Actualize
Average Rating4.92
506 Reviews
1 Course
Actualize is a 12-week software development bootcamp in Chicago and online throughout the US, offering both part-time and full-time options. Instructors with professional educational experience teach students full stack web development including Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, VueJS, SQL, and Git. Both the in-person and online programs use the same immersive, instruction-driven curriculum, with the Online Live classes conducted in real time with video conferencing. Actual...
Actualize is a 12-week software development bootcamp in Chicago and online throughout the US, offering both part-time and full-time options. Instructors with professional educational experience teach students full stack web development including Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, VueJS, SQL, and Git. Both the in-person and online programs use the same immersive, instruction-driven curriculum, with the Online Live classes conducted in real time with video conferencing. Actualize has a deeply integrated “Job Hacking” curriculum focused on the personal branding and networking skills necessary to land a new job, which Actualize feels is just as important as learning to code.
After the 12-week program, students have the option to join its unique Career Support program, which has contains additional training for Job Hacking, a job accountability group, and team projects to add to one’s portfolio.
To apply, students can submit an application via the website, then go through a series of two interviews with an admissions advisor. There are no coding challenges, but students must complete 4 weeks of prework before the program starts.
The daytime course takes place Mondays through Fridays, while the part-time course takes place on Sundays and weeknights, designed to allow the working person to attend a coding bootcamp while still working a daytime job.
506 Actualize Reviews
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AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • OnlineMay 19, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceGood Choice.
I choose Actualize because I have a relative who attended and was successful in find a wonderful software developer job. It was a great experience and really challenged me. I recommend this bootcamp to anyone who is willing to devote their time and energies to it.- AnonymousWeb Development • OnlineDec 24, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Great Experience
Just spent the last 3 months of bootcamp with 5 weeks of self-taught lessons prior with homework due weekly. The self-taught portion gave exposure to coding, but not all of the same methods were used as in the class (e.g. different ways to approach loops) which was confusing. Having finished, and currently looking for a job, there are recommended job hacking sessions even after the program is done which is nice. Overall, we touched on a little bit of a lot, which deep focuses on ruby on ...Just spent the last 3 months of bootcamp with 5 weeks of self-taught lessons prior with homework due weekly. The self-taught portion gave exposure to coding, but not all of the same methods were used as in the class (e.g. different ways to approach loops) which was confusing. Having finished, and currently looking for a job, there are recommended job hacking sessions even after the program is done which is nice. Overall, we touched on a little bit of a lot, which deep focuses on ruby on rails and vuejs. Not the most applicable in the market today, but really taught on how to learn. Very hand-holdy which is nice, with responsive TA's - AnonymousStudent • Web Development • OnlineDec 24, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Great bootcamp with great support
I went into bootcamp with little knowledge and little confidence with my ability to learn code, let alone make a job transition. I've since found the confidence to begin the job search and I'm amazed everyday at how much coding I've learned. The instructors and job support councelors really do care and give their all to support students - they've been there every step of the way whether it was coding, building a resume or applying/interviewing at jobs. This bootcamp was also very cogniza...I went into bootcamp with little knowledge and little confidence with my ability to learn code, let alone make a job transition. I've since found the confidence to begin the job search and I'm amazed everyday at how much coding I've learned. The instructors and job support councelors really do care and give their all to support students - they've been there every step of the way whether it was coding, building a resume or applying/interviewing at jobs. This bootcamp was also very cognizant of the fact that I worked full time and, while the schedule was strenuous, it was very doable while maintaining employment. - AnonymousStudent • Web Development • OnlineAug 26, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Overall a great experience
I chose Actualize because they offered more live instruction hours compared with other bootcamps where a lot of the work done in your own time or watching recorded videos. I also really liked that they have an emphasis on having instructors that are great programmers but also understand how to teach the material.
After going through the program, I can say that my experience was that those assumptions really came out to be true and I had a great experience. Every part of the curriculu...I chose Actualize because they offered more live instruction hours compared with other bootcamps where a lot of the work done in your own time or watching recorded videos. I also really liked that they have an emphasis on having instructors that are great programmers but also understand how to teach the material.
After going through the program, I can say that my experience was that those assumptions really came out to be true and I had a great experience. Every part of the curriculum is very well thought out and as you are going through it, you'll notice how things tie together. Things might be difficult and it was frustrating for me when I couldn't wrap my head around topics but after some time it was really cool when the concepts start clicking and I think that is a credit to the curriculum and instructors/TAs. They do a good job of not only teaching coding but also the helping with you as a person making a career change or getting into something you are not familiar with deal with the emotions etc.
- AnonymousStudent • Web Development • OnlineJul 16, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
recent grad
I just graduated from the Actualize coding bootcamp and was fortunate to have Dani Zaghian as an instructor. I have a masters degree and have taught for a number of years, and I would say that Dani is the best educator I've seen. She is incredibly thoughtful and organized, she presents an unbelievable amount of information over a short 3 months in a concise and efficient manner. She's tough but fair and was, I believe, a real inspiration for our entire cohort. It's a testament to the ver...I just graduated from the Actualize coding bootcamp and was fortunate to have Dani Zaghian as an instructor. I have a masters degree and have taught for a number of years, and I would say that Dani is the best educator I've seen. She is incredibly thoughtful and organized, she presents an unbelievable amount of information over a short 3 months in a concise and efficient manner. She's tough but fair and was, I believe, a real inspiration for our entire cohort. It's a testament to the very thoughtful curriculum at Actualize. I would also say that Lisa and Sarah in the Job Hacking section of our program are phenomenal, and an invaluable resource. - AnonymousStudent • Web Development • OnlineJul 16, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Exceeded my expectations!
Dani was my instructor and she was amazing! I chose actualize as it was live on zoom (which held me accountable) and also during the day rather than at nights/weekends as many other bootcamps are. The 12 weeks flew by, and I truly feel like i learned SO much in such a short period. Everyone in my class was awesome, and the TA's (David, Mackenzie, & Winston) were all super helpful and patient. Lisa the Career counselor has been super helpful every step of the way and I am sure will co...Dani was my instructor and she was amazing! I chose actualize as it was live on zoom (which held me accountable) and also during the day rather than at nights/weekends as many other bootcamps are. The 12 weeks flew by, and I truly feel like i learned SO much in such a short period. Everyone in my class was awesome, and the TA's (David, Mackenzie, & Winston) were all super helpful and patient. Lisa the Career counselor has been super helpful every step of the way and I am sure will continue to be after class ends. Doing the capstone project was a great way to prove to myself how much I really did learn and am able to do now. I would highly recommend Actualize to anyone looking to learn full stack web development - it really was a great experience from beginning to end! - AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • ChicagoJul 16, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Student
This course is pretty fantastic. The concept of teaching how to learn is rare and valuable. I wish that there was more of a split time between learning backend (ruby), and front end (vuejs). I think there is more of a focus on ruby, and I wish it wouldve been a bit more equal footing from one to another. More time in CSS and HTML would've been nice as well considering we only had one day of lectures dedicated to those languages. Overall though, it was a great course and I would recommend...This course is pretty fantastic. The concept of teaching how to learn is rare and valuable. I wish that there was more of a split time between learning backend (ruby), and front end (vuejs). I think there is more of a focus on ruby, and I wish it wouldve been a bit more equal footing from one to another. More time in CSS and HTML would've been nice as well considering we only had one day of lectures dedicated to those languages. Overall though, it was a great course and I would recommend it to anyone attempting to jump into the web development industry. - AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • OnlineMay 07, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Great Experience
I chose Actualize because of their 1. Stress on having real teachers give over the material. 2. Their night classes allowed me to continue on with my full-time job (although I feel one really does need to practice outside of class). The experience starts off as “pre-work” which are the first five weeks of the course you will be watching prerecorded videos of Jay, the founder and CEO of Actualize teaching the fundamentals of programing. While a bit challenging these...I chose Actualize because of their 1. Stress on having real teachers give over the material. 2. Their night classes allowed me to continue on with my full-time job (although I feel one really does need to practice outside of class). The experience starts off as “pre-work” which are the first five weeks of the course you will be watching prerecorded videos of Jay, the founder and CEO of Actualize teaching the fundamentals of programing. While a bit challenging these five weeks are very doable. (There is a special dedicated pre-work instructor) Next is the actual live classes. Those are quite challenging as the curriculum covers many topics and moves at a quick pace.I would recommend Actualize to anyone looking to get into coding who doesn’t want to give up the rest of their life while making that career change. - AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • OnlineJan 15, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
AMAZING!
I entered Actualize completely new to programming and right from the very start I feel like they made all the information super clear and easy to follow along. They also are super helpful with continuous learning, alway supplying the documents you would need to delve deeper into specific concept. I found the instructors and staff all super accommodating and very helpful and motivating. I truly feel like I'm their top priority! - AnonymousProduction Manager • Student • Web Development • ChicagoJan 15, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Full Stack Web Development
The whole experience was great! Our instructor Brian Rice was a fantastic teacher and personable individual with exceptional dad jokes. I feel very prepared and ready to learn and take on any technical challenge I set before myself. A couple of criticisms that might help. 1. The 5 week pre-work phase could use a few days of working with an instructor to help with the introduction to theses concepts. I felt very much in doubt of myself and my capacity to learn when it was just me and a te...The whole experience was great! Our instructor Brian Rice was a fantastic teacher and personable individual with exceptional dad jokes. I feel very prepared and ready to learn and take on any technical challenge I set before myself. A couple of criticisms that might help. 1. The 5 week pre-work phase could use a few days of working with an instructor to help with the introduction to theses concepts. I felt very much in doubt of myself and my capacity to learn when it was just me and a teachers aid for an hour on Saturday mornings. 2. The job hacking portion of the course is great and I believe it is a fantastic accompaniment to the technical aspect. Although I do think that is a little much to mix in with the 12 week live class portion and would've felt better served if It were taught for a week or two after the 12 week portion so that I could focus on it completely as opposed to heaped on top of all the very hard work and material that the technical portion requires. - AnonymousStudent • Web Development • ChicagoMay 22, 2020Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Student
A very helpful and informative class. I learned a lot about coding and working as a coder. The instructors were very helpful and friendly. - AnonymousStudent • Web Development • ChicagoMay 22, 2020Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Very happy with Actualize
I'm very happy with Actualize. The instructors and staff were very personable. I am also very pleased with the depth of job support that is integrated into the curriculum and continues on after the 12 week program until a job is secured by the student. Very thorough.
Actualize Alumni Outcomes
Recent Actualize News
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Updated May 04, 2022
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Updated March 23, 2017
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FAQs
How much does Actualize cost?
Actualize costs around $14,900.
What courses does Actualize teach?
Actualize offers courses like Web Development.
Where does Actualize have campuses?
Actualize has in-person campuses in and, Chicago. Actualize also has a remote classroom so students can learn online.
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Guarantees Job
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Includes Housing
Offers Corporate Training
Accepts GI Bill
Licensing
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Recent Actualize News
By Jess Feldman
By Liz Eggleston
By Imogen Crispe