How to Improve SAT Reading Score in 30 Days: Step-by-Step Plan

Improving your SAT Reading score in just 30 days is possible with a focused plan. Here's what you need to know:

• Start with a Diagnostic Test: Take a full-length practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

• Daily Study Plan: Dedicate 30-45 minutes each day to focused practice, targeting specific question types like main idea, inference, and vocabulary.

• Build Vocabulary: Learn 10-15 new words daily using flashcards and context-based methods.

• Practice Active Reading: Summarize paragraphs, note key points, and engage with the text to improve comprehension.

• Time Management: Develop pacing strategies to answer all questions within the allotted time.

• Weekly Progress: Review mistakes, refine techniques, and take timed practice tests to track improvement.

Quick Study Timeline:

1. Week 1: Diagnostic test, score analysis, and foundational skills.

2. Week 2: Focus on reading strategies and time management.

3. Week 3: Advanced practice with science, history, and paired passages.

4. Week 4: Full practice tests and final review.

By following this plan, you can boost your SAT Reading score and feel confident on test day!

Week 1: Starting Your Study Plan

Initial Practice Test

Kick off your study plan with a full-length practice test. Simulate real exam conditions by setting aside 3 hours in a quiet area, using official SAT materials, and timing each section. This test helps you identify your starting score and highlights areas that need improvement.

Guidelines for the test:

• Complete all sections, taking only the allowed breaks.

• Use a timer to stick to the official time limits.

• Mark questions you feel unsure about.

• Answer every question - there’s no penalty for guessing.

Score Analysis

Once you’ve completed the test, review your results carefully. Use a spreadsheet to track your mistakes and spot patterns. Pay attention to these question types:

This analysis will guide your study focus for the rest of the week.

Daily Study Schedule

Stick to a structured daily plan to stay on track:

Vocabulary Building

Expand your vocabulary by learning 10–15 new words each day. Use contextual methods to make the learning stick. For instance:

"Acquiesce. V - to give in and agree peaceably; to assent, comply. When Dad set 1:00 am as our curfew, my sister Amy and I acquiesced because we knew he meant business."

Create flashcards that include definitions, example sentences, synonyms, antonyms, and context clues. Review these daily and test yourself to make sure you remember them.

SAT Reading Strategies To Score a 700+

Week 2: Reading Skills and Techniques

Building on the foundation of assessments and vocabulary work from Week 1, this week shifts focus to improving reading techniques and managing your pace effectively.

Active Reading Methods

Don't just skim through the text - engage with it. Take notes, summarize important points, and ask questions as you go. Sit upright, keep a pencil handy, and jot down quick summaries in the margins for each paragraph. This helps maintain focus and ensures you're actively processing the material.

"When you know that you have to briefly summarize each paragraph, you'll have an easier time focusing on what you're reading and thinking about its purpose in the context of the passage." - AJ Tutoring

By summarizing as you read, you'll better understand the text's purpose and stay engaged.

Time Management Skills

The digital SAT Reading section gives you 64 minutes to tackle 54 questions - that's roughly 1 minute and 11 seconds per question. To make the most of your time, try these strategies:

Practicing timed passages can help you build the stamina needed for test day.

Question Types Guide

Understanding the most common question types can help you focus your practice. Here's a breakdown of key question types in the SAT Reading section:

For evidence-based questions, always find your answer first, then locate the supporting text to confirm it.

Fiction Passage Practice

When tackling fiction passages, pay close attention to these elements:

• Character Development: Track how characters change or grow throughout the story.

• Author's Tone: Look for clues in word choice that reveal the author's attitude.

• Plot Structure: Identify key events and understand their importance.

Summarize paragraphs in a few words to quickly locate details, and focus on relationships between characters and use of literary devices. This approach will make analyzing fiction passages much easier.

Week 3: Advanced Reading Practice

In Week 3, you'll move beyond the basics from Weeks 1 and 2 and tackle more advanced strategies for handling different types of passages.

Science and History Passages

Science and history passages often feel overwhelming, but the right techniques can make them easier to handle. Try the "WHW" method: figure out what the passage is about, how the ideas are explained, and why they matter.

Here are some tips for each type of passage:

• Science passages: Pay close attention to data, methods, and key terms. Highlight important words or phrases and make sure you understand any scientific jargon.

• History passages: Focus on identifying the main arguments and rhetorical techniques. Look for thesis statements and the evidence used to support them.

• For both, jot down notes in the margins to track the author’s purpose and main points.

Making Text-Based Conclusions

Once you’ve mastered passage-specific strategies, shift your focus to drawing conclusions based solely on the text. Avoid bringing in outside knowledge - stick to what’s provided. If the passage includes graphs or tables, analyze how they connect to the main ideas.

For historical texts, pay close attention to word choice, rhetorical devices, patterns of evidence, and how the thesis is developed.

Comparing Two Passages

When dealing with paired passages, break the process into steps. Start by answering questions for each passage individually before tackling comparison questions. Here’s a simple approach:

• On your first read, jot down the main idea of each passage in just 1–3 words.

• On your second read, note the tone (positive, negative, or neutral) and the purpose of each paragraph.

This method helps you see how the passages relate to each other.

Timed Practice Sessions

The SAT Reading section gives you 65 minutes to answer 52 questions. To improve both speed and accuracy:

• Practice in 5-minute intervals to focus on pacing.

• Take full-length practice tests in the morning to mimic test-day conditions.

• Keep track of the question types you often miss and adjust your strategy to address those areas.

• Simulate the actual test environment to build stamina for longer, more complex passages.

Paired passages are usually shorter than standalone ones, so tweak your timing strategy to fit their length. Regular practice will help you feel more confident and prepared for any question type.

Week 4: Final Test Preparation

This final week ties everything together, ensuring you're ready and confident for test day.

Practice Tests

Take two full-length practice tests under conditions that mimic the actual test day:

• Start your first test early in the week to allow time for analysis.

• Begin at 8:00 AM in a quiet space.

• Use only approved materials (calculator, #2 pencils).

• Time each section accurately and take standard breaks.

Afterward, review your performance and look for:

• Time management struggles.

• Misunderstanding of questions.

• Gaps in content knowledge.

• Careless mistakes.

Skill Review

Address any weaknesses you uncover:

Command of Evidence Questions

• Pinpoint the main claims in passages.

• Identify text evidence that supports your answers.

• Stick to what is explicitly stated in the text.

Inference Questions

• Find specific words or phrases that back up your answer.

• Eliminate choices that require too much interpretation.

• Base your answers strictly on the passage.

Vocabulary Refresher

Revisit vocabulary you've already studied, focusing on:

• Words with multiple meanings.

• Commonly confused pairs of words.

• Vocabulary that changes meaning based on context.

• Signal words that hint at the author's intent.

Test Day Tips

"Whatever prep you do the night before the SAT will have very little effect on your score. You're better off taking it easy." - The Princeton Review

The day before the test:

• Pack your bag with essentials: admission ticket, photo ID, at least five sharpened #2 pencils.

• Lay out comfortable clothes and a watch (non-smartwatch).

• Plan to arrive at the test center by 7:45 AM.

• Limit any review to a quick 30 minutes.

"Taking your test on an empty stomach is TESTING SUICIDE – YOU NEED TO BE WELL-FUELED." - Anthony-James Green, Founder, Green Test Prep

On test day:

• Get up early, do some light exercise, and eat a hearty breakfast (think oatmeal, fruit, or granola).

• Stick to your usual caffeine routine.

• During breaks, stretch, snack, and reset mentally.

• Stay hydrated and report any major distractions to the proctor.

• Trust your preparation and keep a positive mindset.

Conclusion

Key Study Strategies

Improving your SAT Reading score in 30 days comes down to three main approaches:

• Focused Practice: Start with a diagnostic test to pinpoint your starting point and weaker areas. Use this insight to create a personalized study plan that maximizes your practice sessions.

• Time Management: Review your timed practice sessions to find the right balance between speed and accuracy.

• Active Reading: Concentrate on identifying main ideas, supporting details, and how different parts of the passage connect.

These strategies set the foundation for effective prep and better performance.

Test-Day Prep Tips

Once you've nailed the strategies, shift your attention to feeling confident and ready for the big day.

"Early and ample preparation can help you manage test anxiety." – IvyWise

• Stay Physically Ready: Stick to a regular sleep schedule and consider light morning exercise to sharpen your focus.

• Calm Your Mind: Practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing to stay composed during the test.

• Tackle Questions Strategically: Start with the easier questions to build momentum before moving on to tougher ones.

Keep your preparation consistent and your mindset steady to perform your best on test day.

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