A method for performing a program verify operation with respect to a target memory cell in a memory structure of a non-volatile memory system is provided. The method may include the step of determining a location of the target memory cell within the structure and, based upon the determined location of the target cell and with respect to each programmable memory state: (1) applying a first sense signal at a first point in time, and (2) applying a second sense signal at a second point in time. A time interval between the first and the second points in time is equal to a predetermined optimal time period plus or minus an offset parameter time value.