PART TWO: CODING EXERCISES, SHORT ESSAYS, AND VIDEO
Welcome to Part Two of the Code Platoon application! This part has two steps: Coding Exercises and Short Essays and Video. Feel free to tackle both parts at the same time, but you’ll need to reference the coding exercises in your video submission.
- Coding Exercises: This is where you demonstrate your coding skills with three short exercises. We utilize a platform called CoderByte for the exercises. Complete the three exercises to the best of your ability. Our instructors use these exercises to plan your instructional path.
If you need more confidence in your coding skills before tackling the coding exercises, don’t worry! Our self-paced Intro to Coding course covers the essential coding concepts you’ll need to complete them. If you’re unsure about your readiness to tackle the coding exercises, you can take our short skills assessment.
- Essays and Video: Part Two of the application is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself. The short essays and video allow us to assess your fit for the program. Just make sure to submit everything before your cohort’s application deadline. You can double-check deadlines on our calendar page.
Got questions? Take a look at our FAQ page or email Greg Drobny, our Student Outreach Coordinator, at greg@codeplatoon.org.
Coding Exercises
Before you dive in, watch our brief video tour of CoderByte to familiarize yourself with the environment in which you’ll be coding.
After watching the video, you’re ready to tackle the coding exercises! Remember, it’s okay to take breaks, but save your work before you close CoderByte.
You must do this work on your own. Using others’ solutions or AI tools like ChatGPT, even if you modify the answers, is considered cheating.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to discuss your solutions in the video.
Short Essays and Video
The final step of your application is the Short Essays and Video section. This is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself, share your unique experiences, and explain why you want to join Code Platoon.
Take the time you need to reflect on your answers and ensure they showcase who you are at your core. Just keep in mind that all essays and the video must be completed and turned in by the application deadline.
For your video submission, you’ll upload it to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo and provide a link with your application. You have the discretion to make your video public or private.
What Happens Next
We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to showcase their potential. That’s why we use a rolling admissions process. If you’re accepted, you’ll be invited to one of our Kickoff Calls, marking the beginning of your exciting enrollment journey. (If your application isn’t accepted, we’ll provide you feedback and the chance to revise your submission or re-apply for a future cohort.)
Before officially starting your Bootcamp experience, you will participate in a live technical assessment with one of our instructors. You will also have the opportunity to solidify your programming fundamentals through our Foundations of Programming course. This course is designed to help students reach a uniform skill level and will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to hit the ground running. Additionally, you’ll receive comprehensive pre-work materials to ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenges and rewards that await you in your chosen program.
