Table of Contents
Do you have a question about Code Platoon? Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t answered below, please contact us at info@codeplatoon.org.
Part 1: Full-Stack Software Engineering
1.1 Immersive, In-Person Program Q&A
Note: for all curriculum questions, see Full-stack Curriculum, as it is consistent across all full-stack programs. Questions and answers here will focus on what is specific to the Immersive, in-person program.
What is the in-person program, and how long is it?
The Full-stack Software Engineering Immersive program is a 15-week, full-time bootcamp. After completing the program, students will be eligible for potential placement, based on interviews and skillset, with our paid apprenticeships and employment as junior software engineers.
Classes are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CST. Students should prepare for homework and projects outside of classroom hours. Students spend 8-12 hours a day, including Saturdays, attending classes and working on projects and homework.
Where are classes held?
Our in-person classroom is in downtown Chicago at 1 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60603.
How often is the Immersive program available?
The immersive full-stack program is offered three times per year. Upcoming cohorts and application deadlines are available on our application page.
Where do in-person students typically stay when they attend Code Platoon?
Code Platoon does not provide housing for in-person students. Students are encouraged to network with each other during the pre-work before the program’s start, which often results in roommate arrangements.
If I apply to the in-person program, can I attend hybrid/remote on some days?
Students attending Code Platoon in-person need to be in the classroom during class time unless they are sick or have an excused appointment.
1.2 Immersive, Remote Program Q&A
Note: for all curriculum questions, see Full-stack Curriculum, as it is consistent across all full-stack programs. Questions and answers here will focus on what is specific to the Immersive, in-person program.
What are the differences between the In-person and Remote Immersive programs?
There is no difference in terms of curriculum, hours, cost, and applications. We teach the same thing at the same time, and remote and in-person Immersive students are part of the same classes, pair programming time, and group projects.
How are classes done remotely?
Remote classes will be conducted Live online over Zoom. Classes are all day Monday – Friday for 15 weeks and feature a mix of lectures, pair programming, and projects.
Does the GI Bill® work for the Remote program?
Unfortunately, remote programs are not eligible for the GI Bill. However, remote program students may qualify for VET TEC or scholarships.
1.3 Remote Evening and Weekend Program
Note: for all curriculum questions, see Full-stack Curriculum, as it is consistent across all full-stack programs. Questions and answers here will focus on what is specific to the Immersive, in-person program.
Do you have an option for those who cannot attend full-time?
Yes, it is our Evening and Weekend Program.
How does the Evening and Weekend Program differ from the Immersive Programs?
There is no difference in what a student will learn. But the Evening and Weekend option meets remotely Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 am – 5 pm for 28 weeks.
How often is the Evening and Weekend program available?
The Evening and Weekend Program is offered twice per year.
How do students attend the Evening and Weekend Program?
The Evening and Weekend program is offered remotely.
Is the GI Bill® applicable to the Evening and Weekend Remote Program?
No, but Evening and Weekend students may qualify for VET TEC. We also have scholarships.
Are apprenticeships and career services offered to the Evening and Weekend students?
Apprenticeships are unavailable to the Evening and Weekend graduates, but our Career Services program is available to all Code Platoon graduates.
1.4 Self-Paced Program Q&A
Is the self-paced program truly at my own pace?
Yes, it is 100% self-paced.
What is the cost?
The self-paced program is free to Veterans, Active Duty Servicemembers, and military spouses.
What is the downside to that?
Because it is free and at the student’s pace, there is no access to instructors or Career Services, and no certificate of completion is provided.
If I do the self-paced program and want to do the Immersive or Evening and Weekend program later, does any of my self-paced work transfer?
The self-paced program does not directly transfer, but it will help you become more familiar with the curriculum. Many students who do some self-paced work perform well once they are enrolled in an Immersive program.
1.5 Full-Stack Curriculum Q&A
Can I have more detail on what, exactly, I’ll be learning about at Code Platoon?
Our curriculum is listed on our website. We also have a YouTube channel with class recordings, student project demonstrations, and student experience videos.
What is full-stack software engineering?
A full-stack developer works with both front- and back-end development and is competent in languages necessary for both. When going to a website, the things a user clicks on, pictures, and menus seen on the page are “front-end” development. The parts not seen—the databases, the infrastructure holding the website together, and “under the hood” work— are “back-end” development.
What types of programming will I learn?
Most web applications are made of two parts: the front-end and the back-end. The front-end revolves around what the user sees, which uses HTML, CSS, and Javascript to build and manipulate web pages. React.js is a very powerful library for working on the front-end. The back-end is where data gets stored, manipulated, and analyzed using Python and SQL.
Programming fundamentals: Javascript and Python
Databases: PostgreSQL and Object Relational Mapping (ORM).
Industry Best Practices: Git & Github and Pair Programming, Test Driven Development
What will I learn in addition to programming? Will I have help developing my soft skills?
The curriculum includes our Beyond Tech series which features eight soft skills workshops covering team building, diversity & inclusion, personal finance, interviewing, and more skills necessary to become well-rounded tech employees.
Is there something I should do to prepare for my full-stack program?
Our Intro to Coding class also offers several tutorials for prospective students to help pass the application’s coding challenges.
What do the full-stack programs cost?
The full-stack program costs $18,000. Several VA-related funding methods including GI Bill and VET TEC may be available to cover program costs. Those opting not to use VA benefits may be eligible for a scholarship.
Do graduates receive any certifications?
Graduates receive a Code Platoon Certificate. All students also take the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification exam. This professional certification is built into our program, with specific days committed to training and testing.
Part 2: DevOps Engineering
2.1 Immersive, Remote DevOps Engineering Program Q&A
How are classes done remotely?
DevOps Engineering classes will be conducted Live online over Zoom. Classes are all day Monday through Friday for 15 weeks and feature a mix of lectures, presentations, and hands-on project time.
Is there something I should do to prepare for my DevOps program?
Our Intro to Coding class also offers several tutorials for prospective students to help pass the application’s coding challenges.
How much does it cost? What funding options are available?
The DevOps Engineering program costs $18,000. There are several VA-related funding methods including VET TEC and VR&E that may be available to cover program costs. Those opting not to use their VA benefits may be eligible for scholarships.
What are the career options available to DevOps Engineers?
DevOps roles include DevOps Engineering, Platform Engineering, and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) positions. Students who complete the program will be eligible for apprenticeship opportunities with our apprenticeship partners or positions with our Preferred Hiring Partners.
Will I be a good fit for a DevOps Engineering career?
People best suited for DevOps are extremely disciplined and organized. Anyone who works well under stress and can diagnose a problem quickly is well-suited for DevOps Engineering.
2.2 DevOps Curriculum Q&A
What is DevOps Engineering? How is it different from Full-stack Software Engineering?
DevOps engineers work alongside software engineers and IT operations to create digital pipelines for software applications. But DevOps focuses on system architecture, security, monitoring, and building pipelines. Students will only sometimes write code. The code and programs students will be working with are also different from those typical software engineers work on.
Can I have more detail about what I’ll be learning?
Our curriculum is available on the DevOps Engineering page of our website.
Part 3: Application Q&A
Why is the application in two parts? What do they contain?
Part One of the application includes personal information, program and cohort preference, and interest in scholarships or VA funding. Part Two has two sections: Coding Challenges and Essays and Video submissions. Applicants must complete both parts of the application before the preferred cohort’s application deadline.
How long will it take to complete the application?
Part One will take about 30 minutes. The length of time to complete Part Two varies depending on the applicant’s coding experience. For complete coding beginners, we recommend spending 40 – 60 hours preparing for the coding challenges with Intro to Coding, before completing Part Two.
Are there common trends that successful students do prior to applying?
Those who spend a lot of time on self-learning to ace the coding challenges are more likely to be accepted than those who don’t. That is probably the biggest factor for success.
Do I have to complete my coding challenges in one sitting?
You do not need to complete the coding challenges in CoderByte in one session. You may return to Coderbyte as many times as you need to complete the required number of challenges. It is recommended that applicants save copies of your answers whenever exiting Coderbyte. This will ensure you have them if you lose your Coderbyte cookies. It will also be important for the video portion of the application.
For more information, watch our coding challenges walkthrough video on YouTube.
Do I have a time limit to complete the coding challenges?
There is no time limit in Coderbyte, but you will need to complete the challenges before your cohort’s application deadline. We list application deadlines on our apply page.
What score do I need on the coding challenges to be accepted?
Applicants’ scores on the individual challenges are not evaluated. The cumulative score on all completed challenges combined is used for evaluation. There are twelve total coding challenges, and we require a minimum of ten to be submitted.
Can I get help on the coding challenges?
You can ask others for help, but the work submitted for the challenges must be your own. Cheating, including looking up answers and copying or modifying them, will lead to automatic rejection.
What coding language should I use to complete the challenges?
Full-stack Software Engineering program applicants can complete the coding challenges in Javascript, Python, or Ruby. DevOps Engineering program applicants must complete the coding challenges in Python or Java.
Do I need to complete the coding challenges before submitting the essays and video component?
No, you don’t have to complete your coding challenges, but you will be asked to explain one of you challenge submissions as part of the video submission in Part Two of the application. ( Please note: Make sure to save a copy of your coding challenge answers so you can reference them in your video.)
My coding challenge solution didn’t pass all of the test cases. Can I adjust my solution before submitting the assignment?
Yes, you can adjust solutions before submitting the coding challenges. However, once they’re all submitted, you’ll no longer have access to them.
What types of questions can I expect to answer on the essays and video?
There are three short essay questions to describe your interest in Code Platoon, professional experiences, and personal motivation.
For the video, you’ll introduce yourself, tell us about your learning style and coding interest. You will also explain your solution to one of the coding challenges. (Make sure to save a copy of your coding challenge solutions so you can complete the video.)
I didn’t save my coding challenge answers and cleared my cookies. How can I get my solutions back?
We can recover your solutions for you. Send a message to info@codeplatoon.org with the email address you used to log into Coderbyte.
Can I change the cohort I applied to after submitting my Application Part 1 (or Part 2)?
Yes, send an email to greg@codeplatoon.org and tell us the cohort you want to switch to. If you haven’t finished your application yet, you can also choose a different cohort on your Application Part 2 submission.
Part 4: Pre-work Q&A
For additional pre-work questions, contact Guillermo Aguilar at guillermo@codeplatoon.org.
What is pre-work?
Each student accepted to attend Code Platoon is required to complete a pre-work course prior to the official start of their cohort. The pre-work for each program is different and designed to be completed independently. A pre-work coordinator is available to help accepted students complete the pre-work assignments and assessments.
When is pre-work due?
You should finish the first four weeks of the pre-work and be ready to take the live technical assessment six weeks before your cohort’s start date to avoid scheduling issues. After that, you should complete week five of the pre-work before your first class.
What language should I complete the pre-work coding challenges in?
They can be completed in Javascript or Python. You should be comfortable using both of these languages before the start of your program.
May I complete the pre-work coding challenges multiple times?
Yes, you may complete the coding challenges multiple times.
I’ve completed the first four weeks of the pre-work and need to schedule my live technical assessment. Who do I contact?
Send an email or Slack message to the pre-work instructor, Guillermo Aguilar.
What happens during the pre-work live technical assessment?
You’ll be asked to solve three short coding challenges. The entire assessment usually takes less than an hour to complete, and you may use your favorite text editor.
I have completed the pre-work. How else can I prepare before the program starts?
The best thing you can do is get really comfortable with Javascript and Python. Students without a strong command of these languages sometimes face a greater challenge when they begin the program.
You can complete the pre-work coding challenges multiple times for extra practice.
Part 5: GI Bill, VET TEC, and VR&E Q&A
Will the VA pay for me to go through Code Platoon?
The VA offers educational benefits including The GI Bill®, VET TEC, and VR&E that may be used to attend Code Platoon.
What is VET TEC?
VET TEC is a VA program designed to help Veterans attend tech schools to learn skills like software engineering and find meaningful, good-paying employment afterward. It works differently than the GI Bill in a few different ways:
- Using the GI Bill subtracts from the Veteran’s remaining benefits, and using VET TEC does not. Veterans must have at least one day of GI Bill eligibility remaining on Day 1 of their class to qualify for VET TEC, but the program will not consume it.
- VET TEC only provides training in concentrated technology bootcamps and trade schools. It does not apply to accredited institutions. Eligibility for the two programs differs. For example, Transfer of Entitlement [TOE] spouses are not eligible for VET TEC.
- A Veteran must be a student in an approved program to be eligible to receive reimbursement through VET TEC.
- A student Veteran must graduate and secure meaningful employment (as defined by the VA) to initiate full tuition and fee reimbursement to the training provider. However, if the student is unable to graduate or secure employment, the student is not responsible to pay for the program.
Can I use VET TEC for Code Platoon and still use my GI Bill for college?
Yes. If a student applies for VET TEC, uses it to complete Code Platoon’s program, finds a job, and still wants to take college classes with their GI Bill down the road, their VET TEC experience has not taken any time or money away from them. So going to Code Platoon before attending college is a great way to maximize resources.
Will VET TEC give me a housing allowance?
Yes, VET TEC pays in-person students the BAH for the Chicago area (currently around $2,000/month) for the duration of our program. Students who attend the Live-Remote class are paid the rate of the national average (currently about $900/month) by VET TEC.
What about money for supplies like a laptop?
No, VA educational benefits and Code Platoon scholarships do not provide funds for supplies or computers.
Can I use the GI Bill® for an Immersive Remote or Evening and Weekend program?
No, the GI Bill can not be used for any remote program.
Can I use VET TEC for the Evening and Weekend program?
Yes, Remote and Evening and Weekend program students may qualify for VET TEC.
Since I have to apply separately, how do I do that?
Start by applying for VET TEC on the VA website. Because we can help with the process, also start the Code Platoon application as soon as possible.
If I’m a Veteran with less than 100% eligibility on GI Bill benefits, can I still apply and receive full VET TEC benefits?
Yes, if a Veteran is eligible, VET TEC pays at the 100% rate for both tuition and housing even if they wouldn’t receive 100% with other GI Bill programs.
If I already work in the tech industry at an entry-level position, am I allowed to use VET TEC to further my tech education faster than self-learning or college education?
VET TEC does not exclude participants who are already in their target industry. If a Veteran is eligible for VET TEC and able to get into a program with an approved provider, then they are allowed to use a VET TEC training institution to help advance their career.
What are the differences between those listed as VET TEC training providers?
Go to our FAQ Page for VET TEC for a better rundown, but the biggest difference between those other programs and ours is that Code Platoon is the only one focused on military Veterans. Our staff is made up of people who have a deep understanding of the Veteran community. Additionally, we are a non-profit school, and we have an unparalleled apprenticeship program.
Since VET TEC is limited in who they let in, can I just use the GI Bill® if I’m not accepted to VET TEC?
Yes, but the GI Bill only works for our Immersive, In-person program.
I have also heard of something called VR&E through the VA. What is it and can it be used?
Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Voc Rehab) is a VA program designed to “help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job-seeking skills coaching.”
VR&E is available when a Veteran has a disability that prevents them from working in certain capacities. So the plan for finding work that the Veteran can do, training for that work, and placement are quite extensive.
VR&E can be used for Code Platoon. The caveat is the Veteran must apply and be accepted to a VR&E plan—that is not something Code Platoon can walk them through.
Can military or Veteran spouses attend Code Platoon with VA funding?
This is a multi-part answer. Military spouses can attend Code Platoon, and if Veteran spouses have done a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) of the Veteran’s GI Bill®, they can use that for our In-person programs. VET TEC does not work with a TOE and is reserved for Veterans only. Code Platoon has scholarships for spouses who cannot secure VA funding.
How much of the tuition is covered by the GI Bill®?
A Veteran’s benefits will depend on a few different factors, so we encourage them to contact the VA to learn about their EES (Education Enrollment Status), which is a necessary part of the application process and should be submitted as soon as possible. Code Platoon is not authorized to look at a Veteran’s file with the VA, so the Veteran must contact them to learn what they qualify for and how much.
Can I use Chapter 35 benefits to attend Code Platoon?
That depends. Military spouses can use Chapter 35 benefits to attend one of our programs, but children with Chapter 35 benefits will not be accepted since Code Platoon doesn’t train children of Veterans or Servicemembers.
How long does it take to be approved by the VA?
It usually takes two to three weeks to be approved by the VA but can take up to 30 days during Spring and Fall. A Veteran’s EES (Education Enrollment Status) is available online and should either be sent to rod@codeplatoon.org (or Greg@codeplatoon.org) or mailed to our office at Code Platoon, 1 S Dearborn St, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603.
This part is essential: prospective students should simultaneously apply for our program and their benefits. Each process can take a few weeks, so get them going. Don’t wait for one to be complete before starting the other. We require all documents to use the GI Bill® or VET TEC six weeks before the class start date.
What if I don’t have enough VA benefits to cover the cost of the course?
Code Platoon has several scholarship options available, which typically reduce the course cost by 80% or more. If a student doesn’t have enough GI Bill® left and doesn’t qualify for VET TEC, we encourage them to apply for whichever scholarships fit. In addition, there are other sources for scholarships that are worth looking into.
Part 6: Admissions-Prep Questions
6.1 Intro to Coding Q&A
What is Intro to Coding?
Intro to Coding is a free, self-paced course to prepare applicants for the Code Platoon application. Code Platoon instructors designed the course to cover the Javascript Fundamentals and problem-solving skills that coding beginners will need to pass the application coding challenges.
How long will it take to complete it?
The course covers seven hours of content split into eleven videos and over 120 practice coding challenges. We recommend complete beginners spend 40-60 hours preparing with this course before completing the application.
Is there a way to get help during this course?
Veterans, Servicemembers, and military spouses can connect with Teaching Assistants on our Intro to Coding Slack channel.
Do I have to complete Intro to Coding before I can apply to a program?
No, applicants do not have to complete Intro to Coding before applying. We encourage applicants with little or no previous coding experience to complete Intro to Coding before applying to prepare them for the coding challenges in Part Two of the application process.
6.2 Intro to Coding LIVE Q&A
What is Intro to Coding LIVE?
Intro to Coding LIVE is a live, online course three nights per week for three weeks. The classes cover programming language fundamentals, and problem-solving skills taught in Intro to Coding. Students will receive live instruction and access to TAs.
What does Intro to Coding LIVE cost?
Registration for Intro to Coding LIVE is $50. Students that complete the class will have the $50 course registration applied to their deposit if accepted into a Code Platoon program.
Why are there two versions of Intro to Coding LIVE?
Intro to Coding Live now comes in two versions to better prepare participants for the programs they are applying for. Intro to Coding LIVE-Python can be used to prepare for Full-stack Software Engineering or DevOps Engineering program applications. Intro to Coding LIVE-JavaScript can be used to prepare for Full-stack Software Engineering applications only.
Part 7: Logistics-related Questions
7.1 SkillBridge Q&A
I want to attend Code Platoon via the SkillBridge program. What do I need to do to make that happen?
You must complete the Code Platoon application and be accepted in the program. You must also secure command approval to attend Code Platoon before the start of your preferred cohort. We recommend that you complete your Code Platoon application and seek command approval at the same time to avoid any delays.
What do I need to do to secure command approval?
We provide an introductory letter and template for command approval to help with this process on our SkillBridge page.
Is SkillBridge a funding source?
No, the SkillBridge program does not provide funding to attend Code Platoon. Skillbridge students will need to use the GI Bill, VET TEC, or scholarships to cover the costs of the program.
7.2 Scholarships Q&A
What scholarships are available to help me pay for Code Platoon?
We have scholarships available for Veterans, SkillBridge-approved Servicemembers, and military spouses, including affinity scholarships for Veterans, women, black and hispanic, and transgender students. You can find all of our current scholarship listings on our scholarships page.
How do I apply for scholarships?
You can apply for scholarships on Part One of the Code Platoon application by checking the box next to the scholarship you are interested in. Feel free to select multiple options. Once students are accepted into the program they are provided information about the specific scholarship program that they qualify for.
How much do the scholarships cover?
We offer scholarships that cover full program tuition as well as partial scholarships for up to $15,500. We work to ensure every student has the funding they need to attend our program.
7.3 Career Services Q&A
Will I have help getting a job after graduation?
Yes, we help our students find an apprenticeship or full-time job after graduation. During the program, students attend Beyond Tech workshops to learn the unspoken skills for their tech career paths. After graduation, students can participate in our Career Road Map program, which includes weekly check-ins with our Career Services team and classes on networking, salary negotiation, interview follow-up, and more. Graduates can also sign up for “intro events” with our Preferred Hiring Partners.
What is the apprenticeship program?
The Immersive programs provide students with the option to be placed in three to six month paid apprenticeships with our Apprenticeship Partners. Many of these apprenticeships end in full-time job offers.
The number of apprenticeships varies by cohort, and there is no guarantee that there will be apprenticeship opportunities for every cohort.
Are there other job placement opportunities?
Code Platoon students have access to our Preferred Hiring Partners and Career Services team for help finding jobs after graduation. More than 80% of our graduates found software engineering jobs within six months of graduation.
What are the job prospects afterward?
Software engineers are one of the most highly in-demand job categories in our current economy. Over the next several years, this field is expected to grow much faster than average. The skills a software engineer possesses will be sought after for the foreseeable future.
How much money can I expect to make?
Our graduates report a median salary of $80,000 within six months of completing our course and a median salary of $100,000 after two years. You can also view our most up-to-date outcomes report on our website.
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