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Hack Reactor by Galvanize is an educator for rapid career transformation, offering software engineering bootcamps designed so that anyone with motivation can succeed, regardless of education, experience, or background. Hack Reactor by Galvanize bootcamps are challenging and designed to fit a student’s schedule and skill level. Bootcamps include a 19-Week Software Engineering Immersive with JavaScript and Python, designed for beginners, as well as a 12-Week Software Engineering Immersive.
Applicants to the 12-week Software Engineering Immersive need to pass a Technical Admissions Assessment (TAA), which tests for intermediate coding competency. There is a free, self-paced bootcamp prep course that can be accessed to learn the fundamentals of JavaScript. Those applying for the 19-week program do not need to pass the TAA or take any prep courses. Applicants to all programs need to pass an aptitude test, a brief typing test, and an admissions interview.
In addition to its software engineering programs, Hack Reactor provides a large network of professional peers, 1:1 coaching, mock interviews, job training, and more. All students graduate as autonomous, full-stack software engineers, fully capable of tackling unique problems and building complex applications on the job. Hack Reactor alumni join a diverse, engaged network of fellow students, instructors, staff, and alumni, including 14,000+ graduates at 2,500 companies.
Okay, I want to start by saying that I would honestly consider HRR a major turning point in my life. On multiple levels, this program has bettered me: as a software engineer, as a confident adult and as a competent human being. As much as I would like to say this is entirely due to the program and the instruction given, it wasn't. Like a workplace, the people that are in your cohort are a defining variable in the successful outcome of the program. I was lucky enough to be part of HRR-19...
Okay, I want to start by saying that I would honestly consider HRR a major turning point in my life. On multiple levels, this program has bettered me: as a software engineer, as a confident adult and as a competent human being. As much as I would like to say this is entirely due to the program and the instruction given, it wasn't. Like a workplace, the people that are in your cohort are a defining variable in the successful outcome of the program. I was lucky enough to be part of HRR-19 and genuinely feel that I have made a lasting group of friends who actually care about me as a human and as a professional. As a group, we are supportive, honest and open - a winning trifecta that I think made a strong program truly transcendental.
The counselors are quite honest about what to expect when you finish the program, but I will reiterate it here - this program will not guarantee you a six-figure salary, it won't even guarantee you a job, but it will work hard to make sure you are prepared for the pressure of looking for one, no matter where you are. The most important aspect of this is that you will get what you put in. 3 months is honestly not a long time, but it is enough to change the course of your life if you embrace it.
I am not jaded enough to believe that the program is perfect, there are definite places for improvement, and I agree with some of the things that have been said - so I will start with those.
1) I know the instructors work very hard to put together lecture material - but given the cost and effort that these students are putting into the work, I would at least expect up to date slides - not recorded on-site lectures from 2014. I also think it would be more effective if we had a clean lecture - no questions from students or time spent listening to hustle and bustle of on-site... if I wanted that experience I would have actually gone on-site. I think this would help reduce the time input of lectures, and, if we had quick townhalls right after - it would allow us to ask the immediately relevant questions to us - rather than on-site stuff.
2) There is a pretty apparent gap between instructors level of skill and care of students. I have reached out to staff to discuss this specific issue in hopes that it will be addressed at some point, so that is where I will leave that.
Okay, now for the things that have been blown way out of proportion to me:
1) The sweatshirt thing. Seriously, we spend 20k to go this program... do you know how many sweatshirt you can buy for that? I think that pretending that we care enough about that sweatshirt to be dishonest about our experience is not only hysterical, it is actually insulting. As I said, this program has taught me self-respect on a level that traditional education was wholly incapable of, and I have no need for a sweatshirt to prove that I went here. Moreover, if you didn't enjoy the program, or find it worthwhile, why would you want the sweatshirt?
2) The stats on hiring rate. We actually had a very honest and frank discussion about the way these are calculated, they are more upfront than I was expecting. Anyone who says that they are falsified clearly was either not given that discussion or chose to ignore that for their own personal issues with the program - either way unprofessional and wholly untrue.
3) The people who complain about the level of instruction given at HRR aren't being honest with themselves about what it takes to cut it in the industry. They were very honest about the curriculum, stating that you would get less and less help especially after week 1. This isn't because they are trying to save money, they actually want you to learn to struggle with a problem and figure out the solution on your own. This is one of the reasons I am actually as confident as I am now - I don't need you to show me a solution, I need to be able to come up with one on my own, probably for a problem that hasn't been thought of yet.
4) To those complaining about not learning the newest material. You should know that most companies, even big once don't instantaneously switch over material and many times they are using older software, teaching you to do this isn't unhelpful, and they don't pigeonhole you into that version, in fact, because they give you so much space, they actually don't even know what version of software you are using. For those complaining about angular 1 when angular 2 exists (or anything similar) - both are still used, in fact, angular 1 is still more widely used than angular 2, so if you are asking for a useful skill then they are doing what they should. Regardless of any of this, the junior phase (first 6 weeks) isn't about learning the specific material, it is learning how to learn and be autonomous. If you didn't get it, this autonomy is the thing that actually makes you a strong engineer.
If you really want to get everything you can from this program and are willing to put in the effort it will be effective for you. If you want to be spoon fed information go get a CS degree - it won't get you as far as fast (or possibly period). If you want a sweater - go spend the 20k tuition on some sweaters.
How much does Hack Reactor cost?
Hack Reactor costs around $19,480.
What courses does Hack Reactor teach?
Hack Reactor offers courses like 12-Week Software Engineering Online Immersive, 19-Week Software Engineering Immersive with JavaScript & Python.
Where does Hack Reactor have campuses?
Hack Reactor teaches students Online in a remote classroom.
Is Hack Reactor worth it?
Hack Reactor hasn't shared alumni outcomes yet, but one way to determine if a bootcamp is worth it is by reading alumni reviews. 334 Hack Reactor alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Hack Reactor on Course Report - you should start there!
Is Hack Reactor legit?
We let alumni answer that question. 334 Hack Reactor alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Hack Reactor and rate their overall experience a 4.59 out of 5.
Does Hack Reactor offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill?
Right now, it doesn't look like Hack Reactor 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 Hack Reactor reviews?
You can read 334 reviews of Hack Reactor on Course Report! Hack Reactor alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Hack Reactor and rate their overall experience a 4.59 out of 5.
Is Hack Reactor accredited?
Read details here: https://www.galvanize.com/regulatory-information
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