Passage timing on science sections

[grindtime1]

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I searched for tips on VR timing and I like the idea of recognizing the 52, 44, 36, 28 min. etc points for each passage for roughly 8 min/passage.

What do you guys do for the sciences? I realize it depends as some are longer/harder than others, but typically how long would you say for each passage? At what point do you say you are taking too long and move on from this particular passage? 9 minutes?

 

[kmp0410]

I have no set times, though I usually have alot less of an issue with time on PS/BS than I do with VR.

An advantage to PS/BS compared to VR is that its much easier to mark a question, move on and return to it than it is in VR. If you know you are not sure of the concept, mark it and return. Atleast thats what I do.

 

[TopTomato]

I have a huge timing problem as well, most of the time I have TOO much time on the science passages. With the verbal i have too little time. It's very frustrating.

 

[brood910]

I have a huge timing problem as well, most of the time I have TOO much time on the science passages. With the verbal i have too little time. It's very frustrating.

Same...
Besides, my reading speed decreases significantly when I read on the computer screen...

 

[ash286]

No matter how fast I try to start off, I always get mid-way through and start to panic because I'm going too slow.... Not good!

 

[HotHamH2O]

At 35 mins I make sure I'm roughly half way through the section. I took this tip from EK because the time gives me anxiety and it's paralyzing. Some passages take longer than others. If I'm constantly looking at the time, I'm breaking my focus and putting unecessary stress on myself if one passage happens to be longer than another (which is the case every time).

 

[HotHamH2O]

I have a huge timing problem as well, most of the time I have TOO much time on the science passages. With the verbal i have too little time. It's very frustrating.

Are you going back to the passage a lot? If so, this was my problem at first. Something that helped me was two things. 1) I always read the introduction first. For some reason, it gets me into the topic and takes my mind off of what I just read. It helps concrete the main idea. 2) Take your time with the reading to avoid having to search the passage later. Your retention will be better and you WILL save time if don't rush the reading. Actively read by asking yourself questions as you're working through the passage. Read it critiquely to get an understanding of the main idea. This will keep you from having to go back to the passage so much. Granted, there are questions that absolutely require you to return to the passage, but there aren't many if you slow down your reading. Even if you take 4-5 mins to read a passage. If you concentrate and really understand it, you should be able to answer the 6-8 questions in 2-3 minutes no problem, as long as you don't have to go back to the passage!