Mastering subjects or just understanding them??

[Preciouzgeek]

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I'm using Kaplan, and I'm reviewing each subject thoroughly. I do all the chapter quizzes and then I move on to the subject tests. I try to time myself during the subject tests, but I realized that I end up rushing through topics that I haven't mastered yet. 😡

I honestly don't like moving on from a topic unless I fully understand it (which means practically acing it the 2nd and even 3rd time around) -- this obviously interferes with reviewing other subjects because I end up spending too much time on it. 😕

So what I wanted to know is...

Would it be better for me to not time myself during subject tests (that way I could take the time to understand each problem better) ?

And, when is the right time to move on from one subject to another (is it when I have fully mastered the subjects or if I have a generally understanding of it) ?

 

[salim271]

You should always take practice tests under timed conditions. After you take the test however, thats when you should be going back and reviewing your right and wrong answers to gain a better understanding of what you did wrong and what you did right and why.

As for when to move on from a certain subject, if there is something you dont know or dont understand, then you shouldnt move on. If you look over the topic at hand and everything is review for you, then move on.

 

[zeppelinpage4]

I hope to start working on timing soon, but for the last month or so, I've been taking as long as I needed with the topical and subject tests.
Hopefully if I get comfortable with material, then I can focus on timing and doing problems faster.

I guess it's a personal preference thing. I want to make sure I have a solid base in the content before doing anything else. And pretty much, if you understand why you got a problem wrong and can make sense out of the solution then I think you're okay to move on. Though you might need more practice, if you're unsure about how well you know it.

 

[tman5890]

I also think you should time yourself and then go over the questions thoroughly and anything that you miss you should go back and review that material. That way you'll fill the gaps in your knowledge.

 

[MDminded]

Would it be better for me to not time myself during subject tests (that way I could take the time to understand each problem better) ?

Subject tests should be done on a timed basis. Any other little quizzes you can do untimed just so you can make sure you understand the topic. Anything long should always be timed.

And, when is the right time to move on from one subject to another (is it when I have fully mastered the subjects or if I have a generally understanding of it) ?

Master the subjects. A general understanding won't be good enough, in my opinion. Know it inside out, as if you're going to teach a class on it.

Good luck!