The Ultimate Guide to Joining Makers
Absolutely everything you need to know when it comes to applying for Makers
Please note that the admissions process has changed since publication. We now focus on Python in the admissions process and on the course. We’ll be updating this blog asap!
Hi budding coder — my name’s Rachael and I’m an Admissions Manager here at Makers.
I’m guessing you’ve found yourself on this blog because you’re interested in getting into the world of software development — perhaps you’re even looking to change your career completely!
Makers is a fully immersive 4-month coding bootcamp. Only one in ten applicants make the cut, so here is a summary of how we evaluate candidates, which should help to maximise your chances of securing a spot at Makers.
Step 0: Research, Research, Research!
The more you know about us, the more we will be able to see how actively engaged you are with the course, and the higher the chance you’ll have of being invited to a pairing session with us.
Some good spots to start:
- Read the rest of our blog;
- Come meet us;
- Book a call with us;
- Check out our FAQ.
While the vast majority of applicants don’t have a technical background, we strongly encourage everyone who’s thinking of learning to code with us to have a crack at coding before applying.
How do you know if coding is even for you? Try it!
Here are some Ruby learning resources:
- Codecademy
- Learn Ruby in 15 minutes
- Learn Ruby in 100 minutes
- Try some Codewars challenges in Ruby
- Learn Ruby the hard way
There are so many great Ruby resources out there. Don’t try to do all of the suggested materials just yet: try 15–20 mins of each and see which one resonates, and spend a few hours working through it. Find one that works for you.
You’re not likely to score a spot on one of our courses if you haven’t at least some time on one of the resources above. It’s hard for us to believe that you really want to be a developer if you’ve never actually spent some time writing code!
Step 1: Apply
We receive a large volume of applications each week, and if you’re looking to secure a coveted spot on our course, then you will need to demonstrate to us that you are highly motivated, tenacious and most importantly willing to learn lots and lots!
A great way to show all of the above is through your motivational letter. This is a chance for you to show us why you want to come to Makers, what has led you to coding, where you see yourself after Makers and anything else interesting which you think we may want to hear.
It is also a great opportunity to delve deeper into any coding background or projects you have been working on. We’d love to hear all about them.
You can start your coding journey by applying through our website. There is a simple 2-step process to complete. Once you’ve completed this, you’ll hear back from us within two working days.
If we feel that you’re ready for the next step of our application process, we’ll invite you to a pairing session otherwise we’ll send you some more preparation materials to work through.
When should you apply? We advise you to apply 6–8 weeks prior to when you wish to start the pre-course.
Once you’ve applied, we’re looking to get you booked in for a pairing session within 2 weeks of receiving your application (if you have the relevant experience).
Our courses tend to fill up 4-6 weeks in advance of the pre-course start date. We hope this helps you work out your timings and helps you to apply at the right time!
Remember: if you have no coding experience, we recommend you start your learning experience much earlier.
Step 2: Preparation for a pairing session
If you’re offered a pair programming session there a few things we expect from our applicants and hopefully future Makers!
Complete:
- Codecademy Learn Ruby course — don’t worry about lesson 11 for now, do lessons 1–10. This is about 10 hours of work.
- Try Codewars Ruby challenges: the challenges are similar to ones which you will work through in your pairing session. We want you to have gained 100+points on codewars now before booking in a pairing session.
We also have some recommended reading for you to look at, one blog on functions and one on problem solving. Most Makers who don’t pass their first pairing session have had difficulties with these concepts.
Step 3: Pair programming session
The pairing session can take place at either our London space or remotely and will last around 45 minutes. We’ll go through some Ruby based challenges similar to ones seen in Codewars.
We’ll be looking for problem solving and logical reasoning skills in Ruby, so make sure that you read up on how to solve coding problems and fully complete all of the learning materials in order to give yourself the best chances of passing.
How we score our Pairing Sessions is on basic Ruby ability, logical reasoning competence, communication and confidence.
If successful and you decide to accept our offer, then you’ll need to put down a non-refundable £800 deposit to secure your place.
All of our cohorts are constantly oversubscribed, and all places are offered on a first-come first-served basis. So the sooner this is done, the less likely your place will be taken by someone else.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t worry! This is your chance to prove yourself by coming back and hopefully smashing it the second time around.
We’ll send you some feedback from your first pairing session alongside further materials to work through and get you back in for a second pairing session in a couple of weeks (we will guide how long we think you should go away for).
Remember: the best way to learn to code is through doing! Pairup is a great way to improve your chances of joining us and working on your problem solving processes by pair programming with one of our graduates.
Step 4: Pre-course
The pre-course is 4 weeks of part-time, remote learning (20–30 hours per week of Ruby, Git, Command line etc) where you’ll be working through weekly challenges.
It’s crucial that you treat the pre-course with the same dedication as the main course (after all, you’ll have to pass the pre-course before starting the main course).
It takes hard work and dedication to successfully navigate the pre-course content. Have a look at a great blog post on acing the pre-course here.
Top tip: communication is key! Both with your pre-course coach and fellow cohort members.
Lastly, good luck! We hope to see you soon.
