can become predictable and even enjoyable. I want to help students get to that point so they...
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelors, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +26 subjects
Elsbeth: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...high school. I started helping 4th graders with their writing portfolios at my old elementary school when I was fifteen, and in college I did a teaching internship there and at my old high school. I also gained a lot of experience in 6 years of creative writing workshops. I was lucky enough to go to Interlochen Arts Academy to study writing for the last two years of high school, and I spent all of...
Education & Certification
- Warren Wilson College - Bachelors, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- College English
- High School English
- Creative Writing
- +10 subjects
Kaley: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...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 test taking skills. My passion is psychology and I have been able to use my graduate training in human development to tailor my...
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
- ISEE
- PSAT Writing Skills
- +35 subjects
Max: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...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 I worked at an internship in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and have previously held internship positions in human capital consulting & private equity, as well as in patent law. My interests are...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- +104 subjects
Nicolas: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...fearing mistakes, but seeing them as opportunities to learn, hone skills, and grow more confident. One of my strongest attributes as a tutor is my ability to break down complex ideas into clear and accessible language. There is nothing more gratifying than working through a difficult concept with a student and know they truly understand it and can put it into practice. In my free time I enjoy reading. Some of my favorite authors are...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- LSAT Essay Section
- +26 subjects
Alex: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...to more difficult problems. I have found that this approach allows the student to build up their confidence in the material, which directly translates into a willingness to learn and work hard. In addition, I highly value communication during the tutoring process. This involves keeping parents updated with how lessons are progressing and what was covered and could also include reaching out to school teachers to learn more about the material being covered. This also...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- Drexel University - Current Grad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- Other
- +17 subjects
Jaimie: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...currently working in the lab of Professor Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working on novel drug delivery systems for the gastrointestinal tract. I am hoping to attend medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician. I am currently interested in pediatrics and psychiatry but I am looking forward to exploring a range of available disciplines. I enjoy tutoring because I find it to be an engaging and dynamic process--I love working with...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +93 subjects
Annie: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...that comes from overcoming academic struggles to achieve excellence, I'm eager to help students reach their full potential! I graduated from Williams College in 2013 with a degree in English, focusing on women in literature. During my time there, I tutored students at the local middle and high school. I have experience tutoring in middle school English, math, and science, and high school English, social studies, and essay revision. My favorite part of tutoring is...
Education & Certification
- Williams College - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- +43 subjects
Lexi: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...English language and literature, and writing particularly around college applications, admissions essays, and SAT preparation. I have extensive experience tutoring foreign languages through my work as a Spanish & Arabic tutor at Princeton and through language exchanges completed while studying abroad in Mexico and Egypt (ages 18-30). I believe that learning a foreign language is hugely rewarding for students of all ages and welcome opportunities to tutor in Spanish or Arabic (or just to chat!)...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor in Arts, Politics, Near Eastern Studies, Arabic
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +29 subjects
Sean: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...aspects to taking these exams ranging from test taking strategies, the material itself, as well as preparation right before the tests themselves. I believe that every student requires a different teaching strategy, and I believe in treating every student as an individual rather than a collective. In terms of me personally, I really enjoy classical and electric violin, tennis, DJ'ing, as well as electronic music production. I am also an avid gamer, and I really...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- +28 subjects
Steven : SAT Reading test prep instructor
...were struggling in the classroom. In high school, I was a National Merit Scholar and National AP Scholar, and I am very familiar with test preparation strategies for the Reading and English portions of these exams. My personal teaching philosophy is that every student deserves a study strategy that adapts to their own needs, strengths and abilities. This fall, I'll begin a PhD program in Sociology focusing on Latino immigration to the United States. Next...
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish, International Studies
- University of California-Irvine - PHD, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- High School English
- Test Prep
- Essay Editing
- +27 subjects
Earnest: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...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 in a way that matches their individual learning styles, and communicate clearly and effectively. I have tutored both in person and online, and I am comfortable with either setting. I'm confident that I can...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- University of Pennsylvania - Masters, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- Other
- +19 subjects
Parisa: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...teach debate in local schools in Charlottesville. I enjoy working with students of all ages and have experience teaching students from the elementary school level to the college level. I've worked one-on-one both with friends and with my students on various subjects, including writing, economics, math, and standardized testing. Some qualifications: I recently took the LSAT and scored a 180 after intensive independent study. I am very committed to helping other students increase their scores,...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Current Undergrad, Politics Honors and Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +26 subjects
Taariq: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...of Duke University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 2014. I am primarily a math tutor but I also enjoy teaching chemistry and physics. Math was always my favorite subject in high school and I continued my love of math at Duke. I have also been a middle school and high school tutor throughout my time at Duke through the Program in Education. One of my crowning achievements at Duke was...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +27 subjects
John: SAT Reading test prep instructor
I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC in 2008, the oldest English speaking acting conservatory in the world. I graduated Summa from University of St Thomas with a BA in English, and just wrapped up a MS in Data Science from Northwestern. I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.... Positivity. Always. I believe that if a student is given positive tools and is allowed to understand the material rather than be lectured at, they're more likely to do well in the future.
Education & Certification
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Associates, Acting
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- +110 subjects
Max: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...that I answer questions, I also need to ask them to be effective. I love when students have specific questions about the material they are working on because it means they have an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. I want to encourage students to always be able to explain why they picked a certain answer or what steps they took to solve a problem. I also want students to have a connection to the...
Education & Certification
- Ball State University - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- Spanish
- +62 subjects