This is the day-by-day version of the three-phase improvement plan. Print it. Pin it. Cross off weeks as you go.
Schedules do not move scores. Following one does.
The schedule
| Week | Phase | Focus | Daily | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speed | Baseline + subvocalization fix | 15 min WPM trainer, 1 short article read aloud-suppression style | 1 timed full RC section, record baseline |
| 2 | Speed | Subvocalization continued | 15 min WPM trainer, 5 articles | 1 timed section + WPM check |
| 3 | Speed | Word-by-word fix | 15 min WPM trainer with finger-pointing pacing | 1 timed section + WPM check |
| 4 | Speed | Regression fix | 15 min WPM trainer with cover-the-line technique | 1 timed section, target 240 WPM with 70%+ accuracy |
| 5 | Strategy | Pick your strategy | 2 passages, same strategy | 1 timed section, track per-passage time |
| 6 | Strategy | Drill the strategy | 2 passages, same strategy | 1 timed section |
| 7 | Strategy | Pacing rules (18-20-22) | 2 passages with stopwatch | 1 timed section, target finishing with 1+ min to spare |
| 8 | Strategy | Strategy review | 1 to 2 passages, refine based on what failed | 1 timed section, target 75%+ accuracy |
| 9 | Patterns | Identify your two weakest patterns | 20 questions of weakest pattern | 1 timed section, log accuracy by pattern |
| 10 | Patterns | Drill weakest pattern | 20 questions of weakest pattern | 2 timed sections, target weak pattern above 70% |
| 11 | Patterns | Drill second weakest | 20 questions of second pattern | 2 timed sections |
| 12 | Patterns | Full simulation week | 1 to 2 timed full sections per day | Review all patterns, rest day before test day |
How to use it
One rest day per week is mandatory, not optional. RC fatigue is real and cumulative. Rest days improve retention.
Do not move to the next phase until you hit the previous phase goal. If end of week 4 you are still reading at 200 WPM, repeat week 4. The phases compound. Rushing phase 1 caps phase 3.
The weekly timed section is the diagnostic, not the practice. Every other day of the week is targeted skill-building. Mixing them does not work for most students.
Related: The full plan rationale · Reading faster for the DAT