I just finished a final exam in 35 minutes, and I should have a solid B, at least.  There were 79 questions, plus a questionare which probably took me, say . . . 3 minutes, and two small interuptions, so let’s say I was actually filling in the bubbles for 30 minutes.  That works out to about 23 seconds per problem.

Pretty good, if I do say so myself.  Of course, it was an extremely easy test.  All mulitple choice questions, taken from the quizzes I’d already scored well on, so I won’t be applying for the Brainiac of the Year award just yet.

But it gave the staff at the testing center pause when I walked out.  For just a moment I thought they’d send me back in to twiddle my thumbs until a decent amount of time had transpired.

The end-of-course questionnaire I filled out asked how long it took me to finish the test, and I wondered, what for?  Some might say it’s just so they can give future students an estimate as to how long the test takes, but I’m wondering if the professor isn’t thinking of setting a *minimum* time for the test, instead of a maximum.

I can see the instructions now: 

1. You must read each question eight times. 
2. You must check your scantron and place your finger on the appropriate number corresponding to the question you just read. 
3. Now double check your answer and look both ways before placing your pencil on the scantron. 
4. Fill in the bubble by carefully outlining the bubble with the pencil, then circling inward with a brushing stroke that will maximize the pencil contact with the paper. 
5. When you are satisfied that the correct bubble has been fully filled you may move on to the next question.
6. Repeat steps 1-5.