In one of my classes, the professor gave each member of the class a choice: we could do a project or take a test. I was one of only two people in the class who chose the test. If that class is representative of Brandeis as a whole, then 90% of you guys are probably wondering why the hell I picked the test. Here’s why I think tests are better.

The first reason is the amount of time necessary to take a test is only three hours. On the other hand, a project would require weeks or months of my time. Studying for a test does take some time (if I actually bother studying; sometimes I just wing it), but it only really needs to happen in the days leading up to the test. This is completely different from a project, where you need to start working on it usually right after it gets assigned. My classmates have already had to submit their proposals. I don’t have to worry about the test until May. This gives me more time to focus on my other classes or on extracurricular activities that my classmates won’t get.

That alone should be enough to convince you that tests are better than projects. But if it wasn’t, here are a few more reasons. Tests are able to be graded much quicker than projects. As a result, I will likely know how I did in that class way sooner than my classmates. Tests also cover a wider range of topics than projects. This may sound like a downside, but hear me out. If there’s one topic in the class that you’re not as comfortable with, you can usually make up most of the points that you miss by performing well on the other sections of a test. Meanwhile, with a project, if the topic that you don’t like ends up being an important part, it can ruin your whole project. 

I trust the professor for this class. However, if I didn’t, tests would have another upside. Because everyone would be answering the same questions, grading for tests is almost entirely objective. Either an answer is right or it isn’t. Even on short or long-answer questions, there is usually some kind of answer key where the professor or TA is looking for certain things. Even if different members of the class get graded by different TAs, the grading is usually pretty similar. With projects, the grading is entirely objective. When everyone proposes their own project about different topics, it is impossible to hold them all to the same standards, especially if there are multiple graders. Taking tests ensures that your grade will be fairer.

So there you go. Those are some of the reasons why I prefer to take a test rather than do a project. If you’re ever in a class where you get that choice, I hope you keep my reasoning in mind. Or don’t. If you like projects better, that’s your choice. But personally, give me the test.