App Academy vs Codesmith

App Academy is a coding school that offers online and in-person training programs with no tuition cost until you’re hired as a Software Engineer earning over $50,000. The career changing outcomes that App Academy has produced since being founded in 2012 is a major reason why it’s considered the most respected code school in the industry. App Academy has placed over 3,000 people in full-time Software Engineering roles at average salaries of $101,000 in San Francisco, $95,000 in New York, and $80,000 nationally. Their alumni work at over 1,000 companies worldwide, including Google, Apple, Netflix, Twitter, and more. App Academy understands the skills that make a successful software engineer, and more importantly, how to teach them to you. If you don’t succeed after completing the program, you pay nothing, and that’s how it should be.

17 App Academy reviews

The reviews are true

Created 8 days ago

App Academy is still a standard in the industry. Offering an Income Shared Agreement for students that don't have the money up front, they put their money where their mouth is: they win only if you win.

Pros

The people make the program. They hire not only the smartest, but the kindest and most patient. There are rules in place, but they care more about the effort and the passion.

Cons

Not CIRR verified. Curriculum could go deeper in regards to JavaScript under the hood.

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Codesmith offers a full-time, 12-week full-stack software engineering bootcamp in Los Angeles and New York City. Codesmith is a selective, need-blind program focusing largely on computer science and full-stack JavaScript, with an emphasis on technologies like React, Redux, Node, build tools, Dev Ops and machine learning. This program enables Codesmith students (known as Residents) to build open-source projects, with the aim of moving into positions as skilled software engineers. Codesmith Residents become engineers, not technicians, through a deep understanding of advanced JavaScript practices, fundamental computer science concepts (such as algorithms and data structures), and object-oriented and functional programming. Codesmith helps residents develop strong problem-solving abilities and technical communication skills – valued capacities in a software engineer. The Codesmith admissions process involves a written application with optional coding questions, a nontechnical interview, and a technical interview. Codesmith offers a number of free resources for preparing for the admissions process including in-person and online coding workshops, a 2-week online prep course (CS Prep), and an online JavaScript learning platform (CSX). Codesmith offers an extensive hiring support program that guides Residents through whiteboarding, advanced technical interview practice, resume and profile development, and interview and networking strategies. Support continues upon graduation with bi-weekly check-ins and, after offers, negotiation support. Overall, 25% of graduates receive offers for Senior Engineer positions and above, and about 70% receive offers for Mid-level Engineer roles.

1 Codesmith review

Codesmith LA, 2015 (first year, early cohort)

Created 26 days ago

I was part of one of Codesmith's very first cohorts in 2015. During that time I've met, worked with, and befriended several intelligent, hardworking, awesome people. I can honestly say that, having gone here, I've changed my life for the better. I didn't have much of a coding background at all before coming here, but after my 3+ months at Codesmith I feel confident and happy in my abilities. Before applying, be aware that this is a VERY strenuous course; you will be here 60+ hours a week for 12 weeks learning exactly what you need to learn to build a strong foundation and break into the industry. That being said, the staff is extremely compassionate and dedicated to the success of the students. If you have the passion and work ethic to push through the challenge, Codesmith can be a very rewarding experience. The curriculum focuses on JavaScript, Node/Express, Angular, and React, but also covers jQuery, databases, and authentication. The final 6-8 weeks are devoted to building...See more

Pros

Great job support, curriculum, & instructors. It tends to attract people that are both talented/hardworking but also just genuinely good, friendly people. My overall experience was significant in my professional and even personal...See more

Cons

It's difficult work, but definitely worth it. I was in an early cohort and there were some kinks to work out, but I had a successful experience and there have only been improvements since.