I haven't put it to the test yet. I was under the impression that there was an additional pocket on the right side. We will see how they hold up by May 2019 with a 7th grader and 2 college students.
The inside file folder needs to be turned 180 degrees so the opening does not go over the rings but is at the left edge. You cannot load the extra 200 sheets with any ease.
What can one say about an ordinary 3-ring binder? On the other hand the "better" ones from Staples are pretty darn good. They come in a variety of bright colors with a nifty window on the spine so you can insert a card identifying what's in the binder at a glance. They open with the press of a button they don't bite my fingers when closing (important) and they are sturdy enough to last at least 40 years if you treat them well. So I keep ordering more of them in different sizes--just can't help myself!