APSMO pacing: leave time for later contest questions
APSMO papers get harder. Band the clock, set a move-on rule, and protect minutes for later items instead of polishing one early stem.
APSMO pacing fails when every question gets equal time. Later items are meant to be harder — rehearse a move-on rule on every full sit.
A simple plan
- Early items: clean accuracy, no vanity algebra.
- Middle items: most of the modelling time.
- Late items: attempt with a hard stop; return only if minutes remain.
Decide in practice how long you will stay stuck, then flag and start the next stem fresh.