You’ll stay on track if you tackle the weekly CAD assignments and video quizzes right away, but waiting until the last minute will absolutely wreck your grade. A huge chunk of your final mark hinges on the group design project, so keep your scope realistic, maintain a detailed lab notebook, and don’t let yourself get stuck carrying teammates who slack off. The instructor’s blunt, occasionally sassy style won’t click for everyone, but he’s a useful resource for troubleshooting if you actually use office hours and engage during shop sessions. Expect strict grading and historically slow feedback, so follow instructions literally, treat every small deliverable seriously, and drop the "easy A" mindset immediately. Start early, stay hands-on, and hold yourself accountable, and you’ll walk away with solid practical skills despite the occasional frustration.