Tips to improve speed + concentration

Comments

• 8 Likes

  Habeas Porpoise Alum Member Sage ⭐

  September 2019 edited September 2019 1866 karma

  Hey! This test can definitely be mentally draining, but in your case I honestly think you just need some time to get used to this test.
  You can, of course, practice by drilling 2-3 sections back to back during the week, but PT-ing a couple of tests more will likely get you in the groove with this test either way. Also, I found that as I got better with questions the test felt less and less draining because I could just get through it more comfortably.
  For concentration specifically, I recommend meditation or some other activity that helps you feel calm. I used to (and mostly continue to) meditate once a day and to go for a 20-45 minute walk or a 2-3 mile run before PTs because it just helped get me in a "zone."
• dncdrc_04 Alum Member

  September 2019 152 karma

  @"Habeas Porpoise" Thanks for the comment! For drilling, do you recommend reusing PTs I have already taken or new ones?
• 1 Like

  Lolo1996 Member

  September 2019 498 karma

  Adderall?

  LOL, im only kidding.

  It will come with TIME! Do not worry. Took me an entire DAY (I mean, a sollid 10 hours) to get through my first PT.

  Also, try a protein bar before your last section (I like grenade bars & one bars).

  The more PTs you do, the better your focus/reading skills will become. So do not worry. Also, do not rush. Try practicing with 6 sections, per "PT". This way, when the actual test comes, there will be "less" to do.

  Keep at it! And dont get discouraged
• AudaciousRed Alum Member

  September 2019 edited September 2019 2689 karma

  I'm going to throw a weird suggestion to you, so bear with me. My attention wanders a lot. To say that I have a lot of browser windows open in my head at the same time is an understatement. That is my norm, so trying to shut all that down is difficult at times. I also do my best focus work (ie. detailed art) while listening to the tv, a movie, or music.

  So in July, I went in with a way to keep my subconscious busy every time I found my mind wandering. Right before, I listened to some music, and during the test and in-between sections, I would play that music in the back of my head. No lyrics. Just music. (Hocus Pocus by Focus was my go to... Straight forward melody, energetic, and simple. Classical also works)
  Your mileage may vary, but I found that it helped me keep my focus by keeping my subconscious busy.
  Also, caffeinated Jelly Belly beans are the bomb during break. Definitely an energy pep without having to pee later! LoL
• 3 Likes

  ALEXAN.S Alum Member

  September 2019 108 karma

  Hey, don’t stress, it’s your first PT! As others have said, speed and focus come with time; or, more specifically, comfort and confidence.
  Not to sound glib, but not giving a fuck (on PTs!) helped me a lot with timing on LR. Burn through those first 10-15 questions and skip anything remotely challenging. Too many words? Skip it. Don’t feel like finding the flaw? Skip it. Hate NA... If you’re pretty sure you got the answer, mark it and move on. Fuck it. As you do blind review, you will begin to see where your cavalier attitude paid off, and where you need to spend more time on certain question types.
  For LG, just fool proof. It works.
• Habeas Porpoise Alum Member Sage ⭐

  September 2019 edited September 2019 1866 karma

  @dncdrc_04 said:
  @"Habeas Porpoise" Thanks for the comment! For drilling, do you recommend reusing PTs I have already taken or new ones?

  For drilling, I'd always stick with retakes (full PTs, or individuals sections or questions, whatever my focus is for that drill) and questions/sections from PTs 1-35. No need to burn through new tests!