<p>It happens because a required class is too hard, it gets dropped and a whole year is lost because of a deep prerequisite tree. </p>
<p>It’s pretty easy to get lost in an engineering class if you’re not used it it. It’s not math, it’s not science, it’s engineering. It involves abstraction. Not everybody gets that and sometimes the course zigs and the student zags. </p>
<p>The key is modesty - it’s hard for everyone, not getting behind, and seeking help immediately if you feel like you’re getting behind.</p>