App Academy

App Academy is an intense program that is entirely rewarding for those for whom the curriculum fits. I wish that I had done more research on on what languages and technologies are in demand before enrolling in App Academy to have maximized my hireability in the job market. My cohort was the last one, as I understand it, to learn Ruby which in the job market has been largely replaced by a high demand in Python. Even still App Academy gave taught me the fundamentals of backend engineering to be able to look at backend code in other languages and hold my own; but buyer beware because this was largely due to my own learning post graduation. That is the main point I want to make, the program is intense from the get go and they will teach you (and they admit to this) 80% of what you need to know to get a job as a software engineer but the other 20% comes from the work and dedication that you put in post graduation. Some of the course material will seem uneven and feel like you spend the most time on the things that won't be the most important to finding a job, but App Academy is there to also teach you how to continue to learn to code over the course of your whole career. I learned a lot over my time at App Academy, it was intense, I met and made amazing friends in my program and ultimately got a great job as a software engineer. But for anyone that thinks a bootcamp is the easy way to a six figure job, get ready for a rollercoaster because App Academy will teach you what you need to know, but you have to do the work. 

The 16-week online program was a whirlwind of 70-80 hour weeks (starts at ~60 hours and ramps up) but it definitely gives you a firm foundation for your programming skills, including creating your own apps from scratch. The instructors were helpful and it's a friendly environment. My only knock against the program is that the curriculum could use some updating for newer technology that is being used in industry nowadays, but for the most part what they teach and have you practice is applicable to the industry.

Well, I am pretty confident I could create or learn to create any kind of software now.  At what cost though?  App academy cost about the same as any other legit boot camp in money but that’s not the real cost.  The real cost is the time and effort involved.  I went to medical school and earned my MD, I am no stranger to ridiculously difficult classes or being required to learn a ton of material quickly so please believe me when I say, App Academy is difficult.  It is not for someone who does not test well,  some of our classmates (like 1/5) did fail tests and they were dismissed from the program.  It is not for people who want to casually learn programming it really does require your effort every day of the week all day long and many days you will still not be done after that.  If you want to do this more than anything else and you can take timed tests that are not easy then come learn to do one of the coolest things I have ever gotten to learn to do.  

I can honestly say that a/A was a great choice. Are they perfect? No. The homework was intense and sometimes had spelling errors which distracted, and the lectures could be long, but the staff support and projects were absolutely incredible. Their goal was to make sure each student understood the material and could build something themselves which they could then take into the job market. I've had friends do other bootcamps and I'm amazed at how well put together a/A is compared to other programs. I have to admit that it was one of the most stressful times of my life. I started at 7:30am, studied until class at 9am MST, class until 6pm, 1.5 hours for dinner, and then study until 10pm. I did this every single day, 6 days a week for 6 months. It is not for the faint of heart. I did this with 4 kids so it is possible if you have a family. I'm glad to actually have skills that I can take into the market. Good luck! App Academy is a good choice.

My experience at App Academy was tough and had me rethinking my decision a lot. The amount of stress one goes through is a lot and it can feel very overwhelming at times. I can say with confidence that almost anyone who put the effort in will be able to make it through. Sometimes I feel that some of the course was a bit outdated, but other than that they do teach some phenomenal skills. As I write this I have just graduated and am about to start the job search. If you do end up joining, I wish you the best of luck!