Methods, systems, and devices are described for operating a memory array. A first voltage may be applied to a memory cell to activate a selection component of the memory cell prior to applying a second voltage to the memory cell. The second voltage may be applied to facilitate a sensing operation once the selection component is activated. The first voltage may be applied during a first portion of an access operation and may be used in determining a threshold voltage of the selection component. The subsequently applied second voltage may be applied during a second portion of the access operation and may have a magnitude associated with a preferred voltage for accessing a ferroelectric capacitor of the memory cell. In some cases, the second voltage has a greater rate of increase over time (e.g., a greater “ramp”) than the first voltage.