The time pressure is the actual test, not the math.
Start by outlining a triage strategy: quickly scan all questions, categorize by difficulty and confidence, then allocate time proportionally with built-in checkpoints. Emphasize a systematic approach to solving, verifying, and moving on, while highlighting mental math and estimation techniques. Conclude with how you stay calm and adapt if time runs short.
Pro tip: Mention that you aim to bank easy points first and treat each question as an independent problem—don't let a tough one derail your timing. Also, practice under timed conditions to internalize your pace.
Spend the first 2-3 minutes scanning all 30 questions to gauge difficulty and topic familiarity. Mark each as easy, medium, or hard based on your confidence.
Divide the total time by 30 to get an average per question, but adjust: allocate more time to medium/hard questions and less to easy ones. Set checkpoints (e.g., after 10 questions) to ensure you're on track.
Solve easy questions first to secure points and build momentum. Then tackle medium ones, and finally hard ones if time permits. Skip any question that takes more than 1.5x the average time.
Use mental math, estimation, and shortcuts (e.g., symmetry, known distributions) to speed up. Verify answers quickly by checking units, reasonableness, or plugging back in if time allows.
Continuously monitor time and adjust strategy. If falling behind, guess on remaining hard questions and focus on ensuring accuracy on attempted ones.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.