Verbal Reasoning Timing and how to train up to it?

[Zaids37]

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I've read a bunch of threads on this subject but theres also a lot of contradicting view. I have come to the conclusion that the general consensus of timing for VR passages is 7-8minutes. My question is: should I always constrain myself to this time or should I ease into it by taking say 10min per passage and working towards the 7-8min mark?

If I always constrain to the time limit, I cant comprehend the info and end up with a bad score. I dont mind this but I feel I will never improve constraining to this time limit at first because I will never comprehend the passage so is it better to start with more time and then work my way down?

Thanks!

 

[Dr.Wink]

I always shot for 8.5 min/passage with 9 left for the last passage. If I finished a passage and it took me approx. 9 minutes, I wouldn't get stressed out. I typically was able to get through the first 6 passages with clarity, and then had to skim and do my best on the last passage (sometimes straight guess B's). I started low during my practice, but then consistently was hitting 8's and 9's on my later practice aamc's. Scored a 9 on the real thing. Just my 2 cents.

 

[doctor_wannabe]

I have the same problem except I'm even worse than you. I have to spend ~13min per passage. 🙁 I really need to figure out a strategy to increase my speed. > <

 

[DocKingh]

I always set a timer for 8.5 min per passage. In the beginning I would use up most of the time. However, over time with practice I usually took around 7 min per passage (the harder passages I would just take the entire time). I think you should set yourself a limit of 8.5 min. You may go a little over for some passages and under for others. I think you will eventually realize that you will not be spending the same amount of time per passage on a FL. You will finish some easy passages in 6-7 min and tougher ones may take 8-9 min. The importance is that you train yourself read/comprehend with a certain speed. I personally accomplished this by always keep a timer of 8.5 min and working towards keeping myself concentrated.
Btw, if you are struggling with timing consistently I would not take a full verbal section (7 passages together) at once. I would do a passage at a time using the above procedure (or whatever works for you). Eventually, once you become acclimated to MCAT verbal, you can take all 7 passages non-stop.
Lastly, this is the method I used, but you know yourself and your study methods more... so plan accordingly. Good luck!