[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNTUxODc1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2026-01-26 22:31:00 +0000 UTC","comment":"Lecture is not bad. She definitely teaches good among all professor I've taken so far. Demo is sometimes buggy, but still very helpful. However, the quizes and tests in the class is too much, I'm extremely overwhelmed by the projects and the tests. Exams are easy to prepare compare to other classes. Make sure you did all the practice exams.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNDkyNjIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2026-01-13 23:39:49 +0000 UTC","comment":"worst course curriculum ever. avoid taking  under meenakshi syamkumar or tyler as the course structure and teaching quality was not up to the mark and the policies felt unnecessarily rigid.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzgzNjg3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-23 08:19:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"its just a bad class and her teaching style is horendous.  The submission for projects are janky and not stable but they dont make any changes to that. Shes always behind in content and rushes to make up for it. If you want this class for credits, dont bother, if you take any other class and shes the prof, dont bother. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzQ2ODYz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-19 16:00:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"Meena's lecture style in CS 544 consists of 1/3 useful slides on theory, and 2/3 slow, buggy demos, which I found abysmally unengaging. I showed up to every lecture and still managed to learn almost nothing during that time.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzIyNTQy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-18 03:00:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"Meena comanages CS 544 terribly. Her and Tyler ruined the projects, making them tough and AI-based. Made quizzes unfair by keeping the same versions between sections. She defended this by saying she couldn't understand why anyone would cheat. Meena teaches terribly, spending more time talking about easier topics than the tougher ones. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzA2MzMy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-17 08:16:54 +0000 UTC","comment":"Most disorganised class ever, she is never available outside of class, was very excited to take big data but this class was my biggest nightmare","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMjMzMjYx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-13 21:35:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"I feel bad for her because Tyler ruined CS-544's reputation, and I think if Meena taught the course by herself without Tyler's intervention, she would be much more open to student feedback. She doesn't go too fast while teaching and makes sure you understand things. However, this also means she was unable to cover all topics. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMDk3NjMz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-08 18:25:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"She is at least better than Tyler. Without her, we will be “bullied” by Tyler","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTU1Mjk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-26 04:37:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"Chaotic, disorganized, and actively harmful to learning. Lectures are fast, shallow, and left us ~1.5 weeks behind the other section. Madgrades inaccurate, professors are targeting half the A rate and two exams were added. Projects were routinely late and even rewritten, forcing students to redo everything. Very active piazza from all the outrage. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzgzODY3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-16 19:19:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not a strong lecturer; poor pacing. Complaints about the course are poorly founded though, projects are quite easy (and definitely easier than prior to Fall 2025) and the course isn't curved, so quiz fairness doesn't impact individual grades","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxODY0MTUy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-14 00:02:53 +0000 UTC","comment":"The worst lecturer I've ever had, I've had to take multiple of her classes and learn nothing from her lectures. She somehow manages to speak too fast while at the same time saying nothing of substance and consistently falling behind the other sections. She does not actually teach the content, instead talks at you like you already know it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNjk3NDQx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-10-08 06:43:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"Lecture either just reading the slides or writing code by herself — I don't really understand what the point of the lecture is.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNjY0MTM0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-09-25 01:36:53 +0000 UTC","comment":"QUIZ, THE POOREST REFORMATION OF THE COURSE! She also disables transcript for the record","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NDE0MjA4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2024-05-09 01:52:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very clear lecture logic and content. If you attend class carefully, you shouldn't have any problems with your homework. The exam is very simple, and a lot of materials are given to review before the exam. The professor is very, very good. I got sick during class, and the professor was very concerned about my situation and gave me homework grace","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NDA3MTAx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2024-05-08 17:30:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Would definitely take this class again! The lectures were very clear and to the point. This class had a lot of resources for help like the anki flashcards, TA's and the professor herself was very helpful. Overall, I really liked the professor, and I would say she's one of the best I've had.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NDA1ODc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2024-05-08 16:07:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"Meena was very accessible outside class and gave lots of help during office hours. Also granted deadline extensions pretty generously. I didn't like her lecturing style the first couple weeks, but I realized that during lecture, she's pretty much going over exactly what we're supposed to do for that week's homework, which I found really helpful.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MzY3MTY2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2024-05-05 04:19:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"I think Meena rubs many people the wrong way, but I really liked her as a professor. Her lecture code is super helpful for projects. Super lenient and flexible and always willing to extend deadlines for a project if necessary. Exams are easy and open-note. The weekly quizzes are online and you can use any resource. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:19:17.289299+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MjY0OTM3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2274671","instructor_name":"Meenakshi Syamkumar","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2024-04-25 16:14:17 +0000 UTC","comment":"The worst structured class/projects I have ever taken. Also lectures was just watching her put codes into a terminal.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2274671","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMzUxNjcw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2026-08-07 03:25:18 +0000 UTC","comment":"If you are a CS student and you want a job in software, pay very close attention in CS 544. What he will teach you about linux, docker, databases and distributed processing is pure gold. Seriously, when you start your first job, you will be unbelievably happy to know the basics of these things, that other CS classes do not teach you. Pay attention!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDczOTk4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2026-05-08 20:43:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's a good guy who cares about his students learning. Grew a lot in this class. Easy A if you study. Lots of work.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDY3NjIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2026-05-08 02:55:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's a pretty reasonable professor and gave extra credit for the projects. The only downside was how messy the projects were, but he would make sure to give students extra time to submit. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMDIyMjM0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2026-05-04 20:27:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"Lots of people hate because they thought it'd be an easy A like in prev semesters. Hard to get an A but def not hard to get at least a B esp w extra credit. Very clear (but boring) lectures, explains complex content simply. Projects are eh. Cumulative exams suck, especially fill-the-blank q's. Clearly cares abt the class but def needs some changes","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyODkwNDAy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2026-04-21 19:00:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"He actually cares if you go meet him out of class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyODM3MDE2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2026-04-14 21:11:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"This class is quite mixed. There is a lot of content, with theory and esoteric questions being prioritized in exams over coding. He is obviously a great coder. I found his theory slides to be good, but his demos to be bad. Almost feel like this should be a 4 credit class with discussion to go over code/theory due to pace of class. Projects = mess. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzczNzIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-22 07:37:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"The class is easy but the weightage is insane. The projects are all piped to AI(you are required to do this) and are simple. The only problem with this class is that the class weights are insane and make the experience not enjoyable overall.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzczMzYx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-22 06:22:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"Exams tested some strange content such as “which is less expensive” instead of logical thinking. I'm not sure whether we need to know these in our lives, as we can Google","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzQzMzcw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-19 05:28:25 +0000 UTC","comment":"The idea to switch up the course structure wasn't the greatest. 5 exams and difficult projects is fine, but not when I can't understand anything being done in lecture at all.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzIyNDc5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-18 02:58:07 +0000 UTC","comment":"一学期五次考试。复习完ppt，往年试卷，上考场一看该名词这学期第一次见。","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMDkxMzAx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-08 06:15:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"太离谱，太整活，就想搞学生，报复社会，恶心人。把一节本来好的课改的面目全非。500 level中不难但是最抽象，耗死学生。不是Meena的话这学期直接没了。认识的所有人都在骂","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMDkwNDA2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-08 05:05:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not sure why he begins to take revenge to students. It is clear that he doesn't want students to succeed now. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMDQ5NzE2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-05 02:43:10 +0000 UTC","comment":"As an instructor, he does not care about students' feelings. Perhaps decreasing students grades can show his poor teaching quality. As a person, he lacks integrity. Only a trace of humanity learned, yet the full aura of authority mastered","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMDAyMTk0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-12-02 23:11:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"Poor organization, never cares about students. Make the course unnecessarily complex","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTYyNjMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-28 01:30:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"Really time consuming but the lectures build a solid foundation for big-data","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTIwNjM5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-20 23:47:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"If you need time to look for internships or jobs, or to do research, you should avoid this course because it will take up a lot of your time.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTE4OTIy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-20 21:23:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very tough class, I won't lie. The grading is also pretty tough, so getting an A is difficult, but getting a B is very manageable. However, he skills learned in this class are so valuable. I couldn't recommend a class more for someone going into SWE. Time consuming and difficult, but so worthwhile. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTA5Mjc3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-20 01:04:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"What is terrible second midterm. It covered a lot of materials that he either spent less than a minute in lecture or not covered in his slides and demos. Tyler said he probably would not curve the grade.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTAxNjE4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-19 15:24:04 +0000 UTC","comment":"Tell me how the other professor Meena is a whole week of lectures behind Tyler. I wish I took her instead because Tyler flies by the material way too quickly. It is impossible to grasp the content he is talking through from going to lecture. Good luck to whoever has him next!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxODk2NjYz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-18 22:48:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"5 exams and 8 projects each weighted only 3%. Is this actually a CS course?","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxODc5NjU2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-17 05:46:10 +0000 UTC","comment":"Ignores student concerns and has a horrible grading policy","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxODc0Njcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-15 22:02:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"CS544 is the worst course I have taken during my college.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxODcxMzA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-14 23:07:20 +0000 UTC","comment":"Honestly, I strongly advise you to think twice about taking this course if you're planning to pursue internships, research opportunities, or simply want to have a life. So many things I CANNOT SAY HERE.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxODcxMjY0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-14 22:59:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"CS544 HAS BEEN MY WORST NIGHTMARE OF A COURSE. AVOID HIM AT ALL COSTS!!! 5 EXAMS(because the IPQs weight 10% each), and projects take so much time for only 3% each. Projects are disorganized with overwhelming changes. Teaching team does not care about their students.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxODY5NjEy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-14 19:05:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"He invites the paid TA to remove comment here","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzkwODk1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-03 05:13:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"Tyler cares a lot about students and has made a course that prepares people for industry. While I'm not the biggest fan of his grade weighting/breakdown for Fall 2025, his reasoning for many decisions with the course make sense and he takes feedback into account. Gets through dense material in lecture well. Course is still quite easy IMO.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzkwODcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-11-03 05:08:28 +0000 UTC","comment":"For 544, the course design is rough: two 30-minute quizzes at 10% each, no past quizzes, and a graph-drawing section that's 5% of the total grade. The project is also far too long (~15-20hrs) for just 3%. It's so hard you'll likely lean on AI to finish and end up learning nothing. Do not take this class unless they fix the structure.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzc1MDY2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-10-29 20:48:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"In lectures, Tyler talks as if he is a professional auctioneer and it is impossible to keep up with everything he is saying. The course covers so many topics that reviewing for the 5 different exams takes a very long time. There are in person grades worth 10% each and they reuse questions for both lectures so the second lecture has a big advantage.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzc0ODE0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-10-29 20:09:02 +0000 UTC","comment":"Lectures move far too quickly, with excessive time wasted on demos instead of clear explanations. Projects are overly difficult compared to what's taught and lack proper guidance. The in-person quizzes are unfair since both lectures get the same version, giving later students an advantage and creating unequal testing conditions.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzY3ODQ0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-10-28 18:59:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"Seems like he's so determined to stick to all these changes despite students' advice","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzY0NzY0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-10-28 03:15:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"5 Exams \nWOAT-Worst Of All TIME","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNzY0NzYx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-10-28 03:14:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"Worst Class Ever \n","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNjY5Njg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-09-27 14:58:02 +0000 UTC","comment":"I would strongly recommend that you consider the workload of other courses since we don't even have one heavy course. Decide to take this course because of good comments, but add more exams. He seems to fix projects at the beginning of the semester, so lots of bug and update. He should test his course during the summer, including bugs and workload ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNjYyNTUz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-09-24 16:39:20 +0000 UTC","comment":"Since Fall 2025, two in-person quizzes are added and each of them is account for 10% of the final grade. What is worse is that there are writing sections that require you to draw out some diagrams shown in the lecture. The questions are really confusing, but Tyler just don't tell you what they mean. Projects only count for 24% of the grade LMAO :(","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNjYxNzA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-09-24 04:36:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"Since 2025 Fall, I can say this is the POOEREST CS course that I have taken in my life. 5 exams, many projects with infinite revisions of autograder. Chaos lectures, automatical 1.5x speed. Creating new questions on exam without prior experience and examples. Don't want students successed. A good person, but a unsuccessful teacher","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNDg1OTQ4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2025-07-07 15:37:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"I felt that the class tried to cover too much material, and at times it felt a bit unorganized. It would have been more effective if the content was structured more clearly, rather than touching on many disconnected topics. That said, Tyler was a very good professor and did a great job teaching the material.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4ODAyNTgx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2023-12-28 03:29:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"The class might be useful. The good things are mentioned by other comments. To me, it tries to cover too many things and Tyler did not make sense of much of them during the class. As someone without much system background, it is easy to get confused. I would still recommend it because of the skill you learned. But his lecture can be confusing.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4Nzk2Mzg5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2023-12-26 21:55:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great intro course for undergrads. The course has a nice balance between theoretical and practical knowledge. Can't thank more for Tyler preparing hundreds of flashcards for reviewing. He also provides constant and sufficient help for your personal projects outside the course. Tyler is an absolute rare-find.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4Nzc5MTcx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2023-12-22 22:12:16 +0000 UTC","comment":"One of the most organized and communicative professors Ive had. Very knowledgeable about Big Data fundamentals and industry practices. Very supportive of students using content for their own projects. Lectures are not extremely engaging but are clear and organized. Lectures recorded but attendance tracked with tophat. Grades curved. Really caring","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NDQ5OTQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2023-11-28 14:43:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"Tyler is extremely knowledgeable on the topics he teaches and is always willing to take more time to explain things outside of lecture. His way of helping on projects is unique in that he tries to guide students to debugging themselves instead of just telling them which has helped me learn the material better. Well organized lectures with examples.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NDE2NjI3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2023-11-18 22:19:49 +0000 UTC","comment":"Super-smart himself, not good at teaching.\n\nHis lecture is pretty good but not helpful for any homework. He always give extra reading such as python documentation and tend to be like \"be up to you.\" ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NDE0NzY2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2023-11-18 01:09:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"Tyler is probably the best professor I have had. He teaches concepts well and is extremely knowledgeable. He is always willing and eager to answer questions whether it be about the class or beyond. He is also caring for his students and makes it clear that he wants us to succeed.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:01:00.271485+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NDAzNDc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2950714","instructor_name":"Tyler Caraza-harter","course_label":"CS544","course_id":"COMPSCI 544","course_uid":"course_4c46b17e9b3f9a4f2ed9a0e9","review_date":"2023-11-16 07:31:07 +0000 UTC","comment":"Best instructor ever. Supportive and caring to students' mental health. His course was supportive and the most organized compared to other CS courses. The course website has a lot of materials for study and he will upload recordings of every lecture to the website. In terms of the project being hard, he would do a demo in the lecture and upload it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2950714","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0}]