The fact that you find it strange that these students don't do much programming and related stuff outside of class seems to be part of these high expectations - if they don't do much of these things outside of programming, then they just aren't interested enough, even if they get high grades.
Contrast this to some other, hypothetical study/profession where you are judged by your grades and work experience. Not your grades, work experience, and weekend projects.
This is not to say that these standards are necessarily bad, but rather that it is part of the higher standards that programmers have to live up to.
Contrast this to some other, hypothetical study/profession where you are judged by your grades and work experience. Not your grades, work experience, and weekend projects.
This is not to say that these standards are necessarily bad, but rather that it is part of the higher standards that programmers have to live up to.