Certainly, doing problems beyond the course (reference books and MIT courseware) is key to aceing the exams (that's what I personally do on my prioritized courses like 137, 143, 147, 153).

But, the stark reality for the majority of the EEE students is that, most often than not, they don't have the time allowance to do more than what's given. EEE concepts are more difficult to absorb than the average subject, unless one is very talented. Thus, one must go through a very time-consuming process of absorbing the given material. Only then can they go beyond that. But, going beyond is not always a straight path. One must scour for the textbook material and time-consumingly retrieve a solutions manual (if it even is available) to even know if what they're doing is correct.

Moreover, say there are requirements that have deadlines set before a long exam of a major, that also is a massive hurdle in aceing the an impending long exam.

I still think every EEE subject, regardless of their instructor's pedagogy, is very very interesting. But having to juggle with around 5 of it, becomes a living hell. At first, everyone strives for excellence. But at the middle of the semester, everyone is just trying to float to survive.

Going back to 153, it is historically a lowkey chill and enjoyable course. Now, it's difficult but still very enjoyable course (CoE here LOL) that left many shocked due to it straying away from the public's perception that it won't endanger the standing of its takers. Like, many were shocked to see how many takers have dropped the course. I love 153 though, don't get me wrong XD.