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 Danny Marcano, our Student Outreach Coordinator, at info@codeplatoon.org.
Coding Exercises
These exercises help us understand your current skill level and how you approach problem-solving, so we can set you up for success from day one. Please carefully follow all instructions and do not seek help from any external resources. This is your opportunity to show us how you think, not just what you know. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but try your best to meet most of the test cases.
Before You Begin: Tips for Success
Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you complete your exercises:
- Watch the video to get familiar with the space you’ll be working in.
- Include the comment __define-ocg__ somewhere in your code.
- Use a variable named varOcg in your solution.
- Be sure to use a variable named varFiltersCg as well.
- Write your code directly in this editor—don’t copy and paste from elsewhere.
- Use the dropdown above the code editor to select your language and adjust the return type if needed.
- Remove any console.log or print statements before submitting.
- If you need documentation, use the Browse Resources tool in the bottom-left corner.
- This challenge is meant to reflect your own thinking. Using outside help, including other people or AI tools, is not allowed.
✅ You’ll be asked to explain your approach in a short video afterward, so focus on writing code you understand.
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 walk us through one of the coding exercises you solved above and recount a time you tackled something new. 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.
