A memory apparatus and method of operation is provided. The apparatus includes memory cells each connected to one of a plurality of word lines. The memory cells are disposed in strings coupled to one of a plurality of bit lines and are configured to retain a threshold voltage corresponding to one of a plurality of data states. A control means is configured to read each of the memory cells in a read operation. For each one of the memory cells, the control means is also configured to offset at least one of a bit line settling time and a kick voltage during the read operation based on a probability of at least one neighboring one of the plurality of bit lines being coupled to the memory cells retaining the threshold voltage corresponding to a different one of the plurality of data states than the one of the memory cells.