Prerequisites for Academy
Character Qualities
- Desire to do a quality job rather than "just good enough"
- Demonstrate maturity, high ethics and an ability to work well with others
- Demonstrate mental stamina in problem solving; the ability to concentrate on difficult problems for extended periods of time
- Provide letters of reference with contact information to attest to the above
Academic Skills
- Demonstrate ability to clearly communicate well verbally or in written English
- Understand basic Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry... i.e. solving for variables, understanding different shapes and knowing the difference between a sine and a cosine
- A foundation in hard sciences (e.g. high school level physics) is desired but not necessary
- Have completed at least their junior year of high school
Technical Skills
- Have completed a legitimate coding bootcamp and be able to demonstrate that you understand basic concepts like:
- Variables and their assignment
- Types (of data)
- Flow Control, which includes:
- Repetitive Loops (e.g. while loops)
- Conditional Branches (e.g. if-else)
- Experience building simple applications in Ruby on Rails or JavaScript frameworks
Because the Academy is an intense program covering a lot of material in a relatively short time, we want to make sure all applicants are prepared to be successful. We're always willing to consider exceptions for exceptional candidates. If you haven't been through a bootcamp and want to apply directly to the Academy, you will need to demonstrate that you have acquired comparable skills.
Submitting Your Essay
All Academy applicants are required to submit an essay. Top Academy applicants will then complete an interview with Master Craftsman and program director, Ken Auer. In your essay, please include:
- your education
- your experience with programming
- your ethical values
- your goals
- your evidence that you will be able to complete the course successfully (this may include, but not be limited to, personal references)
- your views on learning and serving
- your understanding of what it means to be a Software Craftsman and why you want to be one
- your experience at the coding bootcamp you attended (or a description of how you have obtained a similar level of skills)
- a description of the tools/languages you've used
- a description of projects you've worked on (must include links to examples)
Acceptance Notification
- Academy applicants may be asked to provide additional information or attend a half-day or two-day evaluation session testing and expanding their programming knowledge.
- Once accepted, participants will be expected to complete ISA paperwork prior to the start of the Immersion Phase.
- Once enough participants have confirmed their acceptance to fill the class, admission will be closed.
- Accepted applicants will be given further pre-work to prepare for their respective programs.
If you have any questions, please contact at communications@craftsmanshipacademy.com.
Applicants under the age of eighteen must have the written permission of their parents or legal guardians to participate.
