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!

Rachel: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...During my time as an undergraduate, I served as a Biology tutor for my schools Biological Sciences Honor Society and as a mentor for graduating high school students through the Dream Project. As a tutor, my main duty is to work with 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- +89 subjects

Sean: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...are looking for a relaxed tutor who will still push you to achieve personal as well as academic goals, don't hesitate to contact me. I am a computer science major currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree. I have tutored ACT prep and SAT prep previously on many occasions, and I am willing to work with and help you reach your full potential on these tests. I really enjoy teaching test preparation, as there are so many...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +28 subjects

Kevin: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...my BA in Political Science. Prior to attending college, I graduated from the West Windsor Plainsboro School District, so I understand how stressful and competitive academics can be in and around this area. I tutor several subjects though I am strongest in the humanities particularly in preparation for the AP European/American History exams as well as the AP American Government/Comparative Politics exams. I also offer ACT/SAT Writing, ACT/SAT Reading, SAT Verbal and ACT English tutoring....
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- ACT Writing
- ACT
- +15 subjects

Max: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...I'm originally from Millburn, NJ. This year, I'm taking two semesters off from school to sing and travel the entire world with the Yale Whiffenpoofs, America's oldest collegiate a cappella singing group. Apart from singing, I'm is passionate about education, particularly in 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +104 subjects

Malcolm: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...in the Philadelphia area. I graduated cum laude from Temple University in 2012 with degrees in English and Italian. After graduation, I moved to Sardinia to teach English as a Foreign Language and work as a freelance Italian-to-English translator. Since returning to the United States in mid-2013, I have taught SAT Prep for a local nonprofit, worked as a copy editor for the Italian branch of Google Ads, and performed a year of national service...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelors, English; Italian
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- +35 subjects

Andrew: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...Iowa State University. I moved to Seattle to explore the careers in the area, and to experience what life is like in a big city. During my college career, I was a part of several study groups and helped classmates with their writing informally, but during my senior year, I tutored another student formally in their chemistry class. Becoming a tutor for the first time made me realize how much I valued and enjoyed teaching....
Education & Certification
- Iowa State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Organic Chemistry
- Literature
- +22 subjects

Keith: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...was my first exposure to education (from the educators side) back when I was in college, working with students at a local high school. First with them, and also my friends, I noticed that I really enjoyed helping people understand something they 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,...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Unknown, International History
- Valparaiso University - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- +56 subjects

Mihir: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...to help them reach their potential and to achieve more than they thought they were capable of. Having recently graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Chemistry with Highest Distinction, I know that hard work and dedication to your education can pay great dividends. I have tutored students from middle school through college-level and had tremendous pleasure of helping over 50 students achieve their potential and dramatically improve their grades and test scores....
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Current Undergrad, Chemistry - Biochemistry Track
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- Other
- +57 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 Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +110 subjects

Lee: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...staying in the Chicago area because I truly love the city and envision staying here for a long time. As a tutor, I have had students ranging from sophomores in high school to adults transitioning into a new career. My Engineering curriculum at Northwestern was heavily centered around Math, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, so I can work with a student on more than one class at a time. I also have a lot of experience...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +41 subjects

Emma: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...I earned my doctoral degree in contemporary American poetry. Before that I earned my masters in English at Wake Forest University, NC. I am passionate about poetry, writing, and the English language, and dedicated to helping others understand and achieve competence in the writing process. I have taught college-level composition courses, as well as a poetry course, and have tutored at Wake Forest University's writing center for two years, and therefore have experience in coaching...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelors, English
- Wake Forest University - Master of Arts, English
- University of Notre Dame - PHD, English
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Writing
- IB Language A: Literature
- +66 subjects

Don: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...reach students that others struggled to reach and motivate, oftentimes at-risk students, and I found this one of the highest compliments of my career. I find it my greatest goal to make sure that all students, from those seeking the highest standards to those struggling with basic skills, can understand themselves, can define their abilities, and can work forward to becoming all that they are meant to be. My years of teaching experience have helped...
Education & Certification
- Dordt College - Bachelors, English
- Concordia University-Saint Paul - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Literature
- College Essays
- +19 subjects

Stacie: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...learning new things myself, but nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment and purpose that comes with helping others do the same. I take great pride in developing individualized tutoring programs for my students based on their specific needs and goals. I previously taught high school for several years and also have tutoring experience in a wide variety of subject areas. At this time, I focus almost exclusively on assisting students seeking top scores on...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Arlington - Bachelors, English
- Texas AM University - Commerce - Current Grad Student, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +134 subjects

Erica: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...in English and Ancient Latin Language and Literature. I am a licensed teacher with a diversity of experience working with young people. For the past 10 years, I have tutored students of all ages and in a variety of subjects, with a strong focus on K-12 mathematics. I am pursuing a Master's degree in Elementary Education and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. I am extremely passionate about teaching and work daily...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- Elementary School Reading
- +77 subjects

Taylor: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...come back home eventually. (Most Arizonans don't know what a cheese curd is.) I love learning about anything and everything, but my greatest passion lies somewhere between math, computer science, and linguistics. I've enjoyed helping and tutoring others since I was young -- probably influenced by my family of teachers. I find there is an important creative aspect to most academic subjects that often gets overlooked, especially in math. I try to incorporate this into...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- College English
- +32 subjects

Elsbeth: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...that must be taken before being able to successfully facilitating learning: getting to know a student and building trust, discovering strengths and finding ways to utilize them, and building a love of learning and an enthusiasm for the process of learning, while continuing to feed that enthusiasm, especially when challenges are encountered in the learning process. Without these steps, the progress of the student will be much slower, if there is any at all. One...
Education & Certification
- Warren Wilson College - Bachelors, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- Comparative Literature
- College Essays
- High School English
- +10 subjects

Lexi: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...originally from Long Island. My lifelong interest in foreign cultures and languages led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Politics and certificates in Near Eastern Studies & Arabic Language/Culture, as well as multiple trips abroad for language immersion and research. I am passionate about education and believe strongly in academic success as a platform for personal growth and self-esteem. My tutoring experience began in middle school as a reading helper to children for...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor in Arts, Politics, Near Eastern Studies, Arabic
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- +29 subjects

Ellis: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...I have been a successful tutor for over ten years specializing in SAT and PSAT preparation including reading comprehension, grammar, and essay and term paper writing. SAT and PSAT tutees have consistently achieved 150 200 point gains. Libraries throughout CT (including New Haven, Wallingford, East Haven, Cheshire, Bethany, Woodridge, and Madison) have acknowledged these successes by repeatedly selecting me as presenter of library sponsored SAT preparation seminars. (The seminars have garnered substantial positive online and...
Education & Certification
- Trinity College Hartford CT - Bachelors, Modern Languages
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law - PHD, Law
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- Constitutional Law
- +118 subjects

David: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...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 to focus on helping students find their authentic voice. Essays succeed when...
Education & Certification
- Drake University - Bachelor of Science, Education, History
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- +37 subjects

Ariela: SAT Reading test prep instructor
...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 enjoy and excel at condensing and re-communicating facts...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- Advanced Placement
- +50 subjects