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Cracking the Coding Bootcamp Application: Anyone Can Learn to Code

Liz Eggleston

Written By Liz Eggleston

Last updated on February 3, 2016

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Thinking about applying to Anyone Can Learn to Code? The part-time Chicago programming bootcamp just opened a new campus in San Francisco and is a great option for career-oriented bootcampers who can't quit their day jobs quite yet.  But not everyone is accepted into Anyone Can Learn to Code, so what can you do to ace the interview? We're covering the Anyone Can Learn to Code interview and application process with input from their admissions team and past students!

The Application

How long does the initial Anyone Can Learn to Code application typically take?

20-30 minutes, depending on depth of answers given

What goes into the written application? Does Anyone Can Learn to Code require a video submission?

The written application is a series of questions to determine whether or not the program is a good fit. We don’t require a video submission.

What types of backgrounds have successful Anyone Can Learn to Code students had? Does everyone come from a technical background?

Our students have extremely varied backgrounds; teaching, construction, consulting, engineering, and many others. You don’t need a tech background to join ACLTC, but all our students have done hours of online tutorials, reading, and exercises to ensure they enjoy the process of programming. A basic understanding of computers helps, too.

The Interview

Can you give us a sample question from the “technical interview?”

“What has you interested at this point in your life to transition to a career in web development/software engineering?”

What are a few resources that you suggest applicants use to really ace the technical interview?

Applicants should have updated resumes and a clear idea of their goals for the bootcamp as well as why they would be successful in a web-development careers. We also suggest applicants check out free tutorials on sites like Udemy, Codecademy, Khan Academy, or Lynda, and talk to software developers they know to get a better understanding of what the job entails.

How do you evaluate an applicant’s future potential? What qualities are you looking for?

In addition to ensuring that potential students have gone out of their way to do enough coding/programming exercises and/or job-shadowing for programming; there are also a lot of soft skills like: perseverance, teamwork, analytical skills, problem-solving, ability to deal with tedious tasks, ability to help other students, creativity, and aspects of their characters/personalities to make sure they would fit in well with the rest of the classroom.

Can a student apply more than once?

Yes.

Is there a technical coding challenge in the Anyone Can Learn to Code Application? How long should it take? Is there a time limit? Can an applicant complete the coding challenge in any programming language?

Yes, there is a coding challenge, to be submitted with a screencast. The challenge is in Ruby and typically takes several hours to complete (applicants have a week in which to complete and turn in the challenge).

Getting Accepted

What is the current acceptance rate at Anyone Can Learn to Code?

66 percent

Are students accepted on a rolling basis?

We’re always interviewing and accepting students, but they are usually accepted for a specific cohort that works for their timeline/schedule.

Does Anyone Can Learn to Code accept international students? Do international students get student visas/tourist visas to do the program?

We do accept international students, but we do not assist with visas.

 

What other questions do YOU have about the application process? Let us know in the comments or visit the Anyone Can Learn to Code website and start your application today! 

About The Author

Liz Eggleston

Liz Eggleston

Liz Eggleston is co-founder of Course Report, the most complete resource for students choosing a coding bootcamp. Liz has dedicated her career to empowering passionate career changers to break into tech, providing valuable insights and guidance in the rapidly evolving field of tech education.  At Course Report, Liz has built a trusted platform that helps thousands of students navigate the complex landscape of coding bootcamps.

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