Any advice for finishing the science sections on time?

[calone]

Hi. I am often running out of time on the science sections (PS and BS) of practice tests. The questions that I couldn't answer due to time pressure turns out later that they were something that I could have solved had I given more time. Do you have any test-taking strategies for science sections that would give me more time to answer questions? I've heard someone saying that they don't read the passage right away, but read the question first and then read the passage to try to answer it. Do you think that would be a good strategy?
Thanks...

[admin]

If you are running out of time then it is a very reasonable option to read the questions first. More specifically, you read the question and aim to answer it before moving on. You refer to the passage if you can't answer the question or if you have any suspicion that the information is incomplete.

Quite often "passage related questions" are actually indepedent questions in disguise. Fortunately, when the data in the passage is essential, the question often refers to an experiment, table or figure by name. That way, you can just get in and get out without dealing with the whole passage.

Does it always work? No. However, if time is a barrier, this technique can significantly improve your score. You should try 1-2 practice exams using this technique to determine your comfort level and the impact on your scores.

[calone]

thanks for your help.