This class is known as the hardest required CS class, and it probably is, but I also feel like it is overblown. The final's average is always low probably because people can get to a B without it and then just don't study. 85% of this class is between labs, homeworks, and online quizzes. All are assignments that if done well will secure you a decent grade in the class. All lectures are recorded and uploaded to Canvas so you can watch them back while doing work. You have access to both professor's lectures, and I personally never even went to lecture, just watched from my apartment. I went into the final needing around a 60 for an A and did significantly better than that.

The tip I have for people is if you take the class and want to succeed, really stay up with the material each week. Some of it is tricky, but if you keep up each week and actually understand what is going in Lab, on HWs and each quiz question then studying for the final won't be that big of an issue. I'm sure some people consulted AI or other people for how to do assignments and never fully understood what was going on. Then tried to cram for the final and received <50%. As long as you keep up with your work you will be able to succeed in the class and do well.

People will criticize CSO2 but generally those criticisms are untrue. The class is VERY easy to get a good grade in, provided that you have or find a group of good friends to work with.

The professors and TAs genuinely want you to succeed; grading is very lenient, and it's not uncommon to get 100% on literally every homework assignment and lab. The quizzes are difficult, but you can ask clarifying questions about the underlying content to your friends and TAs.

They're also open-book and open-note, so with some effort, getting close to 100% on all the quizzes is absolutely achievable. The final is tough, but if you keep up with the content and do all the available practice exams, you'll definitely do well.

Skadron is also super knowledgeable and knows the answer to any question you could ever ask him. His lectures are interesting, and the examples he gives help clarify the content.