Summer is the perfect time to recharge and prepare for the new academic year, especially if you're aiming for high scores on the SAT or ACT. Don't just focus on practice tests; education experts assert that reading, particularly a variety of genres, is key to enhancing critical thinking, expanding vocabulary, and improving reading comprehension – core skills for success in standardized tests and beyond, into college.
Why Is Reading Crucial for the SAT/ACT and Your College Journey?
According to Tamara Anderson, an educator and former adjunct instructor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, many current generation students struggle with comprehending in-depth academic materials. Short attention spans and limited vocabulary make it difficult for them to grasp content and engage in deep discussions. She emphasizes: "The ultimate goal is not about preparing the students to take those standardized tests to get into college, they say, but about preparing them to go to college and be literate".
Lexi Aguayo, Associate Director of Admissions at Pepperdine University's Seaver College in California, concurs: "Reading allows students to expand their vocabulary and explore experiences outside of their own through the writer's words". She recommends reading at least 10 pages per day to maintain the habit and interest.
What to Read to Optimize Your SAT/ACT Preparation?
Experts suggest a diverse range of book genres to help you develop essential skills comprehensively:
1. Fiction Books: Enhance Analytical and Critical Thinking
Anderson strongly recommends genres like science fiction, mystery, and historical fiction. She explains: "To me, those books are very much like the classics when we used to read 'The Catcher In The Rye' by J.D. Salinger and 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding," because students "have to think in order to follow the storylines", much like college admissions tests. Stories like "Ghost Boys" by Jewell Parker Rhodes require focus to decipher plots. She notes these books "are based on some sort of problem that has to be solved by a group of young people," and historical fiction "gives students a look into what they consider to be a time that happened so long ago, but didn't really happen that long ago. And it makes it look very interesting".
Classic and Great Novels: Aguayo recommends "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott, and "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker. She affirms: "Reading novels and ‘great books’ like these will improve students’ reading comprehension, extend their vocabulary, and allow them to work on their analytical skills," which "will have a direct impact on their reading comprehension sections of the SAT/ACT".
Poetry: Although requiring a different approach, poetry (e.g., "The Winter's Tale" or "Titus Andronicus" by William Shakespeare, "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman, or a poetry collection by Maya Angelou) helps you train your imagination to grasp imagery and metaphors, while improving comprehension of complex literary works. Anderson notes, "Poems are great because they require you to use your imagination to get the imagery and the metaphors," and "Poetry is connected to reading plays, like Shakespeare and Shaw".
2. Nonfiction Books: Improve Information and Viewpoint Comprehension
The reading comprehension sections of the ACT and SAT often feature passages about narratives and opposing viewpoints. Reading nonfiction books will help you become familiar with presenting information, argumentation, and analyzing different perspectives.
Books on Social and Historical Issues: Anderson suggests works by Isabel Wilkerson or Eve Ewing. She also mentions Michael Harriot as a great nonfiction writer with a "very matter-of-fact way" of writing that isn't overly academic, but "told in a very anecdotal and humorous way", making complex topics accessible.
Autobiographies: Finding an autobiography of someone you admire can provide stronger reading motivation and desire. This is an excellent way to learn from real-life experiences while practicing comprehension of informative texts.
Additional Tips to Optimize Reading and Test Preparation
Beyond reading, experts offer other useful advice to help you prepare best for the SAT/ACT:
- Reduce Social Media and TV Time: Aguayo warns that excessive exposure to short, sensational content on social media and TV can "trains the brain to expect short and preferred content," reducing the ability to focus on long and complex materials. "One of the most beautiful things about opening a book is that it will take you places you didn’t know you were going. In doing so, you open yourself up to learning new things that will stay with you forever,” she says.
- Ensure Sufficient Sleep and a Healthy Diet: Stacy Harper, a high school English teacher, emphasizes the importance of endurance for long exams. "I always keep telling my students that endurance is what you need for these types of tests. So many times the students just fall asleep on it, while they're taking it,” she says. Anderson recommends eating a high-protein breakfast before the exam to stay awake, alert, and prevent stomach growling.
- Practice Regularly: Aguayo suggests taking a practice test once every four weeks in the three months leading up to the official exam. "You don’t want to overtest and feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Instead, create a plan that incorporates practice tests throughout,” she advises.
- Set SMART Goals: Apply the SMART model (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) to effectively manage a busy summer schedule.
- Consult Test Prep Programs: Families should check with their schools or districts about test-prep programs or inquire at reputable educational centers (like Clever Academy) for suitable SAT/ACT preparation programs.
Reading is not just a personal hobby; it's an investment strategy for your academic future. Make this summer a golden opportunity to expand your knowledge, sharpen your thinking, and confidently conquer your SAT/ACT goals!
Prepare for SAT, ACT at Clever Academy online or in-center this summer now!