Prepare for your reading exam to test out of the most basic reading courses. If you know heading in to your college career that reading is a struggle for you, it may be wise to spend some time practicing your reading prior to your orientation. If you do, you might be able to test out of a basic reading class altogether.
Highlight important details as you read. Look specifically for names, definitions or dates, as these often prove the most important parts of a written work. By marking these key elements as you initially move through the text, you can make looking back at the piece and deriving meaning easier for yourself.
Pause after every paragraph and write a sentence describing what you read. Write a concise sentence in the margin of your book next to each paragraph, or on a separate sheet if you can not write on the book itself. Seek to sum up the most important points of the paragraph in your sentence, creating for yourself a sentence summary of the passage.
Ask a friend or family member to help edit any essays you write. In many reading classes, professors assess your skill through the assignment of essays. If your course is predominantly essay-assessed, doing your best on these essays is paramount to your success. If you struggle with reading, you likely also struggle with editing your work, so don't be afraid to ask for help from a trusted friend or family member as doing so could make succeeding much more likely.
Attend all course lectures. During your reading course, your professor will likely provide a plethora of tips for improving your reading skills. You can not benefit from these tips if you do not attend lectures. Aim to never miss a lecture, as improving your reading is highly important to succeeding in college and, as such, the course you are working through could be key in determining your ultimate college performance.
Take advantage of your professor's office hours if need be. When developing your reading skills, you may require one-on-one help. Take the time to get this help if need be by visiting your professor's office hours whenever you are struggling. If you fail to ask for help when you need it, you may find yourself struggling more than you need to.