What I Realized After Failing Three Coding Tests in a Row
I started preparing last year, and my applications have been getting through screening okay, but I keep stumbling on the coding tests. The same pattern repeats: I solve problem 1, burn all my time on problem 2, and don't even get to touch problem 3.
The issue is that I only practiced problems I already knew how to solve. For types I couldn't solve, I'd look at the answer key, think "Ah, I see," and move on. That piled up, so when a problem 2-type question appeared on an actual test, I completely froze.
Starting this week, I switched to practicing with a 40-minute timer, forcing myself to wrestle with problems without looking at the answer key, and it's twice as stressful T_T Still, I believe this is the right direction.
4 answers
This is so true. I thought I was the only one who avoids problem types I can't solve lol.
Well, that doesn’t seem to be the whole story. If you’ve been rejected three times in a row, you should first check whether you’re already being filtered out at the application stage or by your portfolio—not just assume it’s a coding test skill issue. Just because an application passes the resume screening doesn’t mean all applications are the same. While you’re focused only on coding tests, other people’s qualifications keep improving, so it’s worth checking whether you’re allocating your time the right way.
I was exactly the same. Looking at the answer key and going "Ah, I see" is the biggest trap. Understanding it and implementing it within 30 minutes are completely different skills...
What worked for me was a mistake review log. After solving a problem, I'd write in three lines why I couldn't solve it. Whether it was because I didn't know the type, knew it but couldn't implement it, or couldn't manage my time. Writing this down made me realize that my pattern of spending all my time on problem 2 was just a habit. I set a 15-minute cutoff rule for problem 1 and switched to always holding out from problem 2 onward, and in the next exam I touched problem 3 for the first time. Timer stress was severe for me too, but I reduced it from 40 minutes to 30 minutes and instead did only one set a day to control the total volume, and it became bearable.
The 40-minute timer is seriously bad for your mental health lol. Still, the direction is right. I switched to that too, and I got a bit more comfortable with Type 2.