FAQ
Join Berkeley Coding Academy
What is the BCA Experience like?
What are the lectures like?
What is Data Analytics like?
How does your Summer program work?
Students are placed in small cohorts based on experience and age. Students who are new to coding and advanced students attend different lectures. All students analyze big data using pandas, and build machine learning models using sklearn. Students solve coding problems and complete significant portfolio final projects using real data.
Is your Summer program live?
Students attend live lectures online, and join live online cohorts with peers via Zoom. 4K videos are included as supplementary references. Live Slack channels are used for chat support and communication. We also share live code via Colab Notebooks.
What options do you have in the Fall and Spring?
We offer 1-1 classes year round in the topics of Python, Data Science, and Machine Learning. Our 1-1 classes usually meet once per week, but scheduling is flexible. We have received great feedback from the 1-1 classes because our 1-1 curriculum is tailored to student needs.
How do you differentiate instruction?
For 1-1 classes, each session is designed for the individual student. For the summer intensive, BCA students are grouped in cohorts based on experience and age. Summer time is all about the cohorts. Beginning cohorts focus on reinforcing fundamentals. Advanced cohorts extend concepts. Project development time includes 1-1 meetings with sfaff. We also provide 1-1 support to anyone who needs it throughout the summer. Cohort times gives us the flexibility to fully address student needs.
What do students gain from the experience?
For some, it’s a life-changing experience. Many students continue on the Data Science and Machine Learning trajectory. Other students develop a love for Python and coding, and pursue Computer Science. All BCA students end up with a portfolio project, many coding notebooks, and a long list of new tech skills. BCA graduates have gone to major in Data Science in college, gain Data Science internships, start AI clubs at their school, take advanced Computer Science courses in high school, and pursue advanced Machine Learning topics with BCA or on their own.
What is your student to staff ratio?
Our student to staff ratio is about 3-1 or 4-1. We keep our cohorts small, usually 6-8 students, and each cohort is assigned an instructor and an assistant. We provide extra chat support and individualized 1-1 support as needed. Keeping our student to staff ratio small allows us to get to know each student on a personal level.
What is your student to staff ratio?
Our student to staff ratio is about 3-1 or 4-1. We keep our cohorts small, usually 6-8 students, and each cohort is assigned an instructor and an assistant. We provide extra chat support and individualized 1-1 support as needed. Keeping our student to staff ratio small allows us to get to know each student on a personal level.
How is this different than free options online?
Most online classes target adult programmers who work at their own pace without teachers. In free online classes, when students get stuck, there’s not a human being in real time to answer questions and provide motivation. Our completion rate for paid students is 100%. We work with students directly to help them achieve their goals. In most free classes, the completion rate is less than 1%. At BCA, we invest in students at the personal level.
Is it normal to feel intimidated before starting?
Yes. Many students have expressed that they initially felt intimidated before joining our programs. This changes on the first day when students develop bonds and have fun coding. At BCA, we balance challenging content with a fun, encouraging approach.
What is Machine Learning?
Machine Learning is the ability of computers to learn without being explicitly programmed. It’s the code behind Artificial Intelligence. The secret is that it’s easier to run Machine Learning algorithms than writing your own algorithms because the computer does the heavy lifting for you. At BCA, students learn how to build and evaluate Machine Learning models to make predictions from real data. Read fun stats on Machine Learning here.
Do you offer live classes?
Although we do not offer any live classes, our online classes combine the best of the physical classroom with the virtual classroom. We take advantage of online tools like chat, screen sharing, and file sharing, while implementing classroom best practices like checking in regularly with students, diversifying the day, and getting to know real human beings. Learning how to program online is ideal since the act of programming takes place on computers.
What kind of computer do I need?
Our classes use Google Colab Notebooks which are 100% online. All you need is a decent internet connection. If your internet connection is good enough for Zoom, it will be good enough for all BCA classes.
Are there any scholarships?
BCA is committed to bridging the tech skills gap with a diverse student body. We currently offer limited scholarships for our summer intensive. If you want to be considered for a scholarship, please email complete the BCA Scholarship Application. If you are able to make a donation for others, visit the BCA Support page.
Are your classes for teens only?
Our 1-1 classes are open to students of all ages, while our Machine Learning & AI Summer Intensive is open to ages 12-14, 15-18. The BCA curriculum was designed with teenagers in mind, but we have worked with students as young as 7, and adults.
Is BCA only for advanced students?
BCA is for all students. Designed by Berkeley credentialed teacher Corey Wade, BCA provides extra support and encouragement for first-time coders. BCA also includes deep dives and challenges for more experienced programmers. Regardless of level, BCA provides a smooth on-ramp before moving through more advanced topics.
Is BCA only for Berkeley students?
Although we have connections in the Berkeley community, our programs are for students anywhere in the world. One of the most exciting parts of online education is bringing people together from different geographic areas and backgrounds. At BCA, students bond with staff and students from other cities, states, and countries.
Anything else I should know?
We believe in the work that we do. BCA goes above and beyond getting students to code. When students enroll in BCA classes, they are treated as colleagues and professional programmers. As educators, we are here to inspire, strengthen, and create new pathways. The bonds that students create at BCA can result in friendships, mentorships, and transformative change.
Email Corey at corey@berkeleycodingacademy.com to pose new questions.
Additional Video FAQ.
