Actualize
Average Rating4.93
594 Reviews
1 Course
Actualize is an online software engineering bootcamp based in Chicago that offers part-time and full-time bootcamp options. Instructors with professional educational experience teach students full stack web development including Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, VueJS, SQL, and Git. The Online Live classes are conducted in real time with video conferencing. Actualize has a deeply integrated “Job Hacking” curriculum focused on the personal branding and networking skills necessary to land a new job, which Actualize feels is just as important as learning to code.
To apply, students can submit an application via the website, then go through a series of two interviews with an admissions advisor. There are no coding challenges, but students must complete 4 weeks of prework before the program starts.
After the program, students have the option to join its unique Career Support program, which contains additional training for Job Hacking, a job accountability group, and team projects to add to one’s portfolio.
594 Actualize Reviews
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AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • OnlineJul 15, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceReview
Just finished the bootcamp. Had a great time going through the whole bootcamp. More than I thought I would. Our cohorts instructor made each class session fun and taught very well. Learned more than I thought I would within those 12 weeks. You really dont need any prior coding experience to go through it. They also teach habits you should pick up. On top of the the assistants know a lot and help out. We also have job hacking that will help you get a job.- AnonymousWeb Development • OnlineJul 15, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Bootcamp
I chose actualize because of the part-time evening schedule that it offered for live instruction as well as the overall emphasis on educational principles. This was a great experience! The pre-work aspect of the program allowed you to self pace through a variety of tutorials followed by live instruction with emphasis on ruby on rails for the backend and vue js from the front end (plus a variety of other topics). The class size was small and there was much support from the instructor indi...I chose actualize because of the part-time evening schedule that it offered for live instruction as well as the overall emphasis on educational principles. This was a great experience! The pre-work aspect of the program allowed you to self pace through a variety of tutorials followed by live instruction with emphasis on ruby on rails for the backend and vue js from the front end (plus a variety of other topics). The class size was small and there was much support from the instructor individually. Actualize held true to focus on educational principles and a supportive environment for learning. I would highly recommend this program. - AnonymousWeb Development • OnlineMay 20, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Actualize Graduate
I chose Actualize because of the emphasis on supporting graduates trying to find a job. It was definitely the best education experience I have had and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to become a software developer without getting a CS degree. - AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • OnlineMay 20, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Great experience from begging to end
When I decided to attend Actualize the cohort was about to begin in a week. The people at Actualize were very helpful with setting me up in a short amount of time I had, being on top of E-mails and making sure I have everything I needed. The class portion was amazing. I learned so much and built confidence with working on code. A very stress free and supportive environment made my learning experience relaxing but informative. The instructor was amazing, very clear and made sure what we l...When I decided to attend Actualize the cohort was about to begin in a week. The people at Actualize were very helpful with setting me up in a short amount of time I had, being on top of E-mails and making sure I have everything I needed. The class portion was amazing. I learned so much and built confidence with working on code. A very stress free and supportive environment made my learning experience relaxing but informative. The instructor was amazing, very clear and made sure what we learned made sense, and stuck it in our minds to THINK like a coder and that I AM a developer. I came into the cohort very nervous and anxious, and I am leaving the cohort confident and skilled. - AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • OnlineMay 19, 2022Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Good Choice.
I choose Actualize because I have a relative who attended and was successful in find a wonderful software developer job. It was a great experience and really challenged me. I recommend this bootcamp to anyone who is willing to devote their time and energies to it. - AnonymousWeb Development • OnlineDec 24, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Great Experience
Just spent the last 3 months of bootcamp with 5 weeks of self-taught lessons prior with homework due weekly. The self-taught portion gave exposure to coding, but not all of the same methods were used as in the class (e.g. different ways to approach loops) which was confusing. Having finished, and currently looking for a job, there are recommended job hacking sessions even after the program is done which is nice. Overall, we touched on a little bit of a lot, which deep focuses on ruby on ...Just spent the last 3 months of bootcamp with 5 weeks of self-taught lessons prior with homework due weekly. The self-taught portion gave exposure to coding, but not all of the same methods were used as in the class (e.g. different ways to approach loops) which was confusing. Having finished, and currently looking for a job, there are recommended job hacking sessions even after the program is done which is nice. Overall, we touched on a little bit of a lot, which deep focuses on ruby on rails and vuejs. Not the most applicable in the market today, but really taught on how to learn. Very hand-holdy which is nice, with responsive TA's - AnonymousStudent • Web Development • OnlineDec 24, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Great bootcamp with great support
I went into bootcamp with little knowledge and little confidence with my ability to learn code, let alone make a job transition. I've since found the confidence to begin the job search and I'm amazed everyday at how much coding I've learned. The instructors and job support councelors really do care and give their all to support students - they've been there every step of the way whether it was coding, building a resume or applying/interviewing at jobs. This bootcamp was also very cogniza...I went into bootcamp with little knowledge and little confidence with my ability to learn code, let alone make a job transition. I've since found the confidence to begin the job search and I'm amazed everyday at how much coding I've learned. The instructors and job support councelors really do care and give their all to support students - they've been there every step of the way whether it was coding, building a resume or applying/interviewing at jobs. This bootcamp was also very cognizant of the fact that I worked full time and, while the schedule was strenuous, it was very doable while maintaining employment. - AnonymousStudent • Web Development • OnlineAug 26, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Overall a great experience
I chose Actualize because they offered more live instruction hours compared with other bootcamps where a lot of the work done in your own time or watching recorded videos. I also really liked that they have an emphasis on having instructors that are great programmers but also understand how to teach the material.
After going through the program, I can say that my experience was that those assumptions really came out to be true and I had a great experience. Every part of the curriculu...I chose Actualize because they offered more live instruction hours compared with other bootcamps where a lot of the work done in your own time or watching recorded videos. I also really liked that they have an emphasis on having instructors that are great programmers but also understand how to teach the material.
After going through the program, I can say that my experience was that those assumptions really came out to be true and I had a great experience. Every part of the curriculum is very well thought out and as you are going through it, you'll notice how things tie together. Things might be difficult and it was frustrating for me when I couldn't wrap my head around topics but after some time it was really cool when the concepts start clicking and I think that is a credit to the curriculum and instructors/TAs. They do a good job of not only teaching coding but also the helping with you as a person making a career change or getting into something you are not familiar with deal with the emotions etc.
- AnonymousStudent • Web Development • OnlineJul 16, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
recent grad
I just graduated from the Actualize coding bootcamp and was fortunate to have Dani Zaghian as an instructor. I have a masters degree and have taught for a number of years, and I would say that Dani is the best educator I've seen. She is incredibly thoughtful and organized, she presents an unbelievable amount of information over a short 3 months in a concise and efficient manner. She's tough but fair and was, I believe, a real inspiration for our entire cohort. It's a testament to the ver...I just graduated from the Actualize coding bootcamp and was fortunate to have Dani Zaghian as an instructor. I have a masters degree and have taught for a number of years, and I would say that Dani is the best educator I've seen. She is incredibly thoughtful and organized, she presents an unbelievable amount of information over a short 3 months in a concise and efficient manner. She's tough but fair and was, I believe, a real inspiration for our entire cohort. It's a testament to the very thoughtful curriculum at Actualize. I would also say that Lisa and Sarah in the Job Hacking section of our program are phenomenal, and an invaluable resource. - AnonymousStudent • Web Development • OnlineJul 16, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Exceeded my expectations!
Dani was my instructor and she was amazing! I chose actualize as it was live on zoom (which held me accountable) and also during the day rather than at nights/weekends as many other bootcamps are. The 12 weeks flew by, and I truly feel like i learned SO much in such a short period. Everyone in my class was awesome, and the TA's (David, Mackenzie, & Winston) were all super helpful and patient. Lisa the Career counselor has been super helpful every step of the way and I am sure will co...Dani was my instructor and she was amazing! I chose actualize as it was live on zoom (which held me accountable) and also during the day rather than at nights/weekends as many other bootcamps are. The 12 weeks flew by, and I truly feel like i learned SO much in such a short period. Everyone in my class was awesome, and the TA's (David, Mackenzie, & Winston) were all super helpful and patient. Lisa the Career counselor has been super helpful every step of the way and I am sure will continue to be after class ends. Doing the capstone project was a great way to prove to myself how much I really did learn and am able to do now. I would highly recommend Actualize to anyone looking to learn full stack web development - it really was a great experience from beginning to end! - AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • ChicagoJul 16, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Student
This course is pretty fantastic. The concept of teaching how to learn is rare and valuable. I wish that there was more of a split time between learning backend (ruby), and front end (vuejs). I think there is more of a focus on ruby, and I wish it wouldve been a bit more equal footing from one to another. More time in CSS and HTML would've been nice as well considering we only had one day of lectures dedicated to those languages. Overall though, it was a great course and I would recommend...This course is pretty fantastic. The concept of teaching how to learn is rare and valuable. I wish that there was more of a split time between learning backend (ruby), and front end (vuejs). I think there is more of a focus on ruby, and I wish it wouldve been a bit more equal footing from one to another. More time in CSS and HTML would've been nice as well considering we only had one day of lectures dedicated to those languages. Overall though, it was a great course and I would recommend it to anyone attempting to jump into the web development industry. - AnonymousGraduate • Web Development • OnlineMay 07, 2021Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Great Experience
I chose Actualize because of their 1. Stress on having real teachers give over the material. 2. Their night classes allowed me to continue on with my full-time job (although I feel one really does need to practice outside of class). The experience starts off as “pre-work” which are the first five weeks of the course you will be watching prerecorded videos of Jay, the founder and CEO of Actualize teaching the fundamentals of programing. While a bit challenging these...I chose Actualize because of their 1. Stress on having real teachers give over the material. 2. Their night classes allowed me to continue on with my full-time job (although I feel one really does need to practice outside of class). The experience starts off as “pre-work” which are the first five weeks of the course you will be watching prerecorded videos of Jay, the founder and CEO of Actualize teaching the fundamentals of programing. While a bit challenging these five weeks are very doable. (There is a special dedicated pre-work instructor) Next is the actual live classes. Those are quite challenging as the curriculum covers many topics and moves at a quick pace.I would recommend Actualize to anyone looking to get into coding who doesn’t want to give up the rest of their life while making that career change.
Actualize Alumni Outcomes
Recent Actualize News
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Updated October 21, 2020
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Updated April 30, 2019
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Updated May 05, 2015
Welcome to the April News Roundup, your monthly news digest full of the most interesting articles and announcements in the bootcamp space. Want your bootcamp's news to be included in the next News Roundup? Submit announcements of new courses, scholarships, or open jobs at your school!
9 Bootcamp Headlines
Coding bootcamps find homes at accredited universities.
Could This Hybr...
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Updated May 15, 2024
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Career tracks
Actualize Alumni Reviews Summary
Overall Experience
4.9
Instructors
5.0
Curriculum
4.9
Job Assistance
4.8
More Information
Guarantees Job
Job Assistance
Includes Housing
Offers Corporate Training
Accepts GI Bill
Licensing
No
Awards
Recent Actualize News
By Jess Feldman
By Jess Feldman
By Liz Eggleston
FAQs
How much does Actualize cost?
Actualize costs around $16,900.
What courses does Actualize teach?
Actualize offers courses like Web Development.
Where does Actualize have campuses?
Actualize has in-person campuses in Chicago. Actualize also has a remote classroom so students can learn online.
Is Actualize worth it?
Actualize hasn't shared alumni outcomes yet, but one way to determine if a bootcamp is worth it is by reading alumni reviews. 594 Actualize alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Actualize on Course Report - you should start there!
Is Actualize legit?
We let alumni answer that question. 594 Actualize alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Actualize and rate their overall experience a 4.93 out of 5.
Does Actualize offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill?
Right now, it doesn't look like Actualize offers scholarships or accepts the GI Bill. We're always adding to the list of schools that do offer Exclusive Course Report Scholarships and a list of the bootcamps that accept the GI Bill.
Can I read Actualize reviews?
You can read 594 reviews of Actualize on Course Report! Actualize alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Actualize and rate their overall experience a 4.93 out of 5.
Is Actualize accredited?
No