Master SAT Reading: Tips to Avoid Running Out of Time

Experiencing time pressure during an exam can be incredibly frustrating, especially during lengthy tests like the SAT or ACT. If you run out of time on one section, there's no immediate relief because you must immediately proceed to the next section. Since stopping time (likely) isn’t an option, and extra time is rarely granted except under special circumstances, you’ll need effective strategies to manage your time better. So, what can you do? I’ll address the top misconception students have about running out of time on the SAT Reading section and share strategies to help you avoid this issue.

Before diving into solutions, let’s briefly review the timing structure of the SAT Reading section. Understanding its layout is crucial for managing your time effectively.

How Long Is the SAT Reading Section?

The SAT Reading section is the first part of the test and consists of 52 questions to be completed in 65 minutes. These questions are based on six passages (four single passages and one set of paired passages) covering three subject areas: U.S. and world literature, social science, and natural science. Two of these passages include charts or graphics that you’ll need to analyze to answer a few questions.

SAT Reading questions fall into eight main categories:

- Big Picture: Questions about the main idea of the passage.

- Detail/Little Picture: Questions about specific lines in the passage.

- Inference: Questions asking you to interpret the meaning of a line or two.

- Words in Context: Questions about how a word is used in a specific instance.

- Function: Questions about the role of a phrase, sentence, or paragraph within the passage.

- Author Technique: Questions about the passage’s tone or style, often comparing authors’ techniques.

- Evidence Support: Questions asking for evidence that supports a previous answer.

- Data Interpretation: Questions requiring analysis of accompanying charts or graphics.

The SAT Reading Misconception

One of the most common concerns I hear is, “I’m a slow reader, so I’ll never finish the SAT Reading section on time, and I can’t improve my score.” This is simply false.

Excelling on the SAT Reading section isn’t solely about reading speed—otherwise, it would be called the SAT Speed Reading test. While being a fast reader might give you a slight advantage, particularly for questions requiring synthesis of the entire passage’s information, it’s not a guarantee of success.

If you’re a slow reader or don’t read much, you might feel at a disadvantage. However, reading quickly doesn’t automatically ensure a high score or prevent time pressure. Different strategies work for different people, and the key skill for SAT Reading is the ability to skim text while retaining meaning.

If you’re a slow reader, you can train yourself to skim effectively. If you’re a fast reader, recognize that SAT Reading differs significantly from casual reading; you’ll need to practice extracting the important details efficiently.

How to Avoid Running Out of Time on SAT Reading

So, how can you avoid being rushed and running out of time, even if you’re a slow reader? The answer is: Practice, practice, practice!

As the old saying goes, practice is the way to Carnegie Hall—and it’s also the way to improve your SAT performance. However, it’s not enough to practice randomly; you need to practice effectively.

When preparing for SAT Reading, focus on these three strategies to improve your speed and accuracy:

- Develop Skimming Skills: Learn to quickly identify the main ideas and key details in a passage.

- Prioritize Questions: Tackle easier questions first to secure points before moving to more challenging ones.

- Simulate Test Conditions: Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and improve time management.

By implementing these strategies and practicing consistently, you’ll be better equipped to handle the SAT Reading section without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Strategy 1: Practice Monitoring Your Time

The first step to mastering the SAT Reading section and avoiding time pressure is to actively monitor your time during practice and the actual test. This involves two key practices: tracking how long you spend on each question and staying aware of the remaining time in the section.

Know How Long You’re Taking on Each Question

If you notice you’re spending too much time on a question, mark it and move on. You can return to it later during the review phase. But what counts as “too much time”?

The answer depends on your target score—the specific score you’re aiming for in the Reading section. During your SAT preparation, it’s crucial to know both your raw and scaled target scores. Why is this important?

If you’re aiming for a lower target score, you can afford to skip more questions and focus on answering fewer questions correctly. In contrast, if you’re aiming for a perfect or near-perfect score, you’ll need to attempt every question and manage your time more carefully.

Here’s the math: the SAT Reading section consists of 52 questions to be completed in 65 minutes. If you spend more than 75 seconds per question, you’ll likely run out of time. This strict time constraint applies mainly to those aiming for a high score.

For example, if your goal is a Reading score of 30/40, you can afford to guess on the hardest 25% of questions and focus on answering the easier ones. This approach gives you more time per question. If you only need to answer 36 questions correctly to reach your target score, you can spend up to 23 additional seconds on each question compared to someone attempting all 52 questions.

Know How Much Time You Have Remaining During the Test

While it might seem logical to divide your time rigidly (e.g., “12 minutes per single passage, 14 minutes for paired passages”), such calculations are time-consuming and counterproductive. Instead, develop a sense of time awareness during the test.

Here’s a practical approach:

- Check the clock strategically: For instance, check the time after skimming a passage and again after answering all its questions. Avoid constantly looking at the clock, as this wastes valuable time.

- Balance reading and answering: Don’t let one passage consume all your time, leaving you scrambling for the remaining passages and questions.

- Find what works for you: Some test-takers prefer checking the time after every few questions, while others only check periodically. Experiment during practice to determine your ideal strategy.

If you struggle with time awareness during practice, try using a stopwatch set to alert you at 5-minute intervals. While you won’t have this tool on test day, it can help you build a better sense of timing. Proctors may also give verbal warnings when 10 and 5 minutes remain in the section.

Other SAT Reading Time Monitoring Strategies

When reviewing your practice tests, pay attention to the questions that took you too long or those you were unsure about. Analyze what caused the difficulty:

Was the question wording confusing?

Was it the type of question (e.g., paired passages, inference, big picture)?

Did you misread the passage due to fatigue?

Is there a pattern to the questions you’re struggling with?

This analysis is invaluable for creating a feedback loop in your test prep:

Take practice tests to identify your weaknesses.

Review your mistakes thoroughly to understand what went wrong.

Retest to apply what you’ve learned.

By incorporating these strategies into your preparation, you’ll develop the skills needed to manage your time effectively and perform your best on the SAT Reading section.

Strategy 2: Practice Reading Passages and Answering Questions

Practicing SAT Reading questions repeatedly won’t necessarily make you a faster reader, but it will help you develop the skills to read passages in a way that allows you to answer questions more efficiently. Since everyone processes information differently, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, if your current method isn’t working, consider trying one of these three strategies:

Approach #1: Read the Whole Passage in Detail

This strategy works best if you’re both a quick and thorough reader. However, if you’re already concerned about running out of time, this is likely the least effective option.

Approach #2: Read the Questions First

Start by reading the questions to identify what details you need to look for in the passage. Then, jump back to the passage to find the answers. This approach can save time by focusing your attention on relevant sections of the text.

For example, if a question references specific lines (e.g., “In lines 10-38”), only read those lines to answer it—don’t waste time on unrelated parts of the passage.

Approach #3: Skim, Then Attack the Questions

Quickly skim the passage to grasp its main idea, structure, and purpose. Then, tackle the questions, returning to the passage for more detailed information as needed. This approach balances efficiency with comprehension.

When skimming, pay attention to transition words like “however” or “in contrast,” as they signal shifts in tone or argument.

More Passage-Reading Strategy Suggestions

- Choose Your Starting Point Wisely: If you tend to run out of time, scan all the passages first and start with the ones that seem easiest for you. This ensures you don’t rush through passages you could have answered correctly, leaving more time for challenging ones.

- Bubble Answers at the End: Some students find it helpful to answer all questions first and then transfer their answers to the answer sheet at the end. However, this requires leaving 2-3 minutes at the end of the section to avoid the frustration of running out of time before bubbling in your answers.

- Experiment with Mindfulness: If you struggle with focus, consider using mindfulness techniques to stay calm and concentrated during the test.

The Key to Success: Practice and Familiarity

The more you practice SAT Reading passages and questions, the more familiar you’ll become with the test format and the better you’ll understand which strategies work best for you. For instance:

If you read the questions first, focus only on the relevant parts of the passage.

If you skim first, train yourself to identify key words and phrases that signal important information.

Ultimately, the goal is to find the approach that maximizes your efficiency and accuracy. Experiment with different strategies during practice, and stick with the ones that help you perform your best.

Strategy 3: Practice Taking SAT Reading as Part of the Whole SAT

Mastering the SAT Reading section isn’t just about understanding the material—it’s also about building the stamina to endure the entire test. Fortunately, the SAT follows a predictable order: Reading, Writing, Math (No Calculator), Math (Calculator), and the optional Essay. This consistency allows you to simulate real test conditions during practice by taking full-length tests in the correct order.

Why Full-Length Practice Tests Matter

Taking full-length practice tests in the correct order helps you:

- Build Stamina: The SAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Practicing the entire test prepares you for the mental and physical endurance required.

- Manage Energy Levels: While the Reading section is first and you’ll likely have the most energy for it, be careful not to exhaust yourself early. You’ll need to maintain focus for the remaining sections.

- Simulate Test-Day Conditions: Taking practice tests in the same order as the real SAT helps you get used to the flow and pacing of the exam.

Practice at the Right Time of Day

Since the SAT is typically administered on Saturday mornings, it’s essential to practice Reading sections in the morning, especially if you’re not a morning person. This gives you a realistic sense of your energy levels and reading speed during that time.

If you’re naturally sluggish in the mornings, your reading speed may be slower. While it’s fine to take some practice tests in the afternoon, relying solely on afternoon practice may not accurately reflect your performance under real test conditions.

Do You Qualify for Testing Accommodations?

If you consistently struggle with reading in time-constrained situations, you might qualify for special testing accommodations. The College Board offers accommodations for students with documented issues, such as learning disabilities or physical impairments.

Here’s what you need to know:

- Early Documentation: Accommodations are more likely to be granted if your condition has been documented for a long time. The College Board is cautious about last-minute diagnoses.

- Plan Ahead: The application process for accommodations can take up to seven weeks, so start early.

- Psycho-Educational Testing: If you’re in middle school or early high school and notice significant reading difficulties compared to your peers, consider getting tested early.

- Explain Recent Applications: If you’re applying for accommodations due to a recent condition (e.g., a hearing or visual impairment), be prepared to explain why you’re seeking accommodations now.

How to Improve Pacing on SAT Reading: A Recap

- Take Timed Practice Tests: Monitor your time to identify areas where you’re spending too long.

- Get Comfortable with SAT Reading: Practice using strategies that work for you, such as skimming or reading questions first.

- Simulate the Full Test: Take full-length practice tests in the correct order to build stamina and familiarity.

- Seek Accommodations if Needed: If you suspect a deeper issue, get psycho-educational testing early to determine eligibility for accommodations.

By incorporating these strategies into your preparation, you’ll be better equipped to manage your time, maintain focus, and perform your best on the SAT Reading section—and the entire test.

Now, go forth and read!