When there's a buzzer that will sound, you need to maximize the points you collect before time is up.

· Bits and Bobs 10/13/25
  • When there's a buzzer that will sound, you need to maximize the points you collect before time is up.
    • This happens for example in test scenarios.
    • Get as many points on the board as you can before the buzzer sounds.
    • Most people default to going deep on each problem, keeping it loaded up in memory so they can effectively make progress on.
    • But this is a bad strategy in most test taking scenarios.
    • Some problems will be much harder than others but still give you the same number of points.
      • You could waste most of the time on a hard question, leaving easier points uncollected.
    • You should focus on the points that are easy for you to get.
      • Either because the question is easier in general.
      • Or because it leans into one of your differential advantages.
    • So go breadth first so you never get stuck without points.
      • You have to bottom out a line of analysis to get the points, so depth takes longer.
      • Depth is only worth it if it gets you more points.