Hi!
I'll try and answer your questions in terms of what photoreading has done for me.
My background:
I am currently a second-year economics student in Cambridge University, UK. I started learning the photoreading process slightly over a month ago with the personal study course and the forum.
My results:
I actually complete reading the material on my reading lists, something which I could not possibly have done in the past. Essays which took me five days to prepare for now take only a day, with equal or higher marks. I am able to follow more easily the material covered in lectures, and keep ahead in my course. I have more leisure time. I feel confident when I read a book that I'll finish it and understand what it says.
Now, I'll try to answer your questions:
1. Right Now I am studying a minimum of approximately 6 hours a day, usually more. Say I become a novice, average, or even really good photoreader how long would each of these levels minimize my time?
You can study as much as you used to, and you will cover much more ground. If you're thinking of covering the same amount of ground, then you will eventually cut down the time you need. However, note that I said eventually. You need to work on the process to get it working for you - it's not automatic! About 1/3 the time is usually achievable. Also, as a photoreader, you will find that it requires you to take a completely different approach to study - that's where the uniqueness of the system lies. You've got to use it. Too many people try to pick and choose what they want, ignoring other parts, and have photoreading fail for them.
2. How long does it usually take for the average person to learn the photoreading system at a novice, average, or really good level?
As long as it takes. The first thing you learn in economics is that there is no such thing as an average person! I've more or less gotten the system down, and it's already benefitting me. I expect to derive even more benefits, pushing comprehension even higher up. I've known others to learn it in even less time. It's all a question of applying the system. I just threw out my old system and replaced it totally with photoreading. At first, it seemed funny, after awhile, though, the system started to chug-chug along and boy, did it work!
Your attitude plays a very important part in determining how well the system works for you.
3. Right now, I am about done with my first quarter of college then in due for a huge break where I come home and it isn't that quiet. Should I begin to start the photoreading system at the library and use some of my time when I'm studying for material before my break starts. I guess what I mean is will my learning habits of my concious or unconcious mind conflict with each other and make the photoreading system useless to me. Because I am trying to study for new material in different subjects while trying to learn the photoreading system.
Use the break! I used my summer break in my preliminary brush with photoreading. I just got acquainted in general with the system. It was when I started applying it during term that I really started seeing it work. Use it to learn new subjects, by all means. It's a good way to convince yourself it works, and that's what it's for anyway! The PR system is not some laboratory experiment.
4. How long, often, and much should I listen to the tapes of the photoreading system? Finding a way to allocate time for photoreading shouldn't be a problem, but how long is the recommended time to spend on it a day. And how many tapes do you listen to at once, and how many times do you listen to each tape to reinforce your self.
Go through the tapes once first, and then let it rest for a bit. Let your mind integrate the system. You can either read the book first, or listen to the tapes. Either will do. If you do read the book, read it in the way suggested on the first page. Listen to one tape a day. You'll find exercises. Do them! Listening alone won't do much good. It's a hands-on process. You're still involved in the learning process. It's not a magical wand.
5. Right now I'm getting good grades what I'm doing now...really all I'm looking for is a big time saver, but still want to maintain or better my grades, and obviously understanding it easier as well. Just to make sure will this lead me in the right direction.
This is a decision you'll have to make for yourself. PR can help you maintain and improve the grades in a fraction of the time, but you need to understand that effort is required to learn it, patience in applying it and waiting for results, and, more importantly, being open to a new way of doing things. If you feel you're not willing to accept a change in the way you study, then you need to consider your purchase of the course seriously.
Hope this helps.
KWLee