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!
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Ruth Online SAT Reading tutor named Ruth](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878149181/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Ruth: SAT Reading course instructor
...at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, and Best of the Batch Foundation. Her work focuses on culturally responsive multi-cultural education, language teaching, and program development. At the Carnegie Library, she created World Family Day, an event where volunteers read children's stories in their native language, donated food from around the world, and shared cultural crafts with 90 kids and parents. During 2014-15, Ruth completed a Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, where she...
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Bachelors, Comparative Literature / Russian Civilization
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Conversational Spanish
- Gifted
- +27 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Matt Online SAT Reading tutor named Matt](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878135177/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Matt: SAT Reading course instructor
...Public Health major with a concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I then went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- +85 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Brianna Online SAT Reading tutor named Brianna](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878149512/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Brianna: SAT Reading course instructor
...graduated from the University of Richmond majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Analytics and a minor in Mathematics. I have worked with kids of all ages, ranging from elementary school to college students through various subjects. I have also worked extensively with 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- +217 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Erica Online SAT Reading tutor named Erica](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878085368/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Erica: SAT Reading course instructor
...as a Foreign Language) certification. I am extremely passionate about teaching and work daily to improve my craft. Students, parents, supervisors, and colleagues have described me as efficient, extremely patient, creative, and caring. I am certified to tutor in a variety of subjects and consider the following areas to be my specialties: *Standardized tests, such as the ISEE, SSAT, and AP examinations *Students who demonstrate challenging behaviors *Long-term tutoring in math and reading--I love to...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Subject Tests
- +77 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Tessa Online SAT Reading tutor named Tessa](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878209691/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Tessa: SAT Reading course instructor
...learning is, and ought to be, for its own sake. Math and philosophy, and their nuanced interactions, are my great passions. I've run more 5ks and 10ks than I can count, but the validation of completing a long race is nothing like the satisfying moment of writing "Q.E.D." on a difficult proof. I'm a scholar of the Western canon, greatly influenced by great thinkers and writers of the past such as Plato, Virgil, Aquinas, and...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- +106 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Jeffrey Online SAT Reading tutor named Jeffrey](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/877957196/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Jeffrey: SAT Reading course instructor
...did a lot of it as an undergraduate at the University of Washington. As a tutor, I believe that test preparation is a solvable problem, and I am excited about using my solutions to help students achieve their goals. Preparing for a standardized test can feel overwhelming. But you really can be prepared. Careful, concept-oriented preparation can help ensure that students don't run into anything radically new on exam day. My preparation strategy aims to...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- +34 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Ariela Online SAT Reading tutor named Ariela](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878208722/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Ariela: SAT Reading course instructor
...it to someone else. I enjoy and excel at condensing and re-communicating facts or tasks, so that they become comprehensible to someone who may not understand them the first time around. It is not just my success at standardized tests or in my classes that will make me a great tutor, but also this skill and enthusiasm about learning. I understand that sometimes, the way you package and organize information is the most important part...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- ISEE- Middle Level
- +50 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Andrew Online SAT Reading tutor named Andrew](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878111632/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Andrew: SAT Reading course instructor
...the first time made me realize how much I valued and enjoyed teaching. The opportunity to help another student with their own learning journey was a very positive experience, and it ignited an interest in tutoring again. At the moment, I am most prepared to tutor for ACT and SAT preparation in all subject areas. My personal favorite areas are the English, reading, and writing portions of these tests. In addition, I am prepared to tutor...
Education & Certification
- Iowa State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- ACT Reading
- ACT
- +22 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Hallie Online SAT Reading tutor named Hallie](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878128659/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Hallie: SAT Reading course instructor
...Science. There, I studied theater and took classes in literature, history, religion, neuroscience, and more. I assistant taught in college and often helped my friends with essay writing and studying. Since graduating, I’ve tutored my younger sister for many of her high school classes. I 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...
Education & Certification
- Skidmore College - Bachelors, theater
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- +51 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Ben Online SAT Reading tutor named Ben](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878158420/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Ben: SAT Reading course instructor
...learning. I can't say I am an expert at anything, but I have a wide range of interests and abilities. I enjoy soccer, basketball, football, tennis, biking, board riding, exploring nature, cooking, eating, dancing, playing music, reading, and solving puzzles and problems. I try to have fun and be grateful every day. I enjoy my day job as an IT Specialist with Peace Corps, a federal agency whose values I share and whose work I...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Marketing
- Carnegie Mellon University - Masters, Public Policy and Management
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- Languages
- +37 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Julie Online SAT Reading tutor named Julie](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878104137/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Julie: SAT Reading course instructor
...students as young as preschool and as old as high school seniors on their reading and writing skills. I truly believe that reading and writing is the key to understanding and interacting with the world in a positive way. I know certain books have changed my life and I hope to instill the same passion I have for the written word within all my students! I have been teaching both high school and middle school...
Education & Certification
- Fordham University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- University of Pennsylvania - Masters, Urban Education
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Writing
- SSAT
- +26 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Gabrielle Online SAT Reading tutor named Gabrielle](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878109031/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Gabrielle: SAT Reading course instructor
...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 style and once we hone in on the right one for you, an improvement in scores will become more...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- College Essays
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +29 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Alex Online SAT Reading tutor named Alex](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878289650/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Alex: SAT Reading course instructor
...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 allows both the student and parents to give me feedback if a certain style of teaching helped a lot or not as much. A big support system around the student is incredibly important to creating a productive environment. I love seeing that aha moment on...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- Drexel University - Current Grad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- Pre-Algebra
- +17 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Spenser Online SAT Reading tutor named Spenser](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878118030/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Spenser: SAT Reading course instructor
...My goal as a tutor is to help each student that I work with to perform to the best of their abilities on the standardized test that they are preparing to take. I hope that I can play a part in helping my students to attend the higher education institution of their dreams, and I will work as hard as I need to in order to achieve this. I look forward to meeting and working...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Public Policy
- Brown University - Masters, Urban Education Policy
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- +17 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Jan Online SAT Reading tutor named Jan](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878097871/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Jan: SAT Reading course instructor
...is fun to share those approaches with students and watch the AHA! moments unfold. Why do I teach? Successful learning requires awareness of HOW you think: how you create and organize your own perception. I am fascinated with this meta-thinking, this thinking ABOUT how you think, and I take great joy in helping others gain deeper insight into their own thinking patterns. I graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in Creative Writing, and I...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing and Dance
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- AP United States History
- Reading
- +27 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Samantha Online SAT Reading tutor named Samantha](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878151972/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Samantha: SAT Reading course instructor
...will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Legal Studies this spring. In the fall, I will begin attending law school at Northwestern Law. For many years, I tutored a wide range of students in Spanish, English literature, and writing. I have also continued to help many high school seniors with college application essays. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Political Science & Legal Studies
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Spanish 1
- College Level American History
- +36 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Taariq Online SAT Reading tutor named Taariq](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878115733/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Taariq: SAT Reading course instructor
...my crowning achievements at Duke was winning the DT Stallings Award, which is awarded to a Duke senior who has shown sustained and dedicated service to tutoring local school children. When I am tutoring a student, I prefer a very hands-on approach. I love working out problems with my students after working through an example problem completely. By working problems out with my students, I am able to help them if and when they get...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Math
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- +27 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Stacie Online SAT Reading tutor named Stacie](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878192014/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Stacie: SAT Reading course instructor
...understand. I love 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...
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
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Max Online SAT Reading tutor named Max](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878215932/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Max: SAT Reading course instructor
...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 I worked at an internship in financial consulting (banking advisory & analytics), and have previously held internship positions in human...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- +104 subjects
![Online SAT Reading tutor named Parisa Online SAT Reading tutor named Parisa](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878180679/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Parisa: SAT Reading course instructor
...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, as I fully understand the challenges of the test and I know that it can be frustrating not to see your score improve (I often felt that way myself!) The same is true of the SAT. I was not naturally good at test-taking, and so I...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Current Undergrad, Politics Honors and Economics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- +26 subjects