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!
Pallavi: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...UT Southwestern next fall. I would love to help others who are pursuing a similar path and need SAT or MCAT tutoring. I have been tutoring students for the SAT since high school. My tutoring style is interactive, as I like to guide students through problems until they are confident with the material on their...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Current Undergrad, Biology, B.A.
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- MCAT
- +9 subjects
Yusuf: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...understands well, and build up from there to the desired result: I feel this gives the student a deeper understanding of a subject, so they may easily generalize their knowledge to future endeavors. Outside of academia, I love playing all types of games and a few musical instruments, as well as hanging out with my...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Master of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- Science
- +28 subjects
Sarah: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...Yale University. I began tutoring my sophomore year of high school, when I tutored Geometry and Algebra as part of a volunteer program at my high school. My junior and senior year, I tutored in Algebra II. During the year, I operate as an informal tutor to my family and friends, coaching my little sister...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Verbal
- SAT Writing and Language
- +59 subjects
Michael: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...my Bachelor of Science from Charter Oak State College. When I tutor, I ask the student questions to guide them through to understanding the subject. It varies from student to student depending on what point they are starting from. My goal is to not only increase understanding, but increase the level of confidence. Outside of...
Education & Certification
- Charter Oak State College - Bachelor of Science, General Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- College Chemistry
- ACT Science
- +50 subjects
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- High School Level American History
- +84 subjects
Oly: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...did some graduate work, before moving to Texas to be closer to my parents. I did my alternative certification program through Texas Teachers and am highly qualified to teach Science for grades 7-12. I have been a teacher in public and charter schools for the last four years, and have tutoring experience extending over ten...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Michigan Technological University - non degree, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- +138 subjects
David: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...hold graduate degrees from Columbia University and the University of Chicago and earned my bachelor's at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to teaching at the undergraduate level, I research ways the natural sciences can be used to advance the study of anthropology and history. I am currently completing my PhD.
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, History, Computer science
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- High School Political Science
- College Biology
- +105 subjects
Education & Certification
- Texas Christian University - Bachelor of Science, Communication, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Math
- +40 subjects
Samantha: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...tutor because of the individualized attention that my students receive. I bring several years of classroom experience to the table, as well as a teaching credential from the University of Oxford and a BA from Northwestern University. While my classroom experience is in English/reading and history, my tutoring experience has been in everything from math...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Religious Studies
- University of Oxford - Masters, Secondary Education (Religious Education)
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Latin 2
- UK A Level
- +63 subjects
Jessica: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...then worked at a local high school until my oldest son was born in April 2011. Since then I have been a stay at home mom to my 3 wonderful children. They are now ages 4, 2, and 4 months! I have been preparing students for the SAT and ACT for the past year as...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +36 subjects
Aymun: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...most advancement in my students in the subjects of English/Language Arts and Math. Whether it is SAT Test Prep for Critical Reading and Math or it is AP English or AP Calc homework from school. My personal hobbies include reading, writing and slam poetry. I am currently working on a novella, which I hope to...
Education & Certification
- Tarrant County College District - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- High School Biology
- SAT
- Anatomy
- +32 subjects
Sarah: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...with taking multiple AP classes and tests. I’ve been a very successful student in my academic career, and am quite enthusiastic about passing down knowledge or tips to any student who wants them. I have a fairly flexible schedule and am willing to change things up depending on the needs of my clients. I will...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelors, Literary Studies with minor in Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Verbal
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +55 subjects
Del: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...think that is one of the most fulfilling things about tutoring: finding the learning methods innate in each student and helping shape those instincts into tools for learning any material. Outside of academics I enjoy writing, recording, and playing music in a band, acting on film, tv, and stage, sketch writing and improv, teaching and...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelors, Drama, BFA
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- +13 subjects
Adriana: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...30 years of experience in the classroom and library. A large part of my classroom instruction involved tutoring in all core subject areas in grades K-5. As a librarian, I had the pleasure of working with middle school teens as a resource and mentor in academic competitions and other activities. My teaching philosophy involves listening...
Education & Certification
- Southern Methodist University - Bachelors, Broadcast Film
- Southern Methodist University - Masters, Bilingual Education
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- +65 subjects
Jonathan: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...University. I graduated with my Bachelor's of Science from Cornell in 2016 and I plan to attend medical school in the fall of 2017. I am really excited to be tutoring for Varsity tutors because I really enjoy helping students with subjects that gave me trouble in school. I hope that my time spent developing...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Human Biology
- Cornell University - Current Grad Student, Human Development
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- GRE
- +30 subjects
Vivek: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- +66 subjects
Ashley: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
Every one needs a little help sometimes! I'm here to help, listen and even laugh with you as we tackle your school assignments. I believe you can learn anything, so let's work together!... Learning is possible for everyone! You can do it!... Get to know the student. Listen to their struggles, hobbies and even share a little of my own. Then we can start solving problems together!
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- University of Southern California - Masters, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- Languages
- Essay Editing
- +17 subjects
Dale: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...children with cognitive and/or language delays. I have a B.S. from the University of New Orleans and am currently 2 classes shy of earning my masters in education with a focus on school counseling. I have a 12 year old son and we love to hike, exercise, cook and have fun with our doggies!... Authoritative and individualized teaching style. Compassionate and celebratory of mistakes (so the student can learn from the mistakes!)
Education & Certification
- University of New Orleans - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of New Orleans - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- Special Education
- GED
- Middle School Math
- +33 subjects
Kim: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
I am able to determine what obstacles are preventing a student from grasping a concept, and create different means of overcoming those obstacles. Creating a partnership with the student and understanding what he or she needs to overcome is what makes me a great tutor. ... I would talk with the student and/or his or her parents to learn what each hopes to achieve from the tutoring sessions. I would ask what they've tried, what they liked, and what they didn't about their previous efforts. Then I would work hard to provide a good deal of value in that first lesson so that we can continue to work together.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Anthroopology
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +57 subjects
Zach: Grapevine SAT Reading test prep instructor
...their academic and testing potential, especially when taking the PSAT, SAT and ACT. I want to help students achieve their goals through engaging tutoring sessions tailored to the needs of each individual, and I want to give students the tools they need to succeed on their own outside of a classroom setting. In my free...
Education & Certification
- Southern Methodist University - Bachelors, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Verbal
- +27 subjects