[Anonymous]

So I took REG this last testing period and failed by 3 pts – GRRR, ARRRGH! The encouraging thing is that my Score Report showed that I was Stronger in the MCQs (woohoo!) but Weaker on the Simulations (boo!), which didn’t surprise me since I BARELY completed 42% of the sims before I ran out of time. This was my first time taking REG so I had simply broken down my time to 45 mins per testlet. I had some extra time after each testlet but used it up reviewing my answers at a comfortable pace (hindsight…) not knowing what was waiting for me in the sims. Obviously, this did NOT work.

I plan to re-take the test again in January as soon as possible and want to revise my time allocation. I’m thinking 30 mins each for 1 thru 3 then 1.5 hrs for sims. Is this feasible or should I revise my plan? Any suggestions/comments would be GREATLY appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I would love the answer to this question. Becker says 40 mins per MCQ testlet, and 70 for sims testlet. However, they also underestimated the time you should allocate to sims in FAR and AUD (IMHO) so I was thinking you might need more like 75-80 for the REG sims.

[FearTheBeard]

@bhmnrhpsdy

That's what I did. 1.5 hours for MCQs and 1.5 hours for SIMS. If you feel really comfortable with the MCQs, maybe give a little more time to the SIMS so you can research your answers using the authoritative literature. You'll definitely pass next time, just make sure to get the last testlet 100% done.

It's very impressive that you got a 72 but completed less than half the SIMS. Just improve your time management and you'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

@bmsheppard: I must've missed that time allocation suggestion from Becker – crud!!!

@fearthebeard: yeah, I'm pretty sure I would've passed it had I been able to complete the sims. oh well, life goes on and I GET TO take the test again…

Thanks, guys!

[FearTheBeard]

@bmsheppard87

Becker is completely off with their recommendations. For BEC, my instructors recommended 45 minutes for the writing portion, which equals 25% of the total test time. However, writing is only 15% of your grade. But for FAR, AUD, and REG, when the SIMS count for 40% of your grade, they recommend using 25% of your time. Makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

@fearthebeard

Going completely off of %'s its

MCQ 1 – 20% – 36 mins

MCQ 2 – 20% – 36 mins

MCQ 3 – 20% – 36 mins

SIMS – 40% – 72 mins

That leaves you with 1 min 30 seconds per MCQ and 12 mins per sim. Do you think 12 mins per sim is sufficient? I know that was plenty time for FAR sims but they're two completely diff beasts.

Its weird because I felt like I wasn't rushing at all with the first two exams I took but it seems like this one will be rushed. 1 min 30 seconds per MCQ is a fast pace but I feel like anything less than 12 mins per sim and I won't finish.

[FearTheBeard]

@bmsheppard87

I think you could get it done in 72 minutes, but I still suggest 90. The research question shouldn't take that long. I found my answer in about 30 seconds. Some people (lucky bastards) even get 2 research questions. So when you start testlet 4, find your research question and finish it first. But don't spend too much time on it if you can't find the answer!

I felt that the REG SIMS were ridiculous compared to FAR and AUD, not because of their depth or level of detail (although they were detailed), but because of their obscurity. 3 of my SIMS were on topics that were barely mentioned in Becker's review course. That's why I recommend leaving more time to use the AL. On topics that you know inside-out, don't use the AL and work through the problem on your own. On topics you've barely seen, use the AL. It wasn't particularly helpful for me, but I did get something out of it.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I was completely thrown by the REG sims because the sims for all the other tests I had already taken were not as detailed or lengthy – why I thought 45 mins would be sufficient. REG was definitely a shocker for me!

[Anonymous]

I usually like to finish the 3 MC testlets in under 2 hours, which would leave you with a little over 1.5 hours left for sims on REG. I'd much rather “rush” through questions where my chances are at least 25% of getting it right versus something you actually have to fill in. I don't really focus on time for each testlet, but rather the 3 combined.

[Author]

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