When I get take homes I usually timebox them to the recommended duration and then send in what I have, along with a note explaining that. So I might say "This m

When I get take homes I usually timebox them to the recommended duration and then send in what I have, along with a note explaining that. So I might say "This may not be the most elaborate solution you've seen but I did it in strictly under X minutes". 4 hours as the declared time seems to be pushing it though - once you get beyond 2 I have seen the complexity explode, and a 4 hour assignment as you noted can easily balloon. One option might be to show off your project management skills and push back on the scope to negotiate something that fits your schedule.