Codesmith vs Actualize

Actualize Review and Guide

Actualize is a coding school that offers a host of programs covering in-demand languages such as JavaScript, SQL, and Ruby. Online Actualize reviews are mainly positive, pointing to the school’s immersive programs. This Actualize review will help you discover more about the school’s courses, tuition fees, and career services.

About Actualize

Actualize is an online coding school based in River North Chicago. This school provides high-quality programs that can help students break into tech. Since 2014, Actualize has helped hundreds of students explore various roles in the tech industry. Graduates have gone on to work for top tech companies, including Amazon Web Services, Twitter, Bosch, and Braintree.

Actualize Programs

Actualize offers software development programs that can be taken either online or on-site. The school also provides a pre-work course to help beginner coders build a strong technical foundation.

Prework

Prework is a four-week course designed by Actualize to help you get ready for the more immersive programs. During this time, you will watch videos that will introduce you to the fundamentals of computer programming. The coursework is accessible online. Location: Online Tuition: Free

Chicago Coding Bootcamp

The in-person coding bootcamp is a 12-week full-time program that will teach you software engineering using full stack web development. The classes are delivered on campus grounds in Chicago. Students learn how to use popular frameworks and languages such as Ruby, Rails, HTML, SQL, CSS, VueJS, and Git during this time. This bootcamp also features career support. You will engage in job hacking, a technique that will help you in your job search. The course also teaches students how to master new programming languages. This simply means that the school will teach you how to think and work with languages like a professional developer. For instance, you will learn how to learn Python and how to learn JavaScript. As a student, you can choose between full-time or part-time schedules. Both schedules have the same coursework. However, part-time learners are expected to cover the curriculum in 16 weeks. Location: Chicago (in-person) Tuition: $14,900

Online Live Coding Bootcamp

The online option is ideal for students living outside of Chicago or those who prefer to learn outside the confines of a physical classroom. As mentioned, the curriculum is similar to the in-person option. Classes are delivered live which means remote students get to learn, do exercises, and interact in real-time. This option runs for 16 weeks. Location: Online Tuition: $14,900

Actualize Application Process

Actualize has not made its acceptance rate public. However, the school’s application process is fairly straightforward and it starts with an online application form. If all goes well, Actualize will contact you for an interview. It takes, on average, seven days for the school to give any feedback concerning the status of your application. While it would be ideal to have some coding experience to increase your chances of being accepted, it is not a requirement. The school accepts students who are passionate about coding and computer science.

Actualize Tuition and Financing Options

Actualize offers three tuition and financing options: upfront payment, installments, and loans. If paying the whole amount upfront is not an option, consider the school’s installment plan, which allows students to pay tuition in three installments without interest. Actualize has a program called TuitionFlex. This program allows students to take loans and make monthly payments for up to three years after graduation. If you’re an aspiring web developer, you should consider Actualize. This school uses an up-to-date curriculum, taught by experienced instructors. In as little as 12 weeks, you’ll gain the skills you’d need to land a software development role.