Coding bootcamps have become a popular alternative education opportunity for people looking to switch careers in tech. In 2020, at least 44,254 people attended or graduated from a coding bootcamp, according to a CareerKarma market research report. Like traditional programs, such as four-year college degree programs, there is a thorough admissions process that you must go through before you enroll in a coding bootcamp.
This process can be intimidating, no matter where you are in your career, and each coding bootcamp has its own unique process. This article will break down what you can expect from the admissions process, and provide a few tips that will set you up for admission success.
Do Your Research
Every coding bootcamp that you will come across will be different and it’s important that you choose a bootcamp that’s right for you. The best bootcamp is the one that meets your career goals and personal needs. A few factors to consider include:
Bootcamp Format: Coding bootcamps are offered in in-person, online, and hybrid formats. In addition, you will find that bootcamps are via full-time, part-time, and self-paced programs. Completing a part-time, virtual coding bootcamp can be a valuable alternative for students who are managing a full-time job, family obligation, or both because they offer more flexible options. Likewise, someone with the ability to quit their job and a need to change careers quickly may be interested in a full-time program as they are typically shorter in length.
Career Support Needed: You should consider the level of support you will need to switch careers. Some bootcamps are longer and provide more integrated career services support to replace formal college training. This type of bootcamp can be helpful to learners with no previous coding experience or those coming from non-technical careers.
Career Goals: Your career goals may impact the type of coding bootcamp you enroll in. You should browse the curriculums of coding bootcamps you are considering and review the programming languages taught in the curriculum. Are these the programming languages and technical skills you need to know to achieve your career goals? If you are interested in working in data science, it would make sense to enroll in a Data Science bootcamp rather than a Software Engineering bootcamp.
Fill Out the Application
Once you’ve decided on a coding bootcamp, it’s time to apply! Most bootcamp applications are short and straightforward. At the minimum, coding bootcamps will ask for background information for every candidate. This can include name, contact information, date of birth, highest level of education, coding experience, and other demographic information. Additionally, coding bootcamps will ask applicants why they are interested in learning to code.
Complete an Admissions Interview
Once you complete the application, an admissions representative from the coding bootcamp will reach out to set-up an interview. Every coding bootcamp’s interview process is different. Generally, an admission representative will provide you with information about the Coding Bootcamp, including culture, curriculum, student life, and job placement. They will also dive deeper into your application answers, including asking questions about your background, and your interest in coding, and why you are interested in their program. If the interview process is conducted after a coding challenge or aptitude assessment, the admission representative will ask about the process of completing it.
The admissions interview is the most important part of the process, as it is the coding bootcamps first in-person impression of you. You should approach a coding bootcamp interview as you would a job interview. Be prepared to answer common application questions and bring your own questions to ask.
Take Technical Assessment or Coding Challenge
Some coding bootcamps require prospective students to complete an aptitude assessment or coding challenge during the interview process. The goal of aptitude assessments is to assess each applicant’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Coding challenges are used to assess an applicant’s programming skills.
While some bootcamps differentiate between aptitude assessments and coding challenges, others use them interchangeably. Many coding bootcamps that offer aptitude assessments don’t require previous coding knowledge, as they are simply testing your natural aptitude to assess the characteristics that successful developers have. On the other hand, bootcamps with coding challenges will typically look for some basic knowledge in JavaScript or HTML/CSS.
Complete Introductory Course or Pre-Work
Coding bootcamps offer pre-work or preparatory courses to students to expose them early to coding. These opportunities are comprised of 50+ hours of tutorials and readings that help teach students the fundamentals of coding. For example, pre-work for a Full Stack Web Development course might cover HTML, CSS, and Ruby.
Why is it important to complete this work? Pre-work and prep classes are offered to help students ensure they are interested in and enjoy coding before investing in a bootcamp. It also helps establish a baseline of knowledge for incoming students that allows students to focus on more advanced concepts and techniques taught in the bootcamp curriculum. You will also have a better understanding of the hands-on learning that bootcamps provide, and will be able to adapt more easily and create a routine to increase your chances of succeeding.
Some bootcamps require pre-work or completion of an introductory course prior to beginning the bootcamp curriculum. There are a few bootcamps that allow students to opt out of this course based on their coding background or assessment results.
Notification of Acceptance or Rejection
Once you complete your application, interview(s), a coding challenge or aptitude assessment, and necessary pre-work, you will be notified by the coding bootcamp of their admission decision! If you are rejected, coding bootcamps will typically provide you with resources and feedback to assist you in preparing to apply again.
Consider Financial Options
Once you’ve been accepted to your coding bootcamp it’s time to talk financing. There are various ways to finance your education, but you may find that your options will vary from bootcamp to bootcamp. A few financial options offered by coding bootcamps may include:
Pay Upfront
If you have the means to do so, you can always pay for your bootcamp upfront. Doing so will allow you to be free of debt or payment obligations once you complete your bootcamp.
Income Share Agreements
This contractual agreement allows students to pay a certain percentage of their salary once they meet a certain monthly income threshold for a designated period.
Personal Loans
Bootcamps often work with industry-leading loan providers to help students access low-interest loans. This option is best for those interested in making smaller monthly payments.
Scholarships
Coding bootcamps often offer scholarships or tuition discounts, especially for those experiencing financial hardship or from underrepresented communities in tech. Examples of coding scholarships available include Black Girls CODE and Women Who Code.
GI Bill or VET TEC Benefit
You can use GI Bill or VET TEC funding to pay for coding bootcamp tuition at approved coding bootcamps.
Employer Sponsorship
If your current employer provides a professional development stipend, you may be able to enroll in a coding bootcamp and be reimbursed by your employer.
Take time to research the financing options offered by your coding bootcamp. Your admissions representative should be available to go through options with you and help determine what the best option is for you.
Choose Your Start Date
Now that you’ve been accepted and have a financing plan in place, you will need to consider when you want to begin your coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps offer multiple start dates throughout the year. You should speak with your admissions representative about any additionally factors to consider as you decide on the best time to start your coding bootcamp.
A Final Word
The coding bootcamp admissions process can be nerve-wracking but with great preparation and support, you can navigate it and get accepted to the coding bootcamp of your dreams. Be sure to have a strong support network in place to encourage you and hold you accountable through the process. In addition, be sure to take advantage of the expertise of your admissions representative -- you are interviewing each coding bootcamp as much as they’re interviewing you. Take your time to learn about the coding bootcamp so you can be sure it is the best fit for you and your career goals!
Ready to start your coding career?
Are you interested in finding the coding bootcamp that’s right for you? Check out Noble Desktop’s coding bootcamps. You can take in-person classes at Noble’s location in NYC or attend a live online coding bootcamp from anywhere in the world. You can also find other coding bootcamps in your area using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool.