The pros of this program would have to be that it is an online-live class so you do the class wherever you are, but it has real people and a set time so you’re not just watching videos alone. The instructors actually know how to teach which is a huge plus. I would recommend Actualize to anyone who is wanting to jump start a career in web development.

April 15, 2020

Actualize has been an amazing experience. Over the past few months I have learned so much about coding but more importantly I am coming away from this program with a belief that I can figure out just about anything in terms of coding.

Actualize focuses on teaching you how to teach yourself how to code so that you feel comfortable about tackling any problem. It’s not about memorizing syntax or best practices.

I specifically took this course because of the remote video-conference structure. Since I was working full-time, I needed to take a course in the evenings. I was deciding between a course at a nearby college and Actualize but ultimatley went with Actualize because I realized there were a lot of extra logistics required with attending at a physical location, such as: parking at the school, dinner, coming back home after class would be even more difficult to find parking by my house….etc. Actualize gave me a near-as-makes-no-difference in-person experience without the hassles of being there in person.

The teacher, TA, and job-hacking instructor were all stellar. Concepts are explained at a challengning, but attainable, pace and everyone is generally available to you outside of class time as needed.

I have never learned so much in four months, and I definitely didn’t expect to have as much fun as I did doing it. One of the best surprises from this was that I feel so close with all of my classmates. I was worried that the remote nature of the course might lead to people not being as engaged in class but it couldnt be further from the truth.

May 25, 2020

Actualize was an incredible experience. I was interested in switching careers and recalled Actualize from several years ago. The instruction is clear without too much hand holding. From week 1, we were writing code and learning more than we even realized at the time. The program definitely packs a lot into a short time period but I would highly recommend it to someone either looking to complement their current skill set or switch careers. Grads stick around and both the TAs and instructors are very approachable if you ever have any questions. Great experience and would highly recommend.

June 2, 2020

The structure of this bootcamp is not your typical class. The curriculum is fast-paced and dense. Always follow the two-week rule to review concepts you learn each day. I had no coding experience coming into this bootcamp. I feel solidly prepared to tackle new coding languages and technologies now that I’ve been trained to Think Like an Engineer. Take a leap of faith and join this bootcamp if you want explore a growing and challenging, but rewarding industry.

July 15, 2020

Peter is a great instructor! I really enjoyed his teaching style. Each day was broken up into manageable chunks of information that balanced lecture time with practice time. It accounted for different levels of incoming skill.

August 9, 2020

I first heard of Actualize through a random comment on a Chicago subreddit. I reached out to the user and asked about their experience. It sounded right up my alley so I sat in on a class. I was immediately drawn to Peter’s teaching style. I also spent a lot of time talking to the TA, Jennifer, about her own experience. She was also wildly helpful in my decision making process.

Fast forward eight months and I just presented my final capstone project. It is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Would highly recommend.

August 11, 2020

I was looking for a coding bootcamp to transition from hospitality management into more of a tech role. I had heard of success from someone in a similar situation and decided to go with the same bootcamp. The instructor was knowledgeable and helpful, and is very direct, which is key to true learning critical thinking. I had a great experience learning what I need to know and how to know it, and anything beyond that was a bonus, which there was plenty of. I was hired as a teaching assistant for the following cohort and from that I was able to pique interest and land a support role that begins shortly after that cohort’s conclusion. Career support provides regular check-ins, advice, support group talk, and prompt assistance with the entire application to hire process. To be clear, this is assistance, success is reliant on the alum’s consistent initiative and persistence, but the career advisor is eager to assist with any questions along the way promptly.

September 24, 2020