Guide
The Best Coding Bootcamp Prep Programs
By Imogen Crispe
Last updated on May 16, 2022
Many competitive coding bootcamps want you to have some programming knowledge in order to be accepted into their programs – whether they’re looking for past experience on your resume or require that you pass a coding challenge. For a beginner, it can be tough to get the experience that a selective bootcamp looks for in the application process. There are many ways to learn basic coding (including teaching yourself) but if you want to make sure you’re covering the right material and quickly, then a bootcamp prep program may be for you.
Do any of those apply to you? Then keep reading for our list of great bootcamp prep programs, including a variety of in-person and online programs at different price points (including free options)! Most of the following programs cover basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; some of them offer application and interview prep. Others also guarantee participants entry into a coding bootcamp, or a money-back guarantee.
Remember that most coding bootcamps require you to complete pre-work once you’ve been admitted before starting class; however, this is a list of bootcamp prep programs to help you apply for and get accepted to a bootcamp!
(Prep programs are listed in alphabetical order)
Length: 2 weeks, part-time (13.5 hours total) – this class meets on weeknights
Curriculum: Intro to software development, JavaScript, HTML, CSSS, Git, Github, and VSCodee.
Cost: FREE!
Locations: Online
Length: 4 weeks, part-time (40 hours total) – this class meets on weeknights from 6:30-9:30pm
Curriculum: Intro to web development, intermediate JavaScript, debugging, interview techniques, and bootcamp application techniques.
Admissions Guarantee: App Academy guarantees that after this course you will be accepted into App Academy, Fullstack Academy, Hack Reactor, Flatiron School, Galvanize, or Actualize or your money back. According to App Academy, 100% of graduates who have applied to these schools have been accepted to at least one.
Cost: $2,999. If you are accepted into App Academy, the cost of Bootcamp Prep will be deducted from your deposit.
Locations: San Francisco, New York, Online
CSX - Online Learning Platform
Length: Self-paced
Curriculum: Introduction to core JavaScript functionality such as variables, data types, and loops, code execution, execution context, and the call stack, via online videos and coding challenges.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
CS Prep
Length: 2 weeks on weeknights and weekends (~30 hours total)
Curriculum: Core intermediate JavaScript concepts (callbacks, closure, recursion), computer science fundamentals, engineering soft skills, project building. See how pair programming in CS Prep can prepare you for bootcamp.
Admissions Guarantee: You're guaranteed a Codesmith technical interview, but not guaranteed admission. If you are accepted into the Codesmith immersive program, the amount you pay for CS Prep goes toward your Codesmith tuition as a credit. If you do not pass the technical interview on your third try, Codesmith will refund the CS Prep tuition.
Cost: $750
Location: Online
JavaScript the Hard Parts
Length: 5, 2.5-hour workshops (10 hours total), taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Curriculum: Core JavaScript concepts including callbacks, higher order functions, closure, scope, execution context, asynchronous JavaScript, object-oriented programming - classes and prototypes, and recursion.
Admissions Guarantee: None
Cost: Free
Location: Los Angeles, New York, Online
JavaScript for Beginners
Length: 2 consecutive Saturdays (around 12 hours total)
Curriculum: The program is designed for those with no previous coding experience and will teach JavaScript fundamentals (variables, functions, objects/arrays), as well as provide a broader context to how coding works.
Admissions Guarantee: If you are accepted into CS Prep, & later into the Software Engineering Immersive Program, your JavaScript for Beginners tuition will be applied to the next program you take.
Cost: $300
Location: Online
Length: 4 weeks part-time in the evenings (48 hours total)
Curriculum: DevLeague teaches 4-week JavaScript Prep, Cybersecurity Prep, and a Basics of Web Development Prep
Admissions Guarantee: If you are accepted into the DevLeague bootcamp, the cost of DevLeague prep will be put towards your tuition.
Cost: $735
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Length: 8 weeks, part-time, two evenings per week
Curriculum: Introduction to JavaScript and algorithmic thinking, pair programming, coding challenges, personal coaching and mentoring, and mock interviews designed to prepare you for applying for bootcamps. See why Sara started her tech journey at First Step Coding.
Admissions Guarantee: None, but all alumni are eligible for up to $1500 in tuition credits at partner bootcamps (ie. $500 off App Academy or Learners Guild, $1500 off Rithm School or Startup Institute).
Cost: $2,499 (in-person hybrid) or $1,999 (fully online)
Location: San Francisco, Boston, Online
Length: 75+ hours (self-paced)
Curriculum: HTML, CSS, JavaScript fundamentals, Ruby on Rails introduction, interview prep, with on-demand support available from technical coaches.
Guarantee: Students who complete Bootcamp Prep will become priority applicants for Flatiron School which will fast track their applications.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Length: Fullstack offers three different versions of Bootcamp Prep (same content, different pace/learning environment). All can be taken remotely:
Curriculum: JavaScript fundamentals, problem-solving, mock interviews, final project.
Guarantee: Completion of Bootcamp Prep does not specifically guarantee acceptance into a Fullstack program. According to Fullstack Academy, students who complete the Bootcamp Prep course and apply to one of Fullstack's programs are 2.5x more likely to be accepted to the program. Anyone who completes 90% of Prep, and anyone accepted into the Fullstack Immersive program will be credited back the amount they paid for Bootcamp Prep
Cost: $250 for week-long and month-long course. $175 for 40-hour online course
Location: NYC, Chicago, or online
Hackbright Prep Course
Length: 4-weeks, evening and weekends
Curriculum: Python foundations, developer tools, organizing code, programming logic, data structures, and application prep. See inside Hackbright Prep at Netflix, San Jose and see how Valerie Got into Bootcamp with Hackbright Prep!
Admissions Guarantee: Students who have completed Prep are eligible for a $1,500 discount if enrolling in the Software Engineering Program.
Cost: $1,895
Location: San Francisco CA
Online Python 101
Length: 5 weeks self-paced
Curriculum: Python foundations, developer tools, organizing code, programming logic, data structures, and application prep. Read a Q&A about Python 101.
Admissions Guarantee: Students who have completed Online Python 101 are eligible for a $695 discount if enrolling in the Software Engineering Program.
Cost: $695
Location: Online
Hack Reactor Prep
Length:60-90 hours, self-paced
Curriculum: Fundamentals of front-end JavaScript, hackathon
Admissions Guarantee: Hack Reactor Prep does not guarantee admittance into Hack Reactor's Immersive Programs. According to Hack Reactor, 75% of students who interview after completing Bootcamp Prep in its entirety are accepted to Hack Reactor.
Cost: Free or $495 (includes 1-1 instructor mentorship, feedback, and evaluation)
Location: Online
Root Level 1
Length: 2 weeks (40 hours total including 15 hours of class time)
Curriculum: HTML, CSS, intro to JavaScript, Github, dev tools, debugging, layouts, mobile design
Admissions Guarantee: If you are accepted to the LearningFuze full immersion program, the cost of Root Level 1 will be put towards your tuition.
Cost: $95
Location: Irvine, CA
Root JS
Length: 2 weeks part-time (2 nights per week + Saturdays)
Curriculum: Learn to make dynamic websites and apps with JavaScript
Admissions Guarantee: If you are accepted to the LearningFuze full immersion program, the cost of Root JS will be put towards your tuition.
Cost: $95
Location: Irvine, CA
Metis Admissions Prep
Length: Self-Paced
Curriculum: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Statistics, and Python Fundamentals. You can also prep with a skills course – see why Carolina took a Python + Math course before Metis.
Guarantee: None
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Beginner Python and Math for Data Science
Length: 6 weeks part-time
Curriculum: Python basics, Python mathematical libraries, linear algebra, calculus, probability, statistics.
Guarantee: Students can apply tuition towards the Metis Data Science Bootcamp : $750
Location: Live Online
Introduction to Data Science
Length: 6 weeks part-time
Curriculum: Python, statistics, linear algebra, data analysis and visualization, various types of data modeling
Guarantee: Students can apply tuition towards the Metis Data Science Bootcamp
Cost: $750
Location: Live Online
Length: One month, 2-4 hours per week
Curriculum: Courses in Python, HTML, Rails, Ruby, JavaScript, with interaction with an instructor and other students.
Guarantee: Students can get a refund if they are unsatisfied with the course.
Cost: $199-$299 per class
Cybersecurity Bootcamp Prep
Length: 8 weeks; about 20 hours per week
Curriculum: Hardware Architecture, Operating Systems, Network Management, Network Security, System Security, Vulnerability Assessments
Guarantee: n/a
Cost: $2000
Location: Online
Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp Prep
Length: 6 weeks; about 20 hours per week
Curriculum: Front End Concepts, Python, Responsive Design, HTML / CSS, JavaScript
Guarantee: n/a
Cost: $1500
Location: Online
Length: 2 weeks (4 evenings)
Curriculum: A focus on JavaScript with an instructor and other students.
Guarantee: n/a
Cost: FREE!
Location: Online
Length: 3 weeks (9 evening sessions)
Curriculum: This pre-bootcamp workshop is an opportunity for potential students to test opportunities of software development with fewer risks. The curriculum includes hands-on coding experience so students can learn the basic foundations of computational thinking.
Guarantee: n/a
Cost: FREE!
Length: 4 weeks
Curriculum: This 4-part, pre-bootcamp course gives students the foundation skills needed to get into a digital skills bootcamp. The first section gives students a hands-on introduction to web development and software engineering, and students learn the fundamentals and tools needed to make websites and apps work. The second section focuses on online marketing where students learn basic marketing skills and tools. The third sections hones in on UX/UI and design fundamentals. In the fourth and final section, students learn more about the tools and skills needed in data analysis. The StartSteps course includes mentoring and networking opportunities as well as career advice.
Guarantee: n/a
Cost: Free for German citizens with education voucher (gutschein).
Free:
Subscription-based:
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Imogen is a writer and content producer who loves writing about technology and education. Her background is in journalism, writing for newspapers and news websites. She grew up in England, Dubai and New Zealand, and now lives in Brooklyn, NY.
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