Top 10 Tips to Boost Your SAT Reading Score
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SAT Reading Score: The SAT has become one of the most recognised exams for students wishing to get admission to universities abroad. Boosting SAT reading scores for college admissions to universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, or even the Ivy League is one of the critical challenges in the lives of young people. SAT reading practice should be done strategically, and last-minute SAT reading tips should be considered even at the time of preparation to continuously raise the SAT reading scores and become confident for the real SAT.
This Story also Contains
- Introduction
- Why the SAT Reading Section Matters
- How Improving Your Reading Score Can Impact Your Overall SAT Score
- 10 Effective Ways to Boost Your SAT Reading Score
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in the SAT Reading Section
- How to Analyse Your Practice Test Results
- Additional Resources to Help You Prepare
- Conclusion
Introduction
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is one of the most recognised and standardised testing systems for universities abroad to select capable students to study in renowned universities. The SAT results are declared in percentiles, and it is an online computer-adaptive test, hence, students need to be well-prepared before appearing for the exam.
Why the SAT Reading Section Matters
Before students know how to boost their SAT reading scores, they need to improve their SAT reading scores should be analyzed. Some reasons are as follows:
Ability to understand the textual information that students will read at the university level.
The SAT reading section contributes half of your Evidence-based Reading and Writing score out of the total 800 points.
How Improving Your Reading Score Can Impact Your Overall SAT Score
SAT reading practice and the way to boost SAT reading scores in a week or a short duration is that students should become avid readers and must showcase a dedicated approach to preparation. Consistency in SAT reading practice and exposure to native English conventions can improve SAT scores by 200 points.
Recommended eBooks
Related eBooks & Sample Papers
10 Effective Ways to Boost Your SAT Reading Score
Some of the effective ways to boost SAT reading scores are discussed below. Apart from the strategies given below, students should take out time to read newspapers like The New York Times and The Boston Times, as these newspapers have articles published by native authors that showcase the real essence of language.
1. Read Actively and Critically
While you are reading the short paragraph or the poetry text in the SAT reading section, you must use techniques like skimming, annotating, and visualising what you have read. Visualisation in mind will help you understand the author's tone, purpose, and the main idea that is conveyed in the paragraph. This will help you understand the question statement quickly and manage time faster to attempt the answer.
2. Practice Regularly with Real SAT Reading Passages
In your study timetable, schedule time for practising SAT reading passages given in the official SAT practice sets published by the College Board and other authenticated web portals. This will give you an exam-like experience, and remember that each attempt at a practice test should be followed by reviewing all the mistakes you have made. Analyse the mistakes and follow the strategies to overcome all such issues and gain concept clarity to improve your SAT reading score.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary
The SAT vocabulary is essential to understanding the nuances of the language, helping students understand the authors' tone and the purpose of the text. The best way to expand the SAT vocabulary is to read texts published and written by native English authors, as well as articles in magazines like The Economist and Scientific American.
4. Focus on Understanding Context
The SAT reading has a specific category of questions like “word in context”. Hence, it makes it necessary for students to have a clear understanding of the vocabulary used in the given paragraphs.
To overcome this and boost the SAT reading score, we recommended that students prepare a vocabulary journal and note every new word they come across in that journal. So, when you write a new word, find its synonyms and make sentences with all of them. This will help you analyse how a word may have different meanings and what ways it can be used.
5. Master Question Types and Strategies
While you are preparing for the SAT, you need to know the different types of questions that can be asked. Be very clear with the format of the SAT, the types of questions, and the strategies to attempt each type of question to successfully attempt it within the set and given time duration.
Different types of questions in the SAT Reading section are as follows:
Main idea questions,
Inference questions
Vocabulary-in-context
Evidence-based questions
The function of a paragraph
The author’s tone and attitude
Data interpretation (for graphs and charts)
SAT Question/Sample papers
Candidates can download SAT Question/Sample papers from here.
Free Download6. Eliminate Wrong Answers Using the Process of Elimination
One of the most important techniques to learn while attempting the SAT is using the method of elimination, as you will be attempting all the multiple-choice questions. While reading the given options, you should think about the narrow and extreme approach. You may straight away cross out options that:
They are just not linking with the question
There are words like (always, never…) which are either too extreme or too narrow.
7. Skim and Scan for Key Information
This is one of the basic ways of attempting the questions and managing time. Skimming helps you analyse information quickly, and scanning helps you keep the keywords in your mind to find the answers easily.
This will help you maintain the attention and focus required throughout the exam.
8. Manage Your Time Efficiently During the Test
Time management is the biggest challenge at times, especially when you get stuck on a particular question, and a lot of time gets wasted. To overcome this issue, you should regularly attempt mock tests at the time of preparation. SAT sample papers or SAT mock tests must be attempted under exam-like conditions.
The best tip to remember here is not to give more than 90 seconds to any question.
9. Identify Main Ideas and Themes Quickly
Making a gist of each paragraph helps you analyse the paragraph's main idea quickly. Always remember that any paragraph will have an introduction line mentioning what the paragraph will be about, and the last lines will mention the conclusion, reiterating the introduction. The central idea can easily be understood from the introductory and concluding lines.
10. Take Practice Tests Under Real Exam Conditions
Practising using the SAT mock tests under exam-like conditions, wherein there is no disturbance, will not only help you learn to manage time efficiently but also overcome repeated errors. Make sure, after every attempt at the SAT mock test, you review your mistakes and work on enhancing your conceptual knowledge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the SAT Reading Section
Some of the common mistakes students should avoid while attempting the SAT are discussed below.
Overlooking Key Details and Context
Students must never avoid reading the instructions and the first question line, thinking that they already know how to attempt that specific question type. Secondly, never think that answers cannot be in short phrases; read the entire text to analyse the correct or the most accurate answer.
Spending Too Much Time on Difficult Questions
Always remember that the SAT allows you to come back to a specific question and attempt it. In case you feel stuck on a particular question, do not spend too much time on it. Make sure you do not give more than 90 seconds to attempt a question.
How to Analyse Your Practice Test Results
One of the best and most workable tips for all students preparing for the SAT is that they should review the mistakes they make in the sample questions or mock tests they attempt.
Reviewing Mistakes to Improve Performance
While you review, make a note of the following:
Lack of conceptual knowledge
Lack of time management
Mistakes in the type of questions
Identifying Patterns in Incorrect Answers
After analysing the kind of mistakes mentioned above, you should also identify the patterns, such as:
Not able to recognise the exact tone
Selecting either too-narrow or too extreme an option
Misunderstanding the graph questions
Additional Resources to Help You Prepare
Some of the additional resources, except for the main official college board website, are mentioned below.
SAT Prep Books and Online Courses
Online preparation via Khan Academy
The Official SAT Study Guide by College Board
Apps and Tools for SAT Reading Practice
Daily Practice for the SAT (by College Board)
ReadTheory (reading comprehension practice)
Conclusion
How to improve the SAT reading score can truly be realised by giving adequate time for preparation and following correct strategies to attempt the exam. Last-minute SAT reading tips and SAT reading practice should be followed diligently to score high.
Final Tips for Mastering the SAT Reading Section
Some of the best tips to score high on the SAT are as follows:
Expose yourself to various reading topics written by native English authors.
Learn the mathematical formulas and ways to handle a calculator
Enhance your English vocabulary
The Benefits of Consistent Practice and Focused Study
Always remember that SAT scores can be boosted only by following correct strategies and not by shortcuts and cramming. Consistent efforts in attempting SAT mock tests and review time will help you boost your scores.
Also Read:
About the Author:
Pooja Aggarwal: She is an experienced SAT/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE trainer with over 15 years of expertise in helping students achieve their English language goals. With a degree in Education, she focuses on clear, patient, and personalised instruction. Her approach has successfully guided students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for both Academic and General Training modules of English language exams in a supportive and engaging environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I read the passage first or the questions first in the SAT?
A:
We recommend you read the question first so that you know what information has to be searched, and you are in a better position to manage time.
Q: Should I guess on questions I’m unsure about in the SAT?
A:
Yes. There’s no penalty for wrong answers on the SAT, so it’s better to guess than to leave a question blank. Use the process of elimination to increase your odds of guessing correctly.
Q: What types of reading materials should I use for practice?
A:
Read editorials, historical speeches, science journals, and literary excerpts. Khan Academy and College Board offer the best SAT-specific practice.
Q: Can I improve my reading score in one month?
A:
Yes, with a focused study plan including daily practice, timed Mock test attempts, and targeted improvement, SAT scores can be improved drastically in a month.
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Questions related to SAT
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to SAT ?
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, you can give improvement exams after passing 12th class. It doesn't actually matter if you have taken NEET too and appeared in counseling. Many students choose improvement to increase their 12th standard marks because they think it will help them meet eligibility criteria (for example 50% marks in PCB for General, 40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for PwD) . However, please note:
- Improvement is usually done by the same board (CBSE/State Board) in the next academic session.
- NEET will consider the latest qualifying marks of the candidate (improvement included).
- You can again apply for NEET, based on improvement marks.
So Yes, just because you have gone through counselling, does not stop you being able to come out to give improvement.
Hello,
Yes, Option Education is a well-known and reliable coaching center in Dubai for SAT preparation. They offer structured courses, experienced instructors, and mock tests that help students become confident in SAT subjects like Math, Reading, and Writing. However, the best method depends on your learning style. If you’re someone who benefits from personal guidance, a classroom environment, and motivation, then joining Option Education or a similar institute will help a lot. But if you're self-disciplined, online platforms can also be very effective and budget-friendly. Ideally, a combination of both works well. Whichever way you choose, practice is key.
If you want to know more about SAT Dubai you can check this page;
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/study-in-dubai
Good luck with your SAT!
Getting into Harvard on a free seat is extremely competitive. If you score exceptionally well on the SAT and have strong academics, extracurriculars, and a compelling profile, Harvard offers need-based financial aid, including full scholarships for students from low-income families.
Hello,
With a NEET score of 469 and belonging to the 3B category in Karnataka , securing a government or semi-government MBBS seat is unlikely , but not entirely impossible . It depends on the specific college, the number of seats available, and the competition within your category.
Thank you!!
Hello,
Yes, you can write the session 1 exam even if your 12th mark sheet was not uploaded during the BIT SAT application . Usually, not uploading the mark sheet at the time of registration does not stop you from appearing in the exam.
Just make sure to upload the required documents before the final admission process or as instructed by the exam authority.
If you want to be completely sure, you can check with the BIT SAT help desk or their official website for any specific rules about this. But generally, there is no objection for writing the session 1 exam in this case.
Hope it helps !
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