Is Your Student Ready for College-Level Reading?

Reading matters at every grade level, but by college, students are expected to read at a far more advanced level. ACT research shows that while many skills matter, the key difference between students who are ready for college level reading and those who aren’t is their ability to comprehend complex texts. 

What is complex text?  

It makes sense that college-level reading is more complex than high school-level reading. In college, students read a lot. Often, they read textbooks, but depending on the class, they might also read articles, novels, essays and other text types. They must read to learn, and professors expect them to read to prepare for lectures and study for exams. 

But what exactly is complex text? ACT defines it as text with these characteristics: 

• It has subtle, involved or deeply embedded relationships among ideas and characters. 

• It has highly sophisticated information that is conveyed through data or literary devices.  

• The structure is organized in elaborate and sometimes unconventional ways.  

• The author often uses intricate tones and language. 

• The vocabulary is demanding and highly context dependent. 

• The author’s intent is implicit and sometimes ambiguous.  

Parent tip: Encourage your child to read and take challenging classes.  

As your child grows older, there are many things competing for their attention: friends, extracurricular activities, and more. Reading might fall to the bottom of the list of things your child chooses to do in their spare time but do your best to keep encouraging it. 

Keep in mind, however, that even if your middle school or high school student does like to read for pleasure outside of school, that alone isn’t enough to prepare them for college-level reading. They must develop reading strategies that help them comprehend and retain material, and they need regular exposure to complex material that pushes their critical thinking and analytical skills.  

The best thing you can do is encourage your child to challenge themselves in school and take classes that push them to grow their skills. Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses in high school help students prepare for college-level academics, and challenging reading is part of that.  

In addition, here are a few active reading strategies your child can use in school to become a stronger, more efficient and successful student:  

• Preview a chapter or text before reading to get an idea of the important elements. Look over headings, subheadings, bold words, lists, glossaries, summaries, callout boxes.  

• Start with the end first. A strategy that many colleges suggest is to read the conclusion or summary of a chapter first to get an idea of the chapter’s overall goal. That helps a reader read with more intention and purpose.  

• Determine the main idea. Your child should do this for each paragraph and each section of a chapter, and either keep them in mind or jot them down in their notes.  

• Take notes. Brief notes can help students organize information and ideas and stay engaged while reading. They can also give them a head start on study materials for future tests or quizzes. 

• Write down questions. While reading, your child should write down questions that come to mind. 

About Huntington  

Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. We offer customized programs in person, online, and hybrid options. Our certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington’s programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com and for franchising opportunities, visit www.HuntingtonFranchise.com.