What are you methods for RC timing? Forum

[rbrown0824]

I'm particularly interested in those who score well on RC. Currently I'm pretty effective at arriving at the correct answer choices but my timing is awful. Something like ~4 min 15 sec to read the passage, with an overall time of about 11-12 min answering passages with easy questions, and 12-20 min answering those with harder questions. I'm not spending anytime underlining, but generally have very little problems referring back to where information is located.

[gentlemanscholar]

I scored a 169, so take it or leave it:

You're gonna need to aim for roughly 9 minutes per passage. I found that I spend about 3 minutes reading (and simultaneously underlining important stuff), then a little under a minute on each question. My main obstacle for finishing on time was getting hung up on a tough question with two attractive answer choices, where I just couldn't bring myself to circle one and move on. I would reread the question multiple times and sink upwards of 3 minutes into one problem, never never feeling confident in my choice, and I could have just guessed and had a 50/50 chance and saved 2 minutes for other problems that I was more likely to get. Remember that every question is equal value and that any time wasted on a tough question is a sunk cost; sometimes you just gotta move on.

Are you able to finish an entire RC if you work as quickly as you can? does your accuracy suffer much under the faster pace?

Also, some passages are definitely easier than others. When you spot one, capitalize on it and build up a time surplus.

[theincredibleTM]

I only scored a 161 but scored very well on my RC. I effed up on my LR. The thing is this..they always tell you to aim for 8 min 45 per passage, but from my hundreds of RC passages I worked on because I was subpar in that section figured a great strategy..for me at least. I used to go from minus 10-12 on average to about 3-4 incorrect. I realized the first 2 passages are usually "easy passages." They could usually be done in about 5-6 minutes in general. Then you save time for the last two and give your self about 10-12 minutes each. Sometimes be wary, LSAC will throw a curveball and make the third passage much harder than the fourth. So from here I will pick a subject matter that is easier for me subjectively. For me personally the scientific ones were easier because they were more technical, and things were "listed." Basically aim to do well on the first 2 passages very fast and perfectly. From my experience, I GREATLY improved because I just did so many passages and boosted my reading comprehension skills that way. Basically picking up important information from constantly practicing them.

[rbrown0824]

Thanks guys for your input. Didn't realize that I was coming off sounding elitist. I edited my initial post. I appreciate your advice. I honestly don't know how accurate I would be if I worked as quickly as possibly. I suppose I will try to gauge that in the coming days. I have been so concerned with increasing my horrible accuracy that I wasn't really concerned about timing until this morning.

[gentlemanscholar]

If you can, use an analogue watch to get accustomed to test conditions.

I think you will find that you can work faster without sacrificing too much accuracy.

good luck