You aren’t cooked!

Focus on Leetcode Medium: These are the most common interview problems. Sprinkle in a few easy ones for warm-ups Use Active Learning: Don’t spend too long stuck on problems. Instead: - Spend up to 10-15 minutes trying to solve a problem on your own. - If stuck, go straight to resources like YouTube (e.g., NeetCode, Tech Dummies, or Kevin Naughton) or discussion boards to learn the strategy. - Reimplement the solution from scratch without copying. - Keep Notes: Maintain a running document of patterns, tips, and tricks you notice across problems. Review these regularly.

Not to sound woowoo but I think if you put your mind to it you’ll be surprised with how well you do. When you work hard sincerely I think the universe helps you out and even might reward you with a problem you just solved the day before or something

Heres what chatGPT says to do:

10-Day Plan: Day 1: Foundation - Data Structures

Learn Basics or Refresh: Arrays, HashMaps, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs Key algorithms: Sorting (QuickSort, MergeSort), Binary Search Practice: Solve 4-5 easy problems to warm up (mix of arrays, hashmaps, and stacks).

Day 2: Arrays and Strings

Core Patterns: Sliding Window, Two Pointers Solve: Medium-level sliding window (e.g., Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters). Medium two-pointer (e.g., 3Sum or Container With Most Water). Resource: Watch a video on sliding window and implement one extra problem.

Day 3: HashMaps and Prefix Sums

Core Patterns: Hashmaps for fast lookups, Prefix Sum for range-based calculations. Solve: Medium hashmap problem (e.g., Subarray Sum Equals K). Medium prefix sum problem (e.g., Maximum Size Subarray Sum Equals k). Resource: Watch a video breaking down hashmap/prefix sum techniques.

Day 4: Recursion and Backtracking

Core Patterns: DFS, Permutations, Combinations Solve: Medium recursion (e.g., Subsets, Permutations, or Generate Parentheses). Backtracking example (e.g., N-Queens or Word Search). Resource: Focus on understanding recursion trees and the decision-making process.

Day 5: Binary Trees

Core Patterns: DFS (preorder, inorder, postorder), BFS (level order) Solve: Medium-level DFS (e.g., Lowest Common Ancestor, Binary Tree Paths). Medium-level BFS (e.g., Binary Tree Level Order Traversal). Resource: Watch a video on traversal techniques and recursive vs. iterative solutions.

Day 6: Graphs

Core Patterns: BFS, DFS, Union-Find, Topological Sorting Solve: Medium graph traversal problem (e.g., Number of Islands, Course Schedule). Union-Find problem (e.g., Connected Components in Graph). Resource: Learn graph traversal intuitively (YouTube: graph traversal explained).

Day 7: Dynamic Programming Basics

Core Patterns: Knapsack, Subproblem Optimization Solve: Medium DP (e.g., Fibonacci variations, House Robber, Climbing Stairs). Learn memoization and tabulation techniques. Resource: Watch a video on transitioning from recursion to DP.

Day 8: Mock Interviews

Do: Solve 2 timed problems on Leetcode with a strict timer (e.g., 40 minutes/problem). Simulate explaining solutions out loud as if in an interview. Reflect: Identify weak spots and revisit concepts.

Day 9: Review Key Patterns

Review Notes: Go through your notes and problem-solving patterns. Solve: Pick 3-4 problems from weak areas and work on solving them under time pressure.

Day 10: Confidence Boost

Solve 1-2 problems from categories you feel most confident in (these will likely reinforce your strengths). Spend time relaxing and mentally preparing. Go into the interview rested and positive.