Mathematics programs in Europe still use oral examinations, though they are increasingly rare in the United States. I'm not European, but I have always preferre

Mathematics programs in Europe still use oral examinations, though they are increasingly rare in the United States. I'm not European, but I have always preferred oral examinations over written examinations because I can actually communicate my understanding of the problem to the professor and outline my thought process towards a solution, something that is much harder to do in writing, especially since you cannot get any hints or feedback on your attempts during a written examination -- you're on your own.