Why You Should Attend A Selective Coding Bootcamp Instead of a 0 to 100 Bootcamp

Are all coding bootcamps created equally?

Nope. Some coding bootcamps promise to take you from 0 to 100. From newbie-to-job-ready. I went to HackReactor which is more of a 20 to 100 bootcamp that takes intermediate level students to job ready.

I would advise against programs that accept total beginners.

Here's why:

1. Programs designed for beginners are not selective.
2. A selective program = better peers = better learning environment.
3. A non selective program is a sign that they likely aren't on the hook for placing students into jobs.

Programs that are worth their salt will put themselves on the hook for placing graduates into jobs.

This properly aligns the incentives of both the bootcamp and students. This could come in the form of standardized outcomes reporting (CIRR) or it could come in the form of income share agreements / deferred tuition (only pay if you get a job).

The easiest way for these successful programs to continue delivering on their promise is to simply deny the candidates that aren't well prepared.

Programs with no rigorous entry interview processes have no way of telling potential students what/where they need to improve in order to have a decent chance of success.

With 0-to-100 bootcamps, you have no assurance that you are even somewhat likely to succeed. I would avoid them if I were starting out today.