PART TWO: CODING CHALLENGES, ESSAYS, AND VIDEOS
Welcome to Part Two of the Code Platoon application! This step has two parts: Coding Challenges and Essays and Videos. Feel free to tackle both parts at the same time. However, you’ll need to reference the coding challenges when you make one of your video submissions.
Coding Challenges: This is where you show us what you know about coding. We utilize a platform called CoderByte to evaluate your problem-solving capabilities and coding skills.
Here’s how the coding challenges work:
- There are 12 challenges in total, and they get tougher as you go. You need to complete at least 10. Don’t worry if you can’t solve everything perfectly.
- You can score up to 10 points for each challenge. The more challenges you tackle, the better your odds of scoring higher.
- You must work on these by yourself. While it’s OK to seek guidance, the final solutions must be your own. If the work submitted isn’t yours (and yes, that includes assistance from AI tools like ChatGPT), we’ll be unable to proceed with your application.
If you need more confidence in your coding skills before tackling the coding challenges, fear not! Our self-paced Intro to Coding course is designed to set you up for success. This free online JavaScript course covers the essential coding concepts you’ll need to thrive in our program. If you are unsure if you’re ready to tackle the coding challenges, we created a short skills assessment to help you.
Essays and Videos: Part Two of the application is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself. The essays and video submissions allow us to assess your coding knowledge, communication skills, and overall fit for our program. Just make sure to submit Part Two before your cohort’s application deadline.
Got questions? Take a look at our FAQ page or email Greg Drobny, our Student Outreach Coordinator, at greg@codeplatoon.org.
Coding Challenges
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 challenges! 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 essays and video.
Essays and Videos
The final step of your application is the Essays and Videos 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 videos must be completed and turned in by the application deadline.
For your video submission, you’ll upload them 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.
