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Actualize is an online software engineering bootcamp based in Chicago that offers part-time and full-time bootcamp options. Instructors with professional educational experience teach students full stack web development including Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, VueJS, SQL, and Git. The Online Live classes are 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.
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.
After the program, students have the option to join its unique Career Support program, which contains additional training for Job Hacking, a job accountability group, and team projects to add to one’s portfolio.
A friend of mine turned me onto Actualize after his brother-in-law Scott attended the program. I talked to Scott who gave me some positive feedback and informed me he had found some contract work and then a salaried job shortly after the program making around $80k/yr, which was more than he's ever made before. That was definitely enticing but I was more concerned with whether I would enjoy coding since I was looking to make a career change into a field I would find fulfilling, ...
A friend of mine turned me onto Actualize after his brother-in-law Scott attended the program. I talked to Scott who gave me some positive feedback and informed me he had found some contract work and then a salaried job shortly after the program making around $80k/yr, which was more than he's ever made before. That was definitely enticing but I was more concerned with whether I would enjoy coding since I was looking to make a career change into a field I would find fulfilling, and with whether the program was well-structured.
I looked into other programs to see what the landscape looked like and asked other programmers what were the best languages to learn. Actualize seemed to teach "good" languages and frameworks (like Javascript, Ruby, and Ruby on Rails) some of which I later found out were actually pretty cutting-edge (we learned the Javascript framework Vue.js which is very new). I think it's pretty awesome and somewhat rare for the material in a structured program to be so current (think history classes that use textbooks from the pre-Obama years)! This tells me they’re always updating, improving, and refining the program. I was also impressed with the philosophy of the program which stressed that the instructors were teachers first, programmers second. Coming from an education background, I know how important it is for a teacher to BE ABLE TO TEACH what they know. Otherwise, though they may have superior skills, those skills would be useless to students in a classroom. Even though I appreciate the “teachers first” aspect, I have to say I was a little worried about the "coders second" part but having gone through the program, I can't imagine someone else being more knowledgeable than the instructor I had. I mean that very sincerely! Every question I had was answered thoroughly, and I was usually led to the answer rather than fed it directly, great in terms of learning!
I love the way they teach at Actualize. They teach all the background and don't teach you any shortcuts until you REALLY know what's going on under the hood so that when you DO learn the shortcuts (which they do eventually teach you) you understand what's really happening and are better equipped to troubleshoot if necessary. The structure and pace of the program are also fantastic. I was VERY impressed with the progression of exercises we were given- it was apparent that a LOT of thought and careful planning went into the curriculum. My only regret is that I was not always able to finish every exercise which made me feel like I was falling behind or missing out on learning experiences. However, everything is always available to the student whether saved on our own computers or saved online by the instructor in both file format and in videos of the lectures so we can review in our own time. And we have lifetime access to all these files. Despite my concern, by the end of the program I didn't feel as if I was missing anything- especially because most of the concepts we learn build on each other and thread into proceeding lessons and exercises. So despite not finishing every exercise, it can potentially be considered a good thing that we're never short on additional exercises or learning opportunities in or out of the classroom. And it’s definitely better than the alternative of not having ENOUGH to work on!
Also, it’s definitely worth mentioning that since securing a job in the field is a priority for most people going through a bootcamp like this, Actualize starts prepping you for what they call “Job Hacking” from DAY ONE. Your instructor will give you guidelines to help you optimize your online presence, they’ll help and guide you through networking, and they’ll help you prepare for interviews in the coding field. This support is threaded throughout the program.
By the end of the main program, I was able to build a great looking and functional app and I'm very excited to continue to learn, grow, and develop as a programmer in this new field. At the point of writing this I am on the verge of entering the apprenticeship that Actualize provides which is another structured program that provides support on individual side projects and the job search (or "job hacking") process. The apprenticeship as it's structured right now is two nights a week for the next four months or so (and it's optional, and included as part of the bootcamp - aka no additional cost). Additionally, we are not only offered but strongly encouraged to turn to Actualize and the founder himself for one-on-one support in finding work, preparing for interviews, or anything coding related throughout our ENTIRE careers! And I have zero doubts that this promise will be honored - Actualize founder Jay Wengrow and everyone he has hired onto the team are genuinely interested and invested in our growth and success.
If you can't tell already, I have zero regrets and wholly recommend this program to ANYONE with ANY background looking to make the jump into coding. Good luck and have fun!
How much does Actualize cost?
Actualize costs around $16,900.
What courses does Actualize teach?
Actualize offers courses like Web Development.
Where does Actualize have campuses?
Actualize has in-person campuses in Chicago. Actualize also has a remote classroom so students can learn online.
Is Actualize worth it?
Actualize hasn't shared alumni outcomes yet, but one way to determine if a bootcamp is worth it is by reading alumni reviews. 582 Actualize alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Actualize on Course Report - you should start there!
Is Actualize legit?
We let alumni answer that question. 582 Actualize alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Actualize and rate their overall experience a 4.93 out of 5.
Does Actualize offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill?
Right now, it doesn't look like Actualize offers scholarships or accepts the GI Bill. We're always adding to the list of schools that do offer Exclusive Course Report Scholarships and a list of the bootcamps that accept the GI Bill.
Can I read Actualize reviews?
You can read 582 reviews of Actualize on Course Report! Actualize alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Actualize and rate their overall experience a 4.93 out of 5.
Is Actualize accredited?
No
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