The DAT Reading Comprehension section has a strict time limit, and pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face. Most test-takers benefit from spending 3-4 minutes on each passage and then 30-45 seconds per question—this varies based on question complexity and your reading speed. A key strategy is previewing questions before reading the passage so you know what to focus on, rather than trying to memorize every detail. Tutors can help you practice this approach with timed drills and show you how to quickly identify the main idea and topic sentences, which helps you navigate questions faster and more accurately. Building this skill takes practice, but it's one of the most impactful changes you can make.

The DAT focuses on several question types: main idea/primary purpose, inference, detail/fact-based questions, author tone, and vocabulary in context. Each requires a slightly different approach. Detail questions reward careful reading of the passage; inference questions test whether you can draw logical conclusions from information given; tone and author's purpose questions require understanding the passage's context and intent. Many students struggle with inference questions because they either confuse what's directly stated with what's implied, or they read too much into a passage. A tutor can break down the specific question format you struggle with most and teach you how to eliminate wrong answers systematically, which improves both speed and accuracy.

The best way to find your weak areas is by taking a full-length DAT practice test under timed conditions and reviewing your results by question type, not just overall score. Look for patterns: Are you missing more inference questions or detail questions? Do you struggle more with science passages or humanities passages? Are you running out of time, or are you making careless mistakes? Once you identify these patterns, you can target your practice—for example, if you're weak on inference, spend extra time on those questions and learn the reasoning patterns the DAT uses. A tutor can analyze your practice test results and create a focused study plan that addresses your specific gaps rather than having you study everything equally.

Test anxiety often shows up as rushing through passages or second-guessing yourself, both of which hurt your score. Building confidence comes from familiarity and practice—the more you practice timed passages, the less anxious you'll feel on test day. One effective strategy is simulating test conditions during your practice: use the same timer, take breaks the same way you will on the DAT, and practice staying calm when you hit a difficult passage. Many students benefit from learning to recognize when they're overthinking a question and moving on strategically. A tutor can help you develop a pre-test routine, teach you breathing techniques to use during the section, and build your confidence by showing you that you can handle the difficulty level with the right strategy.

A typical effective schedule involves 4-8 weeks of consistent practice, with at least 3-4 sessions per week. Early on, focus on untimed practice to understand question types and build foundational skills; then gradually add time pressure to train your pacing. Most students benefit from mixing focused drills (practicing one question type at a time) with full timed passages to work on both accuracy and speed. As you get closer to test day, incorporate practice tests into your schedule—try one full-length test every 1-2 weeks so you can see how your skills hold up under real test conditions. The key is consistency and quality over quantity; 30 minutes of focused, deliberate practice beats three hours of unfocused review.

The best tutors for DAT Reading Comprehension have a deep understanding of test structure and question patterns, and can diagnose why you're missing questions—not just what you got wrong. They should be able to explain reading strategies clearly, give you timed practice with feedback, and adapt their teaching based on your specific weak areas. They know that what works for one student might not work for another; some students need to preview questions first, others need to focus on main idea recognition. Look for tutors who ask diagnostic questions to understand your baseline and goals, who use actual DAT materials, and who teach you strategies you can apply rather than just drilling you on passages. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have direct experience preparing students for the DAT and can provide personalized guidance.