Checked on some classmates from the BSEE first semester from last year and saw that the second semester became so much challenging for them.

It is, because I am not there anymore. Not that I am having a narcissist outlook but just being honest. When I was with the class in the first semester, almost all are trying their best to get a hold of my answers to problem sets. They were not learning but riding on my efforts on all courses that I am there, from minor general education courses to STEM courses.

It's not a surprise they will be at "survival" on the second semester now that I am not there with them.

I'd say the K-12 education failed them to prepare for university.