App Academy Reviews
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Kevin
App Academy is great!
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When I was first deciding between bootcamps I wasn't sure how to determine the advantages of one over the other. Asking around in different bootcamps, App Academy definitely seemed to be the most competitive to get into as well as having a rigorous work load. I decided to attend App Academy and it was definitely one of the hardest and best things I've ever done. From the 4 months of course work, I learned a lot on frameworks and applications that are used in the industry. My cohort/class mates were extremely intelligent and I met a lot of great friends. They do have a policy where they ask you to leave if you fail two exams, which could be the reason for other negative reviews. The school provides you with everything you need to pass the exams and if you prepare enough then you should be fine. I did spend about 80 hours a week studying, but doing it alongside others is a part of the experience. The teachers/ lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and are always willing to help. -
Brian Tran
Fast paced and fun
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the learning environment is great, being surrounded by other people with similar interests and goals and supporting each other made App Academy a ton of fun. Even while working hard and studying most of the day, the friends and connections that you'll make will be well worth it. If you have a passion or interest in software engineering, I would definitely recommend App Academy if you have the time, regardless of the outcome you'll gain a lot out of the program. -
Micaela Moss
The scariest, best decision I've ever made!
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App Academy has a rigorous curriculum, but is incredibly rewarding. In just a few months you go from barely knowing anything about coding, to being able to develop full stack apps. Along the way you also meet some amazing people and have a fantastic support system. You are surrounded by other students who share your same passion for coding as well as TA's who went through the program themselves. It's a lot of hard work, and can be stressful keeping up with the light-speed curriculum, but it's 100% worth it. -
Manraj Singh
Systematically designed curriculum with gradual increase in pace of learning and its implementation.
Learned a lot of new technologies with very important skill of debugging. Curriculum is designed carefully to get the maximum output. It's a fast paced learning environment which is my favorite thing for this curriculum. The only thing i felt needs improvement is management of job search phase. Lack of communication and proper announcements. -
Mohammed Mustafa
Good Experience!
The program is good, learned a lot in a span of a couple of months and I feel confident enough to say I'm a software engineer/developer. One of the few downsides that comes to my mind is not focusing more on React/Redux and JavaScript which are very important and the fact we do Ruby for 2 months doesn't make sense. -
Nick
Stressful! Time consuming! But WORTH IT!!
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I made it through the storm that is App Academy. App Academy is the most time consuming and stressful thing I have done in the last few years(And that includes starting a business). My cohort started with around 25 people... In the end, there were only 10 of us left(including a coder that was rolled back into our group). Even though App Academy hours are from 8 am - 5 pm pacific time, there is usually a few hours of homework and readings every night as well. I usually found myself going to bend around midnight to 2 am studying every night since I was in central time.
In addition there are six assessments which you must score around an 85% to 90% or better in order to pass or after two fails you may be asked to leave the program. So between studying for these assessments to remain in the program, doing the nightly homework videos, readings and coding projects where you are expected to take on and learn new content, and the daily grind of 8 am to 5 pm (or 10 am to 7 pm if you are in the mid-west), and any ongoing projects or other fun homework that might be assigned, you might find yourself incredibly busy.
During the week it is pretty much impossible to find time to get out or do anything social. I made sure to keep myself active though and workout daily. I think the assessments create a very stressful learning environment for the students and aren't a good measure of a coders ability. I saw many coders very stressed about the upcoming assessments. For some this brings out the best and motivates people to do better. For others, they would simply self-destruct.
What I love about App Academy is that it has taught me to think like a coder instead of having to resort to copy and paste or following tutorials to create websites, write backends, set up API endpoints, create games, or manage the flow of an app. I feel confident that I can build anything or learn any new kind of technology stack very quickly and use the thought process that I have gained from App Academy.
I was bummed at first that they taught Ruby as I consider it a dying language(Yes Ruby is still in demand). Even though it has many easy and useful and methods that can making coding much faster and simpler, it appears that it is not being used nearly as much by companies as Javascript, Python, Java, and some other languages. (By the way App Academy is switching to Python and I am excited to get access to their content). However, App Academy taught me Javascript as well, React, the MERN stack with MongoDB. I learned GraphQL, docker, postresql, how to make GeoQueries, organize my code better, and take advantage of object oriented programming. I mastered algorithms, recursion, data structures, became great at debugging and learned many other things.
Their curriculum is on a whole other level from what you will usually find. If you complete the course, you will a deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, how servers work, requests, responses, big-O, LRU cache, optimizations and many other things. We did things like creating our own version of Rails Active Record to see how Ruby on Rails worked behind the scenes. We did the same thing with JQuery. Once again, its more than just copy and paste. It's real understanding that you can take to any other endeavor.
And what I have found, when picking up a new language, framework or stack, is that the thought process is pretty much the same. I have been able to teach myself Dart to make mobile apps in Flutter and pick up python very quickly just using the techniques and knowledge that I gained from App Academy.
The Instructors are excellent, brilliant problem solvers, very knowledgeable and almost always available, even on the weekends or if you have a late night question.
I am currently about to start the Job Search phase, so we will see how this converts to finding a job. However, I feel very confident in my abilities. Would I have put in 19 hours a day in coding for 6 months without App Academy? Probably not. App Academy also gave me streamlined curriculum to be prepared for the job search and and to be ready to build anything, instead of wasting my time on many youTube videos or Udemy courses that aren't useful don't help you to actually learn to solve problems like a coder.
Even beyond the job search, this has definitely changed my life, since I have many website and app ideas, and now I possess the skills to bring them into reality. I am no longer unsure where to start or how to attack a problem. App Academy has helped to break down problems and return solutions.
I do wish they went more into design. But I found myself getting very strong at design by working on the projects at the end of the course. -
Adrian Rampy
Good and hard
It is highly condensed by design, and you need to be ready for that. You can also get through the whole curriculum without a lot of the material just studying for tests - don't do that, it will not benefit you. Overall, quite a positive experience and I'm could not be more happy I decided to do it.
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Fion Pang
App Academy
Pros: If you're new they will help you transition in programming, it starts off with Ruby then changes into Javascript. At the end you will be able to code and you will see a huge difference if how you were before versus the end
Cons: It's a lot of work so be prepared for it to take a lot of time -
Eunice
Great program for everybody
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Had a very exciting, fun experience going to app Academy. Everybody is just so nice, no matter who they are. Everybody is willing to help you to learn. I can say that it can be frustrating at most of the time but when you see the output of everything you worked for, it can also be so satisfying where you can surprise yourself on what you can do. Another good thing about them is they will never stop helping you as long as you need them.
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Wolf
Oppressive, but hopping it will make a difference
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As a recent graduate I am still working to fulfill the goal I set before joining App Academy, to get paid as a professional developer. Even though I am not able to tell you how a/A helped me achieve that goal, I can say that the long hours and break neck pace in a variety of projects, as well as pair programming, definitely changed my own perspective of what I can accomplish within a week and I'm confident I can take care of any job that the industry will throw at me.
I'll be honest: At their pace you wont retain most of what you learn. You will be acquainted with many things, but not quite knowledgeable in them. Maybe that's what the industry wants, maybe it is just how I feel. Regardless, it is a mixed bag. Do your research, be prepared for it, and make most of it. -
Lisa
Great place :)
The past few months at App Academy has been difficult but incredibly rewarding. The curriculum is definitely really fast-paced, as you are trying to learn how to develop a full-stack web application in merely a few months. However, as long as you are willing to put in the time and have a true passion for coding, you will succeed in this program!
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CHRISTOPHER TRINH
LIFE CHANGING!
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App Academy was an amazing experience! The curriculum was great and it was challenging every single day. I felt like I learned a ton and it was euphoric during the end of the program where we were doing individual projects. Crazy to believe 6 months ago I barely knew how to code and I was able to build some cool applications! This experience created a base foundation for my knowledge that I will use for the rest of my career!
Everyone who walks through those app academy doors are super motivated and I met some great friends along the way here. Its great coming in everyday and be in an environment thats highly motivating just to change your life. Id recommend this program to anyone if theyre willing to put in the work. Its no joke, it literally takes over your life the months are attend.
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Kim Tran
Intense well worth it!
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This program is a 16 weeks program, its very intense and stressful but well worth your time and money. I started off a one of the weakest-coder. But with the help of my peers, they were willing to guide me into the right understanding. It was recommended to have a good sleep and eating habit, but I took sleeping very lightly. I literally crashed mid-course. I learned so many language in a short period of time. For the project, it was the most stressful weeks as I revisted all the material I didn't really get and relearning all over. But this was so worth it, learned alot and met alot of good nice people.
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Julia Wang
App Academy
The community of peers and instructors are App Academy are extremely supportive. I definitely feel comfortable approaching them for help and being honest with my struggles. You learn a lot in 16 weeks and practice being comfortable with discomfort.
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Stan B
From 0 to Software Engineer
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If you're looking for a review that says App Academy was easy, you won't find it anywhere! App Academy is a no bs, challenging experience that dives right into the material. It will challenge you in a good way. You almost have to teach yourself how to think differently. I had minimal to no coding experience prior to app academy whatsoever. Completing this course successfully has given me the greatest sense of accomplishment. It was extremely tough, expect long hours of hard work and almost no free time during the course. All said and done, it was worth it.
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Donald Batryn
"A++"
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Totally worth it! I met and worked with some of the smartest people I know. My instructors were kind, patient, and super knowledgeable. I went from barely knowing the basics to creating full-blown applications in 6 months. The pace was pretty difficult at times, but truly applying myself 100% was refreshing! App Academy's financial policy is a hard deal to beat. They care about your future first and take the immediate burden of $$$ off of you so that you can truly focus and be at your best. I wish all schools were as productive, down-to-business, and no-BS as aA!
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D. Shin
Challenging but most rewarding
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App Academy is not for those you are not fully committed and wavering about what they want to do. It is immersive and challenging and stretches your limit. But it is also one of the most rewarding experience if you do make it through and apply yourself and work hard. You are not left alone in the dark though. There are a lot of support from the teachers and coaches and also your classmates. They don't let you stay stuck and always encourage you to work with them to move forward. It is pricy and it is a big commitment, but you don't regret doing it afterward - and that is a course worth taking.
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Ash Todd
Deeply exhausting, but worth it.
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App Academy has a reputation for being brutal, and it's earned it. The weeks are in fact 80 hours and everything else in your life that isn't absolutely necessary for your sanity does in fact have to yield to a/A. It's also an incredible way to learn a ton of information in a very short timespan, and does in fact confer web design ability within the three months it takes out of your life.
The organization is sometimes not the best – the whole program is mostly run by some very overstretched TAs – but the structure it provides and the peer support especially are incredibly useful and it's definitely a life-changing experience.
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Alex Chui
App Academy is Amazing
I had always really wanted to learn how to code and build amazing things, but I never invested the time. It wasn't until an opportunity like App Academy, that I really decided to throw myself into the software world. And I am very glad I did.
App Academy arms you with the tools that you need to succeed in the harsh software world. -
Alia Shafi
It's worth it
App Academy in a great mix of challenge and fun. The rigor of the course gets you more than prepared for industry, and on top of that, you make life long friends.
I remember I was woried about if it "was worth it" -- if you are reading this, the answer is YES. Take the chance, you won't regret it.
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Michael Torres
Great Experience
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App Academy was a great experience. It is an intense program and requires you to put in a lot of work. If you put in the time and effort you will succeed. The TA's are very knowledgeable and helpful. I am not a fan of the assessments because they did require a lot of memorizing vs actual understanding of the subject. However, they are implementing changes to address this issue. My overall experience in App Academy was great, I had a lot of fun and learned a lot!
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Carlos DM
Rewarding and difficult
App Academy is a difficult and rewarding experience. If you are considering attending, know that you should be committing yourself full time. I am very excited with how much I have progressed and am looking forward to my future career opportunities. If you put in the recommended amount of time, and prepare in advance, you will succeed.
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Johnson Lai
Laying the foundations
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App Academy is an intensive 16 week bootcamp that focuses on teaching you Ruby on Rails, React, and Javascript. What I think App Academy does well is teaching you the basics of coding. From never having coding experience to building a fully functional website in 4 months. But you have to be ready to learn. There is so much material it's impossible to do everything and thankfully the TAs are always there to help you. There's assessments every week to keep you on your toes but if you study you should be fine. After you finish the curriculum you spend time with career coaches that you guide you to finding a job which is really nice! Overall, a great experience and game changer.
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Lwin
software developer
I had a great experience learning at a/A. It was a very hard program and required a lot of dedication. However, the end result is very rewarding. a/A also has one of the best teaching staffs I've seen. Overall, I learned a lot and I feel ready to start working at any job.
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Devin Patel
App Academy Review
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The reason I choose to attend App Academy over other bootcamps is because of its proven success in regards to job outcomes. I am writing this review one day before the last day of the cohort, therefore I do not yet know when and where I will land a job. In terms of the actual program, I will begin by saying that it is VERY intense and I noticed that the students that excelled the most were not necessarily born geniuses but the ones that were willing to dedicate 100% of their time and effort into the cohort. They were not only focused during the routine 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. day but were also studying every day until 10 p.m. including weekends. Your work and effort inputted will be the direct result of the results your achieve in the program. So my advice to anyone that will be attending AA is that you should seriously commit 100% of your time to learning the material. I believe that the program is definitely worth it and it is a life changing experience.
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Kristina Miller
Not for the Faint of Heart
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App Academy is not for the faint of heart. If you don’t like rules and tests and mandatory attendance, then it may not be for you. Be ready to give up your entire social life and any hobbies for 3-4 months so you can spend every waking moment studying, or else you will fail out of the program. You'll be spending all day in a stuffy room with no windows and blinding fluorescent lights that will give you migraines. That being said, the fast pace and strict requirements give you no choice but to stay focused and learn more than you thought was possible. There are some amazing TAs who are extremely knowledgeable and genuinely care about helping the students learn and grow. We spent a lot of time doing pair programming, which is a great way to learn if you like thinking out loud and working through problems with a partner. I didn’t get as much out of the lectures we had almost every day for the first two months. It’s really hard to pay attention while sitting in a dark room staring at a power point for 3 hours straight. Thankfully, they’re always collecting feedback so they can keep improving the program. All in all, if you want to learn software development and you need help with motivation and direction, App Academy is an excellent choice. -
Fue Her
You get what you put in
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I'm writing this review for a hoodie and everything written here is my personal experience.
Cons:
It's really expensive to live in SF and have no income.
It's stressful and demands a lot of your time. Don't expect to have much free time if you want to do well.
Assessments sucks . It feels like you're only studying to pass them and it's sucks to see people fail and get kicked out.
Pair programming can suck at times but it's part of the learning process.
The curriculum is a bit outdated and instructions can be very unclear.Pros:
You're surrounded by smart hardworking people who you'll quickly befriend.
You learn a lot in a very short amount of time and it's fun doing it.
The curriculum is quickly being updated and the TA's are really supportive.
It beats going to college for 4 years to get a computer science degree.Take away:
I think it was worth it for the skills that I learned.
I came in knowing nothing and I can definitely build my own web apps now that I've gone through it, and I have.
A bootcamp is only the first step. If you have the motivation to see it through to the end you'll be fine. -
andrew huang
Best Decision Ever
i was a bit skeptical upon entering app academy. But after the brief 16 weeks here, it's safe to say it was the best decision i've ever made. AA provided me the tools neccessary to become a software engineer and i'm not looking back!
tips for all new comers!
trust the process!
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Brian Cho
App Academy
App Academy was a really good experience. I was pretty skeptical when I first applied wondering how much I could actually learn in 3 months span. But now that I am done, I am very confident in the skills that I have learned here and can call myself a software engineer with pride.
Be prepared to dedicate almost all your time to aA tho.
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Ernie
My experience at App Academy
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My experience at App Academy was great. I'm really glad I decided to make the time commitment and learn about software development.
With so much material to learn in such a short amount of time, it can be stressful and demanding. Be prepared to sacrifice your time and parts of your social life for a rigorous 3+ month course. But don't get me wrong, it is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding knowing you were able to get through the program and learn so much in such a short period of time.
The best part about the bootcamp are the TAs. They are all veyr knowledgable and qualified, but more importantly, they are all genuinely great people who are always willing to help.
As long as you have a desire to learn and are willing to work hard, you will be successful at App Academy
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Rebecca
My time at App Academy
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My time at app academy is coming to an end, and I'm glad I went through the program. I had debated for a while whether or not to actually do it since it is a bit of a risk to quit a job and commit to being unemployed for 4+ month, but now that I'm on the other side of it I'm glad I did it. It was pretty stressful during the program, but there is a ton of support if you are able/willing to put the time in. I had other commitments outside of this class that I couldn't/didn't want to put on hold, which made it difficult to put in the time needed, but even with that I think it is doable.
One other note: I think you need to somewhat enjoy coding to be able to get through it. The promise of a good job gets you far, but if you really don't like it you will burn out hard, and this class is too fast paced to have a slump that lasts more than a few days.
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Anthony Chan
An intensive yet rewarding experience
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I entered this bootcamp knowing little to nothing about coding. I have coded a bit in college but the curriculum that I went through was nothing I could prepare for. It was a grueling 24 week process of constant learning and coding everyday, where some days the material isn't too hard to understand while other days it was brutal to take in so much new information. Even so, looking back I am amazed at how much I have learned and the things I can do now that I couldn't do before. The job search portion of the program is also very helpful: App Academy will list exactly what you need to do to stand out amongst your peers to get a job as soon as possible. All in all, this is a great program and would definitely recommend to those looking to become a software engineer.
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Anshu
Really worth it
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I am a software engineer with about 10+ years of experience and an MS in Computer Science so I expected to cruise through the boot-camp. Well, that did NOT happen!
What happened instead was that I learned a lot about Web-development ( not part of my work experience), got challenged on a daily basis, had many frustrating times when I didn't 'get' what was being taught, but at the same time had a lot of fun. I also learned so much about 'soft skills' like building my Personal pitch, Resume, cover-letter etc...That part of curriculum is equally important (if not more) and it is a game-changer. No school or workplace teaches this, so if you get these right you have an unfair advantage over others.I believe I had a unique vantage point in the sense that I was one of the few students who had software industry experience prior to app Academy. For people in my category -
a) Check your ego at the door. app Academy picks really sharp people. You WILL be challenged, sometimes by people half your age. Don't resist it, embrace it for the learning experience it is.
b) Get your stuff in order. The kids need to be sent to child-care. Household stuff needs to be delegated/outsourced. You will need to be there for every minute of the 9 hours of class and then some.All in all a really positive experience and totally worth it.
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charles mancuso
Tough but very rewarding experience
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This course was very tough, but in the end I'm very happy that I took it. It was such a rewarding experience and I have learned many valuable things throughout the course. All of the TAs I have met were super friendly and highly knowledgable in the curriculum. If you're ever struggling (which I have been many a time), they take the time to sit with you and walk you through what you need help with. There is plenty of material for you to go through and study, and they also provide a lot of resources for you to use. By the end of the programming you're building your own websites by yourself and with a team. The satisfaction of creating your own functional website from scratch is very satisfying, kind of like the cherry on top of the program. If I could complain about one thing, it would probably be the amount of videos we had to watch during class on certain days. I feel like the in person cohort would have been better when it came to those days. However, that being said, my overall experience has been wonderful and I have learned so many things here at App Academy.
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Steven Terry
Intense, exciting, one of the best and most engaging learning experiences I've ever had.
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The course is intense but well worth it. I've probably learned as much in the several months of this course as I did in 4 years of college.
The languages and sheer number of technologies they put into the program really leaves you well rounded and prepared for the job market, not to mention how much effort they put into coaching you and getting you set for the job hunt itself. The instructors were also simply stellar, a well-rounded cast to be sure and are shockingly patient, composed, and positive everyday of class.
Most of the apps and projects are a lot of fun, and each of them demonstrates multiple core principles. Everything builds on material from the previous day. Tests are challenging but are 100% covered by the material you learn and you're always given ample time to study and ask questions if you're feeling uneasy.My background was in physics and mathematics prior, and I have to admit strong mathematics skills can really help, not to mention a lot of the prior coding experience I had. But don't let that get you down, the aces of our cohort disliked math and/or had no prior experience in programming and still ended up coming out on top!
My only complaint is that the course felt a little rushed towards the last few weeks. Luckily by that point you'll be a veteran and have no problem using the skills you've picked up to fill in the gaps.
This program is rigorous and will genuinely consume your life when you're in the midst of it, but it's well worth your commitment.
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Colin Reitman
Life Changing in 24 Weeks
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I worked in regulatory compliance for 4 years before it was time for a career change. I didn't think I had the chops to get into App Academy based on what I knew about their rigorous admissions process, but I slogged my way through and before I knew it, I was admitted into App Academy's first Online Cohort.
App Academy is worth it. Definitely worth it. The quality of the course is top notch and it made me a lethal enough programmer that I was hired into a great position in Washington DC within a few weeks of graduating.
That being said, if you want to get there, you have to be ready and willing to put in the work. This course is *hard*. I'm talking 100+ hours per week, hard. Into this work, you'll have to pour your blood, tears, toil, and sweat. But if you take it seriously right from the get go, you'll make it through and you'll be glad you went through all the trouble!
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Alex
App Academy
Though the curriculum is a little dated, the instructors are all very knowledgeable and the program is taught very well. The job support is great too. They have a whole team of career coaches that guide us and teach us the best methods to find jobs after the program ends.
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Jonathan
Amazing Staff - Curriculum Needs Some Work
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If you've read through even a few reviews for App Academy you're well aware that you're signing up for a serious grind. It bears repeating. For me, the biggest challenge early on was getting used to the sheer workload and still finding time for eating and sleeping. The first 8 weeks, be prepared to have new concepts thrown at you daily. Expect to spend 8 hours on campus working, and then at least 4-5 hours doing homework. In order to pass the periodic assessments, you'll also need to commit 10-12 hours a day on the weekends.
Once you're in the program, fight for your education! There is limited TA availability outside of when you're pair programming. While pairing, you have access to an "Ask a Question" feature within the online curriculum. After not making progress on any one task for more than 15 minutes, smash that button early and often. TAs have a knack for identifying issues and explaining concepts quickly, in a way that is easier to absorb than in the curriculum.
Pros:
- Talented and knowledgeable TAs
- Challenging curriculum that will push you to become a better programmer every single day
- Pair programming teaches you how to effectively communicate your ideas and write better code
- Projects you complete at the end of the curriculum will showcase just how much you've learned in 2-3 months
Cons:
- The online curriculum starts out strong, but falters by the middle and end. Project instructions are at times frustratingly vague, and not written for the layman. There is very little linking between pages, and no search functionality. This is problematic when you need to revisit previously covered material for use in a current project
- There are a ton of unnecessary chores that provide no value to the students (daily quizzes you aren't graded on, and aren't reviewed in class - daily feedback you must provide for your peers, but is never passed along to the you to act upon)
- Assessments add a ton of stress and reward memorization more than programming concepts and techniques
- Facilities - San Francisco - The importance of ergonomics is stressed before you join, yet students work on stations with no monitor risers and no ability to make adjustments other than chair height. The 2014 Mac Minis sometimes struggle to even load Chrome or the code editor (be ready for the pinwheel of death). More bathrooms are needed (only two for over 150 people on the floor). There aren't enough utensils or microwaves.
Overall, App Academy proved to be the challenge that I signed up for. There's no way that I would've had the drive to learn as much as I did in the past three months if I had set out on my own. I'm also confident that the program positioned me well to find a job as a developer within the next few months.
That being said, App Academy still suffers from the same pitfalls that most for-profit post-secondary institutions do. At moments you'll feel cared for by individuals who are out to truly guide you in your education, and other times, you'll feel like you made a wrong turn.
If you're a self-starter, the whole curriculum is online - which is 100% what you'll be working off during you're time on-site pair-programming. If you have the drive, I'd recommend saving yourself the money and working online.
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Kevin Kumar
Great Experience
App Academy has been a difficult, but very rewarding experience. I strongly believe that a/A’s in-person curriculum is the most efficient way to learn everything you need to know be a professional software engineer in the shortest amount of time.
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Joe B
Intense, Scary, Overwhelming and WORTH IT!
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Before deciding to attend a bootcamp, I did the same thing you are doing. I read review after review, trying to gauge the value a program like this one might offer me. My previous experience with coding was a grand total of one Intro to C++ class at a local community college, and a few of UC Berkeley's online Software Development Certificate classes (none of which I personally recommend, but that's a story for another day). Once I had decided that the bootcamp path was one I would take, I began the arduous task of selecting the RIGHT bootcamp. Ultimately, I decided that an in-person program was the right fit for my learning style. Living in the SF Bay Area, there seemed to be two choices. I asked friends and family, that work in the tech industry, to take a look at the syllabi, read all the reviews, and had a few sleepless nights. I ultimately chose App Academy as the school I wanted to attend, participated in their online bootcamp prep program, and a few months later I was rewarded with acceptance into their program. Then the really difficult part began . . .
This program is intense, it's designed that way and they make no apologies about it. You are forced to constantly learn new material, never truly feeling comfortable before the next topic is laid before you. A week into the course, I was sure that I would not make it. I came home everyday to my wife and told her that I had no idea what was going on, that I was barely hanging on, that many other people surely had a better grasp of the material and I was doomed. I spent hours each day after class and every weekend up at the school, working on homework or studying for assessments. App Academy is quick to point out that almost everyone has these feelings, and it's Imposter Syndrome in full effect. They chose you for a reason, they say. You are supposed to be here. For myself, these feelings of inadequacy continued through the course. Though you do get comfortable with a general feeling of unease and helplessness. I will also say, that despite these feelings, I did feel supported throughout the program. I could ask questions whenever I wanted, help was available from TAs and my fellow students. The bonds formed in this stressful situation, and the assistance that you are able to both receive and give to those around you helps keep you grounded and headed towards the finish line. I've heard a lot of talk about the structure of Assessments, and the policy of being asked to leave if you fail 2 of them. Is the system perfect? No, it is not. Is fear an amazing motivator? Yes, it certainly is. Is watching good, hardworking, smart people walk out the doors early a painful experience? Without a doubt. Is there a better way to do it? I truly don't know. But that is the process that App Academy has chosen, so just know what you are getting into. If you are not able to calm yourself down in extremely stressful testing situations, these tests are going to be hard. But, if you do the work, if you go over the practice tests and make attempts to understand the material to the best of your ability, if you are honest with yourself about the information you do not understand and ask questions, you will be fine. If I made it through, you can too.
As I write this, I am at the end of the program, with just a few days left. The Job Search part of the program is much different than the instructional portion. There is much less structure, the occasional lecture on soft skills, networking, reumés, interviewing questions, and further work on some algorithms and data structures. Some people enjoy this portion, some hate it. Some feel abandoned, some use it to finally focus on what they really find interesting. I don't really have any issues with it. I'm happy to be provided with the school's perspective on how to get a job in a very competitive industry, but the quick switch from an extremely structured environment to one where you drive the process can have one feeling lonely. In the end though, you are the only one responsible for your career and you have to start providing yourself with motivation and guidance at some point in time.
Overall, I can honestly say that I would make the decision to come back to App Academy again. I have learned invaluable skills, and I have a path to a job doing something that I love. There is still a lot of work left to do. I will have to go back and dive deeper into nearly all of the concepts covered in the course. I don't believe that most people come out able to get a job the next day, but I would never have made the progress that I did without the rigor and stress that came along with the program. The bootcamp experience is definitely not for everyone. But if you do chose to take this path, I believe that you will find it very rewarding. As others have stated, and in the interest of full disclosure, I am being offered a sweatshirt as motivation for writing a review. I believe everything that I have written, and it is my honest assessment of the program and my experience in it.
Best of luck in your search, and in making a life altering decision. Happy coding. . . .