The Perfect Reading Strategy for SAT & ACT

Reading for the SAT or ACT goes beyond just grasping the text—it’s all about speed, concentration, and having a smart game plan. With the SAT now featuring shorter, adaptive passages and the ACT requiring quick responses, you’ll need a strategy that suits both tests. Here’s how to tackle the reading section with confidence.

Understand the Format

You can’t conquer what you don’t understand.

SAT: Two modules lasting 32 minutes each, with 54 questions and shorter single passages.

ACT: Four longer passages, 40 questions to answer in just 35 minutes—meaning you have less than a minute for each question.

Knowing this will help you manage your time effectively from the get-go.

Skim or Question-First?

There’s no universal approach that fits everyone.

Skim First: Take 2–3 minutes to read the passage, then refer back to it when answering questions.

Question-First: Quickly glance at the questions and look for line references before diving into the passage (this is a popular choice among ACT test-takers).

Try practicing both techniques with timed drills to find out which one boosts your accuracy.

Time Management is Key

For the ACT, aim to spend about 8–9 minutes on each passage. Tackle detail-oriented questions first, then move on to broader or tone-related questions. For the SAT, breeze through the straightforward questions and don’t hesitate to skip and come back if you need to.

Engage with Active Reading

Don’t just read—get involved. Summarize each passage in your head with a single sentence before jumping to the questions. Over time, expose yourself to a variety of articles, essays, and scientific texts to enhance your reading speed and comprehension.

Final Thoughts

Achieving a strong reading score isn’t just about reading faster—it’s about reading smarter. Focus on the right strategies, master your timing, and build your confidence through practice. Eduglide’s SAT and ACT prep programs are designed around these effective methods, helping students hit their target scores with less stress.

Looking for a personalized plan for your SAT or ACT prep?

Book a free consultation with Eduglide here: https://www.eduglide.com/contact