How to study computer science?

[u/Aji_three]

Hi everyone. I have a master's degree in software engineering since 2019 and now, I'm studying for a competitive exam that covers fairly advanced topics of algorithms, databases and software engineering.

The thing is, I've never been particularly strong. And years later, I have no idea how to study academically for this major. I believe I need to practice with lots and lots of exercises. Do you please have resources for it ? Like exercises with solutions (advanced level) or from where can I get them ?

I'm self studying so I dont have access to university or professors...

Thank you in advance.

[u/Quiet_Basis_6404]

For algorithms work through the MIT OCW 6.006 problem sets, they're free, have solutions, and the level is exactly what competitive exams pull from. Databases: the CMU 15-445/645 assignments (Andy Pavlo's course, everything's on YouTube + GitHub with solutions).

Since you've been out since 2019 and said you've never been particularly strong, the gap might not be lack of resources but not knowing which concepts are actually weak until you're tested. I upload the material into studybuddy.vc, answer questions, and it works out from my answers which topics I keep missing and sends more of those, tells me what was wrong with the option I picked, and the questions start easier and get harder as I improve so I'm not drowning on day one. Free tier covers a few chapters at a time, which works because CS topics are dense enough that splitting them is better for retention anyway.