Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Good CS1 class. The Python curriculum is well-designed and the professor is engaging. Homework can be time-consuming but its good practice. The autograder can be picky about formatting which is annoying. Exams are fair and based on the homework.

Tip: Test your code against the examples before submitting. The autograder is strict.

Data Structures at RPI is legendary. Prof Cutler is amazing - she explains C++ and complex data structures in a way that actually makes sense. The homework assignments are challenging but incredibly well-designed. Each one teaches you something new. You will spend a lot of time on this class but it is absolutely worth it.

Tip: Go to office hours. The TAs for this class are some of the best at RPI. Also start homework early because debugging C++ takes time.

Physics 1 at RPI is harder than it needs to be. The lectures are dry and move fast. The homework is from WebAssign and the problems are tedious. Labs are fine but the reports are graded harshly. The curve at the end helps but you still need to put in work. Standard calc-based physics experience.

Tip: Do the textbook problems in addition to WebAssign. The exam problems are closer to the textbook style.

Easy Lally elective. Its basically introduction to business concepts with some team projects thrown in. Not very challenging but the professor makes it engaging enough. Good class to take for a break from the STEM grind. The grade is basically attendance plus a few presentations.