I always have thought the primary determinant of the take-home test is not the code quality-- assuming you don't make any gross errors, but rather they are lite

I always have thought the primary determinant of the take-home test is not the code quality-- assuming you don't make any gross errors, but rather they are literally testing your compliance. I base this on having done a few and been given absolute deadlines. One time I was moving that weekend, but the company wouldn't budge on their deadline. Another company-- I do two phone screens, and the guy who would be my manager asks if I would be willing to do a take-home test. I ask him, "About how long should it take me?' "I don't know." "How do you grade the tests?" "I don't know." "Whats the subject of the test?" "I don't know." "When do you need it?" "Two days from now." So I say, "So the only thing you know about this test is you need it NOW?" It didn't go well. Now I just quote them my consulting rate. Don't code for free.