So I’ve taken the SAT 3 times, and I continue to struggle on critical reading. My score is only a 570 on reading, but I have a 680 on math. I don’t know how to do better. I pretty much only practice critical reading and I do well on practice, but for some reason it doesn’t translate to the actual test. Some advice would be much appreciated, thanks .
It could be an issue with timing where you are used to having more time while practicing to understand the CR.
Maybe it’s overanalysis in testing situations.
Are you using official practice tests?
No I don’t think it’s time because during the test I’m usually ok on time, yea I use official tests. It could be over analysis but I’ve never been a good test taker either
My math is 720 and my reading is 510… = =
Not sure what it is about reading, I’m a good writer and I’m good I’m English class with comprehension, but I can’t seem to do well
Some people do well on CR individual sections but have trouble doing well on an entire test because they hit a topic or passage type that they don’t like, or they get tired or lose focus during a complete test.
It is much harder to concentrate on a reading passage under test conditions than to concentrate on a one-two sentence math problem or a one-sentence writing question.
Typical “don’t like that” CR elements:
- The long section (the section with two long passages). This section is a major problem for slower readers.
- The long double passage. Many people hate those “What would author 2 say about that sentence in passage 1?” questions. The logic is too twisted.
- The third reading section, whatever it is. Many people do well on CR until the last CR section, then things fall apart. They have trouble concentrating sufficiently for reading by that point.
- A CR equating section. If you are fed up with CR after 2 CR sections, you can imagine how you are going to feel if section 9 is your FOURTH CR section.
- A passage on a topic you dislike, find deathly boring, or don’t know anything about.
All these “hate that” things can be fixed.
First you should identify the reason why you don’t do well on complete tests. To do this, you can do a complete test or 4 timed CR sections in a row (3 from one official test plus one extra 25.minute section for the equating section).
Next, analyze your score and what you got wrong. Was it the topic? The length of the test? The double long passage?
Once you have determined the probable cause, focus your efforts on improving in this area. For example, if you hate literary passages, do one every day. If you are having trouble with the length of the test, practice with complete tests. Make sure you get enough sleep and have snacks during the breaks. If you don’t have time for a complete test, do a bunch of cr sections in a row (at least 4). Remember, you have to be prepared to do 4 CR sections the day of the test, plus math and writing, under test conditions. This is very different from doing one CR section in the comfort of home.
There is no substitute for hard work. Start heading to your local library and read books. Read news articles.
As someone who has graduated with a math and econ double major @ a top 15 university and who has passed all the SOA actuarial exams, I would say that the CR section on the SAT is a better predictor of STEM success than the math section. In STEM classes, you’re going to be reading more than you solve problems, believe it or not. Understanding what the author of a textbook is saying will help you understand the mathematics.
I don’t know if you can improve your reading skills in time to massively improve your SAT score, but having advanced reading comprehension skills will serve you better in the work force, where you’ll be reading a lot.