Reading comprehension issues and "IdeaChain" program

[Man]

I have had an ongoing problem with reading comprehension. Outside of the self-help books, I have never enjoyed reading. I always found reading boring. This has affected my performance in classes that involve a lot of reading/writing.

I struggled with the verbal sections of the standardized tests. I took the SAT, PSAT, GRE, MCAT, and I got good scores in all sections except the verbal. The passages and their respective questions were always difficult for me. I did do well on the vocabulary sections though.

I majored in engineering at university, so seldom did I have to read texts/write papers.

I'm going to be starting graduate school in the spring. I will be studying Epidemiology, which involves A LOT more reading and writing. I want to get my reading comprehension issues straightened out before I start.

I came across this program called "IdeaChain". The program seems to be very promising in helping those with reading difficulties, but I do have doubts about it. Can anyone offer some insight on this program, or other programs on improving reading comprehension? What are other ways I can boost my reading skill, other than the obvious "just read"?

[Brutha]

What are other ways I can boost my reading skill, other than the obvious "just read"?

When you want to read a text ask yourself questions:
What does the author want to tell me? What is his background? Anything that you come up. Try to come up with answers. Reread texts to check your answers.