10 Ways to Improve Your Reading Skills for College for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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College is about dealing with a heavy load of reading materials, often involving difficult subjects and technical terms. It follows, then, that students need to brush up on their reading comprehension skills. They will have to dedicate long hours of poring over their studies. If they’re not up to par, they’d be left behind. Thus the need for them to find the ways to improve reading skills.

Coming from high school, some college students struggle to keep up with their reading assignments since they lack ample reading comprehension skills. The good news is that there are ways to improving college reading skills you can implement instantly until they become part of your reading habit. How to improve your reading skills? These strategies will not only help you improve your focus but also help you retain key facts and concepts from what you have read, and answer questions like “how to improve my reading skills." Teachers may also learn how to improve reading skills in students.

Improving College Reading Skills: Table of Contents

1. What is reading comprehension?
2. Why Improving Reading Skills Is Important
3. What Are the Common Obstacles in Developing Effective Reading Skills?
4. 10 Ways to Improve Your Reading Skills
5. Digital Reading vs. Traditional Reading
6. Can Accredited Programs Enhance Your Reading Skills?
7. How Can Improved Reading Skills Boost Your Earning Potential?
8. How Can Accelerated Programs Optimize Your Reading Proficiency?
9. How Can Personalized Learning Approaches Address Unique Reading Challenges?
10. How Do Enhanced Reading Skills Influence Future Career Opportunities?
11. How Can You Measure Your Reading Progress Effectively?
12. Invest in Improving Your Reading Skills

As with any skill, you need to practice reading in order to be good at it. Reading in high school is not quite the same as reading in college. In high school, students who don’t develop a habit of reading their textbooks can probably get by with just listening and taking down notes from their discussions in class. This means that students might not get the reading practice they need to prepare them for what they will face in college.

In college, when a professor assigns a reading material, you are expected to read it. You need to be able to distinguish its fine points and write a conlusion in research. If students do not get much reading exposure in high school, they might not be able to properly read and reflect on their college-level reading assignment, causing them to lag behind their class. Worse, they might feel insecure and give up easily on their courses. Based on one survey on adult literacy, 43% of American adults had insufficient basic skills to understand college-level and other similar dense texts. It is also difficult for them to identify cause and effect, summarize, determine the author’s purpose in the writing, and make simple inferences from the text they have read.

What is reading comprehension?

When we are reading, we do it automatically that we often forget the complex processes involved in reading comprehension. Different regions of the brain work together to help us understand what we are reading. For example, the temporal lobe, Broca’s area in the frontal lobe, and the angular and supramarginal gyrus interact to help us traverse through the multiple layers of meaning and context found in each paragraph we read. In other words, reading comprehension is not merely understanding the meaning that is in the text. It also entails a transaction between the text and the reader as an active constructor of the meaning of the text. The reader must process the relationship between words, decode the subtle language and vocabulary usage that impacts meaning and emotions, and understand how different paragraphs come together as a coherent whole.

With this in mind, it is easier to understand why two people can read the same book or text and have totally different interpretations of the author’s purpose and key concepts in the text. Also, it can happen that someone is able to read but not truly comprehend the full meaning of what they have read.

Why Improving Reading Skills Is Important

Reading and comprehension skills have an impact on all subjects and a student’s academic performance. So, how to develop reading skills? Even for students who have strong computational skills but are struggling with reading comprehension, it can be hard to solve a word problem. Meanwhile, students who want to excel in science classes need to apply strategies on how to improve college reading skills since the subject delves into research, which can demand many hours of reading and comprehending scientific concepts, theories, and data.

Moreover, literacy and reading performance has a direct impact on graduation rates. Indicators start to show as early as primary education as revealed in a study by the American Educational Research Association. It stated that students who cannot read on grade level by the time they reach 3rd grade are four times less likely to graduate by age 19 compared to their peers who do read proficiently by that time (Sparks, 2011).

Furthermore, poor reading skills lead more students to drop out than poverty. Seventy percent of students who did not finish high school have problems with reading comprehension. On the other hand, 89% of students in poverty who can read at grade level by 3rd grade graduated on time. Also, more than 25% of poor, struggling readers did not graduate compared to only 2% of good readers from wealthier families.

Based on these findings, we see how there is a strong relationship between reading and comprehension skills and school completion. If you want to achieve academic success, it is imperative to learn ways to improve your reading skills.

Reading Skills Affect Academic Performance

Source: Source: Reading Horizons

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What Are the Common Obstacles in Developing Effective Reading Skills?

Many learners face challenges that can impede progress when refining their reading abilities. Key obstacles include inadequate self-assessment techniques, difficulty balancing study schedules with long reading sessions, and strategies that may not align with individual learning patterns. Monitoring progress using targeted metrics such as reading speed, retention rates, and critical analysis can provide valuable insights into where adjustments are needed. Structured evaluations, reflective journaling, and periodic feedback are effective for identifying and overcoming these challenges. Additionally, leveraging formal programs can offer tailored guidance and resources; for example, consider exploring the cheapest online bachelor's degree for a cost-effective way to enhance your academic skills further.

10 Ways to Improve Your Reading Skills

1. Read in a comfortable, distraction-free place

Where you read has a huge impact on how effectively you can comprehend the material. The fewer the distractions, the better you can focus, and the easier you can grasp key points from the text. Consider these points when choosing a reading spot:

• Distractions. Aside from avoiding busy and noisy places, distractions also include your own personal habits. It is best to mute your phone and do not reply to social media posts or instant messages during the time you have set aside for your reading.
• Lighting. Is there ample light where you want to read? Find a spot near a window for daylight or make sure you are sitting in a corner where there’s good lighting.
• Comfort. Whether you are reading in a cafe, the library, or your bedroom, make sure you have a good desk and comfortable chair when reading. Reading in a comfortable place will help you get through long hours of reading.

Furthermore, if you are able to read with intense focus, you can also avoid rereading and become more efficient in how you use your time. With so much college stress coming from schoolwork, the last thing you need is to have to reread everything when you already have a ton of assignments to finish.

2. Do a quick survey of the book or assigned reading

Before you dive deep into your reading, take a few minutes to survey the book or textbook you will read. Apart from the title, you can also get a good idea of what the material will cover by checking the table of contents, subheadings, glossary, and any chart or table you see on the pages.

Also, reading the introduction can help your mind have a clearer idea of the purpose of the material. When surveying your assigned reading or book, you can also ask prereading questions, such as what is the main topic of the reading material? Are you familiar with that topic? What do you already know about it and what can you expect to learn based on the table of contents?

3. Keep a pen with you when reading

Take it from Benjamin Franklin when he said that you should never read a book without a pen in your hand. Use your pen, pencil, or marker to highlight keywords and unfamiliar terms you encounter while reading. If there is a word you do not understand, mark it and look up its meaning. Doing so will not only help you better understand the key points in your reading material but will also help increase your vocabulary.

Moreover, you should also pay attention and mark summary words, such as therefore, in summary, as a result, hence, given these facts, etc. Paragraphs or sentences that contain these types of words can be your clues when it comes to highlighting parts of the text that summarize the main points of the author based on the arguments he or she presented in the previous paragraphs.

4. Divide the material into manageable sections

If your reading assignment seems daunting, try dividing the material into smaller sections for reading. You can also survey each section to get an idea of what key points will be covered for each of them. Once you have your sections, it is also good to estimate the time it will take you to finish each section. This will help you pace yourself and better manage your time for other school work.

When you are going through dense material like a textbook, do not forget to check for understanding after finishing a few paragraphs. Doing these short self-checks are important so that if you do not understand what is being communicated, you can go back immediately to reread previous paragraphs.

5. Take breaks

Even if you are in a distraction-free area, it can still be very challenging to maintain your focus, especially if you are reading a long and dense reading assignment. When you find your attention wandering, take a break, and give yourself time to reset its focus.

One study technique that applies these regular short breaks is the Pomodoro technique. It takes long study sessions and divides them into 25-minute study sessions. By doing so, time is no longer an abstract concept but a concrete one where you need to maintain your focus in short bursts. This allows you to be hyperfocused on the thing you are doing for that session instead of getting overwhelmed by the enormity of your assignment or project. It will better prepare you for dealing with abstract in research, a necessary requisite of life in the academe.

6. Read important sections out loud

If there are important points you want to remember from the text you are reading, try reading them out loud. One study explored the impact of reading aloud on memory. Results for both young learners and adults showed that people consistently remember words if they read them out loud rather than silently. Among 10-year-old students in Australia, those who read aloud remembered 87% of the words they have read compared to 70% for those who read silently. Among senior participants aged 67 to 88, those who read aloud remembered 27% of the words they have read, while those who read silently recalled only 10% of the words (MacLeod and Bodner, 2016).

Impact of Reading Out Loud on Memory

Source: Source: APA Psycnet, 2016

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7. Write notes and questions

Another way to improve your comprehension is to write notes and questions while you are reading. You can write the main point for each chapter or jot down key points on the side margins of the reading material. You can also use other note-taking techniques, such as outlining, bullet points, or mind mapping. Asking questions like who, what, when, where, why, and how and then looking for answers as you read can also be a good way to remember important information from the text.

8. Review your notes

It is equally important to review your notes and questions in order to retain what you have learned from your readings. Try applying the spaced repetition technique when reviewing notes. Spaced repetition uses review sessions based on a scheduled period to increase long-term retention. It can be an effective approach to efficient memorization and help you remember more of what you have read without actually spending more hours rereading the text.

9. Summarize what you have read

Writing a summary of what you have read can demonstrate what you have understood from the text. It will help you review and better remember the main ideas and key concepts discussed in the reading material. It will also reveal what points you might need to revisit in the text.

10. Explain what you have read

A great exercise in increasing comprehension is explaining what you have read to someone else. You can do this either when you have finished a chapter or when you have read an entire book. Repeating what you have learned to someone forces you to restructure your thoughts, which can help in retention and reveal confusing points you might need to review from the reading material.

Strategies for Teachers to Nurture Reading Comprehension in Students

Teachers play an integral role in nurturing reading comprehension skills in students, helping them excel academically and beyond. To create an environment where students can flourish as readers, educators can implement specific strategies tailored to different learning levels and abilities. A starting point is scaffolding lessons by breaking down complex textual materials into smaller, manageable components, allowing students to process and understand concepts more effectively.

Moreover, integrating technology into the classroom through interactive e-books or reading apps can engage students while addressing diverse learning styles. These tools can also aid in tracking progress and customizing content based on individual needs. Classroom discussions also foster collaborative learning and enable students to share interpretations, thus enriching their understanding of the text.

Educators looking to advance their teaching strategies might consider pursuing professional development opportunities to stay updated on pedagogical innovations. Affordable educational programs, such as online education master's degrees, allow teachers to gain deeper insights into effective literacy instruction while maintaining their current roles. This not only benefits their professional growth but also directly enhances student outcomes.

Ultimately, by combining structured techniques and personal engagement, teachers can build a strong foundation for students to master reading comprehension, preparing them for more challenging academic pursuits.

How does digital reading compare to traditional reading for comprehension and retention?

As students increasingly rely on digital devices for academic purposes, the shift from traditional print reading to digital reading has raised questions about its impact on comprehension and retention. While digital reading offers convenience, accessibility, and interactive features, it also comes with its own set of challenges that can affect how well students absorb and retain information.

• Reading Speed:
  • Studies have shown that reading on digital screens can be faster than reading on paper, but faster reading doesn't always mean better comprehension. Skimming or scrolling through digital texts often leads to surface-level understanding rather than deep comprehension.
• Cognitive Load:
  • Digital texts often include hyperlinks, images, and videos, which can create distractions and increase cognitive load. This additional information can make it harder for students to focus on the main content and retain key points.
• Physical Engagement:
  • The tactile experience of flipping through pages in traditional books may aid memory retention by creating a stronger sense of progression through the material. Physical markers, like the thickness of the book or notes written in margins, can help students track their progress and recall information more easily.
• Annotation and Note-Taking:
  • While digital reading offers features like highlighting and bookmarking, some students find it easier to engage with the text by physically annotating print materials. Writing notes by hand can enhance understanding and retention compared to typing or tapping on a screen.
• Distractions from Digital Devices:
  • The multifunctionality of digital devices means students are more prone to interruptions from notifications or multitasking. These distractions can significantly reduce focus and lower reading comprehension and retention.

Can Accredited Programs Enhance Your Reading Skills?

Formal education initiatives offer structured frameworks to systematically develop advanced reading and critical thinking skills. Accredited programs integrate comprehensive coursework that reinforces both traditional and digital reading strategies while adapting to individual learning styles. These courses provide dedicated support and continuous assessment to ensure measurable progress. In addition, several online institutions offer flexible learning environments that combine theoretical insights with practical applications, effectively accelerating improvement in reading comprehension. For instance, reputable institutions like military friendly online colleges have designed curricula that meet the unique needs of diverse learners.

How Can Improved Reading Skills Boost Your Earning Potential?

Enhanced reading proficiency sharpens critical analysis and research abilities that empower students to make informed choices about their academic and professional futures. This refined skill set facilitates the evaluation of complex data, enabling learners to distinguish quality information and apply it effectively when selecting courses and career paths. By mastering advanced reading techniques, individuals position themselves to recognize emerging trends and opportunities in lucrative fields, such as the best college majors to make money, ultimately contributing to higher earning potential in competitive markets.

How Can Accelerated Programs Optimize Your Reading Proficiency?

Accelerated programs offer an intensive and structured approach that can complement your reading improvement journey by combining targeted skill drills with advanced study techniques. These programs are designed to condense learning into shorter timeframes without sacrificing depth, ensuring that learners gain proficiency quickly through focused modules and real-time feedback. They integrate modern pedagogical methods with digital tools to continuously assess and enhance reading speed, comprehension, and retention. For students seeking a rapid and strategic upgrade in their academic skills, exploring options such as accelerated associates degree online may provide a viable pathway to achieving measurable progress in reading proficiency.

How Can Personalized Learning Approaches Address Unique Reading Challenges?

Tailored learning strategies can bridge gaps that standardized programs might overlook. Diagnostic assessments help identify unique areas for improvement, allowing learners to adopt individualized reading techniques and adaptive digital tools. This personalized approach enhances comprehension by matching specific learning styles and pacing, thus reducing frustration and promoting academic persistence. Integrating these methods with structured courses can lead to measurable progress and improved mastery of complex texts. For example, many students combine individualized study plans with options like accelerated associate degree programs online to strengthen their overall academic performance.

How Do Enhanced Reading Skills Influence Future Career Opportunities?

Enhanced reading skills not only bolster academic achievement but also serve as a catalyst for advanced career opportunities. By refining one’s ability to interpret, analyze, and synthesize complex information, professionals can enhance decision-making and strategic communication—key competencies in today’s competitive job market. Employers prioritize individuals who can quickly adapt to evolving industry demands and efficiently manage intricate data sets. This proficiency bridges the gap between academic accomplishment and professional success, fostering a smoother transition into roles that require critical analysis and effective problem-solving. For further insights on high-impact roles and industry trends, explore careers for women.

How Can You Measure Your Reading Progress Effectively?

To optimize your reading strategy, implement periodic self-assessments that target reading speed, comprehension accuracy, and retention rates. Use digital tracking tools and practice tests to identify improvements and pinpoint specific challenges. Structured evaluations, such as timed readings and concise summaries, help refine your approach and ensure consistent progress. Advanced programs offer personalized analytics and performance milestones, providing actionable insights for further enhancement. For a robust academic framework and measurable outcomes, consider enrolling in an accelerated bachelor's degree program.

Invest in Improving Your Reading Skills

Transitioning from high school reading to reading college-level text can be overwhelming. But remember that reading is a skill that you can improve with practice. Even people who have a lot of exposure to reading might find some materials that are still very challenging, so know that you are in good company.

Also, we have seen how reading skills have a direct impact on the academic performance of students and their chances of graduating from high school and continuing to higher education. This is why it is crucial to invest time in improving a student’s reading and comprehension skills as early as their elementary years.

By incorporating these 10 strategies into your reading, you can become a more effective reader. You will not only save time but also increase your ability to understand dense, college-level reading materials. It will prepare you to deal with the intricacies of research, from methodology in research to polishing your output.

Key Insights

• Importance of Reading Skills: Developing strong reading comprehension skills is crucial for academic success in college. Poor reading skills can lead to difficulties in understanding complex materials, impacting overall performance and retention rates.
• Early Literacy's Impact on Graduation: Students who read proficiently by 3rd grade are four times more likely to graduate by age 19. Conversely, poor reading skills lead to higher dropout rates, regardless of economic background.
• Strategies for Improvement: Implementing specific strategies, such as reading in distraction-free environments, taking notes, dividing materials into manageable sections, and summarizing what has been read, can significantly enhance reading comprehension and retention.
• Reading Aloud: Reading important sections out loud can improve memory retention. Studies show that individuals remember more when they read aloud compared to reading silently.
• Regular Practice: Regular practice and the application of reading strategies can transform reading habits and improve comprehension, making it easier to tackle dense academic texts.

FAQ

1. What is reading comprehension? Reading comprehension involves understanding the meaning of the text, processing the relationships between words, decoding subtle language and vocabulary usage, and synthesizing the information as a coherent whole. It requires active engagement from the reader to construct the meaning from the text.
2. Why is improving reading skills important for college students? Improving reading skills is essential for college students as it directly impacts their ability to understand and retain information from complex texts, which are prevalent in higher education. Strong reading skills contribute to better academic performance and higher retention and graduation rates.
3. How can students improve their reading skills? Students can improve their reading skills by reading in a comfortable, distraction-free place, surveying the material before reading, taking notes, dividing the material into sections, taking breaks, reading important sections out loud, and reviewing and summarizing what they have read.
4. What is the impact of reading aloud on memory retention? Reading aloud significantly improves memory retention. Studies show that people remember more words when they read them out loud compared to reading silently. This technique enhances engagement and aids in the retention of key information.
5. Why is taking notes while reading important? Taking notes while reading helps in better comprehension and retention of information. It allows students to highlight key points, unfamiliar terms, and summary words. Writing notes also helps in organizing thoughts and identifying areas that need further review.
6. What is the Pomodoro technique, and how does it help in reading? The Pomodoro technique involves dividing study sessions into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. This method helps maintain focus, prevents burnout, and makes long reading sessions more manageable by breaking them into smaller, focused tasks.
7. How can summarizing what you have read improve comprehension? Summarizing helps consolidate understanding by forcing the reader to process and articulate the main points of the text. It reveals areas that may need further review and enhances retention by organizing information in a coherent manner.
8. What is spaced repetition, and how can it aid in retaining information from readings? Spaced repetition involves reviewing notes and information at increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention. This technique helps in efficient memorization and ensures that the information stays fresh in memory over a longer period.
9. How does reading in a distraction-free environment benefit comprehension? Reading in a distraction-free environment allows for better focus and concentration, making it easier to understand and retain information. Reducing distractions helps avoid rereading and increases the efficiency of study sessions.
10. Why should students invest in improving their reading skills early? Early investment in reading skills is crucial as it sets the foundation for academic success. Strong reading skills developed in elementary and high school prepare students for the demands of college-level texts, improving their chances of performing well and graduating on time.

References:

• Bodner, G. E., & MacLeod, C. M. (2016). The benefits of studying by production . . . And of studying production: Introduction to the special issue on the production effect in memory. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 70 (2), 89-92. https://doi.org/10.1037/cep0000094
• Sparks, S. (2011). Study: Third grade reading predicts later high school graduation. Education Week.
• Stevens, A. (2011). Poor reading skills lead more students to dropout of school than poverty. Reading Horizons.