Applying to 42 Silicon Valley

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Why join 42 Silicon Valley?
Unlike most bootcamps, 42 Silicon Valley is absolutely free (no tuition). It is in the heart of Silicon Valley, the center of tech hub, so you are within a driving distance to Google and other tech companies. In addition, there are many opportunities for companies to come and recruit students as well as internships (eg. FileMaker). 42 Silicon Valley is geared towards those who may be interested in coding but do not have a background in computer science or those who would like to learn computer science/develop their skills. There is a famous motto of 42 Silicon Valley: zero tuition, zero teachers, zero classes. It is mainly peer-based learning in a project-based curriculum; however, there are tests!

Now that you sound interested, what are the requirements to join? Surprisingly, the only requirement is that you only need to be above the age of 18. Grades and backgrounds are not considered when applying.
More information can be found here: https://www.42.us.org/42-admissions-overview-requirements-process/admissions-requirements/

Application Process
The application process for 42 Silicon Valley was fairly simple, especially if you are a US citizen. All you have to do is sign-up on their website, fill in your profile, and read the rules.

The current steps to apply are:

Create a 42 account > Fill in the Profile > Read the Terms & Charter > Fill in Your Basic Information > Sign-up for basic training (Piscine) > Request for a dorm (optional) > Attend basic training.

Further information can be found at: https://www.42.us.org/42-admissions-overview-requirements-process/admissions-process/

After you are done applying, you are set to go for the Piscine! You have the option to apply for the dorms; however, this is not mandatory. If you do not live in the Silicon Valley area, I highly recommend applying for the dorms since it is free, you could spend more time working on the coding projects, and it is easier to network.

See the next post on applying for the dorm!

Additional Useful Websites
Slack: 42schoolsiliconvalley.slack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/42SiliconValley?lang=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/42-silicon-valley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/42SiliconValley/
Website: https://www.42.us.org/

Questions & Answers

I read on their website that you have to pass a logic test in order to attend the Piscine. Is that still true?
When I had applied, they had fortunately removed the logic test, so it is no longer a requirement to attend the 1-month long basic training (Piscine).

Can international students apply?
Definitely! However, they would not be able to secure a student visa through 42. They would have to come on a 6-month tourist visa (B2) for 42 Silicon Valley or a student visa from a nearby community college. However, according to another student, if you were to apply to Ecole 42 in Paris, you can get a student visa, which lets you do paid internships. Ecole 42 does not offer dorms, so you would have to find it on your own. In addition, Ecole 42 in Paris gives you a signed paper as proof of enrollment as a student, meaning that it gives you the necessary papers to prove you are a student. You still need to have your birth certificate, proof of sufficient funds, a place to live, etc. to get a visa.

Note: Some of the information were obtained from 42 Silicon Valley’s slack channel and website.