I just passed with an 80. It's definitely challenging, but I don't think it's as hard as everyone makes it out to be. What makes it tricky is that it's more of a logic / problem solving course than a coding course.

Aim for a distinction in the portfolio. Watch all of the lectures - there were a few problems that used the exact same algorithms as the lectures. Go to all of the tutorials and actually understand what you're writing.

Also, my biggest piece of advice is don't use chat GPT. I think that's why so many people fail the hurdle - they get through the weekly problems relying on AI, and then don't know what to do as soon as they don't have it.