FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COMPANY

What is General Assembly?

General Assembly is a pioneer in education and career transformation, specializing in today’s most in-demand coding, business, data, and design skills. With 30+ campuses around the world, we provide award-winning, dynamic training to a global community of professionals pursuing careers they love.

Named one of Fast Company’s most innovative education companies, GA offers full- and part-time courses for career climbers both on campus and online. Through our corporate training programs, we also help companies compete for the future by sourcing, assessing, and growing their talent. All of these offerings are developed and led by industry experts. Visit our About Us page to learn more.

PRESS

I'm writing an article and want to learn more about General Assembly. Who do I contact?

All members of the press should contact our press office at press@generalassemb.ly. To see the latest news about General Assembly, visit our Press Room.

COURSES

What is the General Assembly application process like?

To ensure all GA students get the individual attention and resources they need to succeed, course sizes are limited. After submitting your applications, you'll connect with an Admissions rep, who determines whether or not the course is a fit for your experience and goals. Additionally, if you're applying for one of our Bootcamps, you'll complete Admissions assessments to make sure you're prepared for the rigor of the curriculum. Once you’ve been accepted and have put down your initial down payment, your spot in the course is secure. Connect with our Admissions team for more details.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept check, bank wires, credit/debit card, and PayPal. Please send checks to General Assembly; ATTN: Finance Team; 902 Broadway, 4th Floor; New York, NY 10010. Please include your full name and a course description. Please email accounts@generalassemb.ly with any payment-related questions. For PayPal transactions, please forward your confirmation page to hello@generalassemb.ly.

Do you offer payment plans?

We understand these courses are a significant financial investment, so we provide several options to ease tuition payment. After submitting a down payment to save your spot in the course, you can choose the installment plan that’s best for you. Additionally, we work with financing partners to offer low-cost loan options for eligible students.

A fun fact: More than 45% of our evening and 1-week students receive tuition reimbursement for their GA education via employer sponsorship. Click here to find out how.
 

I’m an absolute beginner with zero experience or knowledge in the subject matter you teach (e.g., software engineering, digital marketing). Are your courses still for me?

Many of our long-form courses are geared toward beginners and no prior knowledge of a subject is required. Additionally, these courses often feature pre-work assignments to get you up to speed with essential concepts and tools. Inevitably, our courses attract students with a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise, so we make sure to have instructional associates, office hours, and additional help available as needed to provide personalized feedback and support. 

Our Admissions team can help steer you in the right direction based on your level of experience and goals.

Besides the hours spent in class each week, how much time do I need to dedicate to a course outside of the classroom?

It varies by course and by person, but, as a part-time student, be prepared to work hard and dedicate several hours outside of the classroom each week to review course material and complete homework assignments. Our bootcamp students also devote additional time to portfolio projects, networking events with hiring partners, career services support, and more. Either way, our courses are designed to be rigorous and intensive, but, most of all, incredibly rewarding!

What are your academic policies?

You can find complete details regarding our academic policies in our catalog. Find one specific to your region here.

What benefits do students receive once they complete a GA course?

A certificate of completion is just the beginning. Our graduates gain access to a suite of digital tools, development programs, passes and packages for premiere events, and more. They are also entitled to tuition discounts on future GA courses, classes, and workshops (amounts vary by course).

After graduation, our alumni become part of a global community whose members are invested in one another’s success. We also provide the tools they need to foster lifelong learning and pursue work they love.
 

What if I really want to take a GA course but just can’t afford it?

Good news: You’ve got options. More than 45% of our evening and 1-week students receive tuition assistance from their employers. We provide a certificate of completion at the end of the course that confirms your passing status and can be submitted to your employer along with your reimbursement request. 

Ask your local Admissions rep for information to share with your manager about our courses and the benefits they can provide your company. We also work with financing partners to offer low-cost loan options for eligible students.

Is General Assembly an officially accredited academic institution?

While we strive to provide a top-notch educational experience for you with excellent instructors and a talented, involved community, General Assembly is not accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body. This means that federal student loan aid cannot be used in conjunction with our courses.

General Assembly is a licensed school in every U.S. state in which we operate.
 

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

GA’s campuses are governed by location-specific regulatory standards that we must comply with regarding refunds. For this reason, our refund policy varies based on your location while taking a GA course. Click here to learn more about our refund policies. 

Have a question that wasn't answered on this page? Email us at admissions@generalassemb.ly or contact your local campus.

Is the GMAT exam required to be accepted into a General Assembly course?

The GMAT exam is not required, but if you have taken the GMAT and believe your results would support your candidacy, please visit mba.com/gmat to have your results submitted to our Admissions team.

Do you offer any free learning resources?

Yes! Get started with the basics of software engineering through Dash, our free online learning platform. Our free introductory livestreams can help kickstart your journey into data analytics, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, statistics, product management, digital marketing, UX design, or how to get a job at a startup. Finally, you can dive even deeper with our white papers, which cover topics including: how to get a job at a startup; SQL, Python, and Machine Learning; digital marketing campaign essentials; and more.

We also host a variety of free events every week online and at our campuses around the world. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop.

CAREER-CHANGING BOOTCAMP COURSES, ON CAMPUS AND ONLINE

I want to break into a career in software engineering, data science, or user experience design. Which of your courses are for me?

Our Bootcamp courses are designed to equip students with the skills they need to embark on new career paths. In addition to hands-on training, Bootcamp students also receive personalized job search support from GA career coaches and access to exclusive networking opportunities through our network of hiring partners. 

General Assembly offers Bootcamp courses in data science, user experience design, and software engineering, both on campus and online.

What are my financing options for a Bootcamp course?

We offer a variety of different financing options including installment plans, scholarships, and loans so you can focus on what counts — your education. Speak with our Admissions team to learn more and find the best fit for you and your budget.

What will the remote Bootcamp experience be like?

We’ve designed our Bootcamp programs with a focus on real-time collaboration, keeping you constantly engaged and interacting with your fellow classmates, instructors, and instructional associates. Powered by Zoom and Slack, our interactive classroom mirrors what you’ll encounter as part of the modern workforce. Our lessons are broken up into micro-lectures, which introduce content in short spurts. You’ll then work individually, in pairs, or in groups to apply what you’ve learned and get personal support from your instructional team. 

Why would I take a remote Bootcamp instead of learning at a GA campus?

If you’re living in or just outside of a GA metro area and would have a long commute to our campus, a remote course will allow you to invest more time and energy in your studies, while still pursuing career development locally. You may also prefer to learn from the comfort of home.

If you’re located outside one of our metro areas, our remote experience offers you the opportunity to work with our career coaches, create a career plan, and receive the support you need to secure full-time employment locally.

Although recent world shifts have cast uncertainty as to how and when we can gather in person, GA’s remote experience seamlessly brings together a diverse global community of learners who are eager to take the next step in their careers.

What technical requirements do I need to succeed in a remote course?

Requirements vary by course but, in general, you will need to have your own computer (a Mac is strongly recommended) and an external monitor (ideally 28” or bigger). 

You’ll also need access to high-speed internet (wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended) and a dedicated, quiet workspace where you feel comfortable focusing, preferably in a private room.

Am I eligible for financing for a remote course?

Remote financing options vary by region. Contact our Admissions team to learn more about your options

Do these remote Bootcamp courses have any restrictions?

Online courses are not open to enrollments for individuals who plan to participate from the following U.S. states: Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Remote Bootcamps are currently only available in U.S. markets. Remote courses are not available for Ontario residents at this time.

SKILL-BUILDING EVENING AND 1-WEEK COURSES, ON CAMPUS AND ONLINE

What educational resources does GA provide to its evening and 1-week students?

We focus on providing you with the resources you need to master the course material. In addition to instructors, instructional associates are present at lectures to help answer any questions you have. They are available during regular office hours, as well as by appointment and via your course’s Slack channel. We also provide access to supplemental materials online, which you can review at your convenience.

I am looking to change jobs after taking an evening or 1-week course. What help do you provide?

General Assembly cannot guarantee a job to any student or graduate. However, as a member of GA’s global community, you can leverage connections with students, alumni, instructors, and experts through networking opportunities, alumni events, and more.

Additionally, thousands of GA alumni use their course certificate to demonstrate skills to employers and their LinkedIn networks. GA’s courses are well-regarded by many top employers, who contribute to our curriculum and use our programs to train their own teams.

What are my financing options for an evening or 1-week course?

We offer a variety of different financing options, including installment plans, scholarships, and loans so you can focus on what counts — your education. Plus, more than 45% of our evening and 1-week students receive full or partial tuition reimbursement from their employers. Speak with our Admissions team to learn more and find the best fit for you and your budget.

What will the remote evening or 1-week learning experience be like?

We’ve designed course activities that keep you engaged and in constant conversations with your fellow classmates, instructors, and instructional associates. 

Our lessons are broken up into micro-lectures, which introduce content in short spurts. You’ll then work individually, in pairs, or in groups to apply what you’ve learned. We encourage students to collaborate so they can get to know one another better and build a sense of community.

Which format should I take a GA evening or 1-week course in – on campus or online?

It’s up to you! Our remote courses offer a learning experience that mirrors GA’s on-campus offerings but allow you to learn from the comfort of home. If you don’t live near a GA campus, have a busy travel schedule, or just want to save yourself the commute, a remote course could be a good option for you, if available in your region. You’ll still get access to the expert instruction, learning resources, and support network that GA is known for. 

If you prefer to learn alongside your peers and can make it to campus, our in-person courses allow you to take advantage of our beautiful classrooms and workspaces. 

Our Admissions team can advise you on the best format for your personal circumstances and learning style.

What technical requirements do I need to succeed?

You will need access to high-speed internet (wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended) and a dedicated, quiet workspace where you feel comfortable focusing, preferably in a private room.

You'll also need to have your own computer (a Mac is strongly recommended), and we recommend using an external monitor (ideally 28” or bigger).

Do these remote evening or 1-week courses have any restrictions?

Online courses are not open to enrollments for individuals who plan to participate from the following U.S. states: Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. remote Bootcamps are currently only available in U.S. markets. remote courses are not available for Ontario residents at this time.

SELF-PACED ONLINE LEARNING: ON DEMAND AND CIRCUIT PROGRAMS

What is your attendance policy for On Demand and Circuit programs?

We don’t have an attendance policy for our self-paced online programs. However, we only give certificates of completion to those learners who have finished at least 80% of the program. If attendance is required for employer reimbursement, we can supply the appropriate documentation.

How are On Demand and Circuit learner performance and program completion measured?

General Assembly measures learner progress through unit projects, quizzes, and a final course project.

  • Participants complete projects at the end of each unit that build on each other to create a final capstone. Additionally, there are knowledge checks throughout the program for learners to gauge their own progress and understanding.

  • Participants must complete 80% of assignments (i.e., complete at least four out of five unit projects). General Assembly’s final project is not required to receive a letter of completion, however we strongly suggest completing the final project to add to a portfolio.

What perks do learners receive once they complete an On Demand or Circuit program?

Participants receive a letter of completion for successfully finishing the program.

On Demand and Circuit alumni can also benefit from one of the following perks: 

  • A full-credit discount toward a future evening, 1-week, or Bootcamp course on the same topic.

  • $200 USD off future evening, 1-week, or Bootcamp courses of a different subject matter.

  • $200 USD off On Demand or Circuit programs.

  • 20% off future classes and workshops.

How much time do learners typically dedicate to an online On Demand or Circuit program?

It varies by learning experience and by person, but participants should be prepared to work hard and dedicate anywhere between three and 10 hours a week to their studies. That said, our On Demand and Circuit programs offer you the flexibility to allocate that time whenever it's most convenient for you.

ON-CAMPUS WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

I want to attend a workshop or event, but it's sold out!

Sorry about that! Because we want to provide our students with the optimal learning experience, tickets are limited and we can’t sell more. However, you can sign up for the waitlist in case we have no-shows. We hold many of our popular workshops and events on a regular basis. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

Can I pay at the door?

You can pay with a debit or credit card at the door as long as the workshop or event isn't full. We do not accept payment by cash or check.

If a workshop or event is full and I’ve joined the waitlist, can I still show up?

Yes. Sometimes we have no-shows for sold-out classes, so you are more than welcome to swing by a few minutes before start time and see. However, we cannot guarantee you a spot.

I missed a workshop. Will it be offered again?

In most cases, workshops will be offered again. Check out our website for updates on our latest offerings. Or subscribe to our emails — we announce upcoming classes every Sunday.

Do you record your on-campus workshops or events?

We do not record our on-campus offerings.

I purchased a ticket to a workshop or event but can no longer make it. What is General Assembly's refund policy?

We do not offer refunds for cancellations made within seven days of the event date.

I'm planning an event and looking to rent a space. Do you ever host non-General Assembly-related events?

We work with partners to co-produce and promote events all the time. If you're interested, contact your local campus.

If I'm taking an on-campus class at night, can I work from GA during the day?

Sorry, our campus spaces are reserved for current full-time students and employees.

How can I reach General Assembly by telephone?

Check out our Locations page for the phone number of your local campus.

How can I get in touch via email or snail mail?

Either! Email us at hello@generalassemb.ly with all general questions, or visit our Locations page to find your campus’ mailing address and information regarding local programs.

ONLINE WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

How can I join an online workshop?

We use the video conferencing platform Zoom, which you can download here, for all of our online classes.

Is there a default time zone for your online workshops and events?

No, the time listed on the registration page is based on your location.

I won't be able to attend the online workshop at the time it's held. What can I do?

Please refer to your workshop's page to check if the session will be recorded. Otherwise, you can browse our offerings to find a future instance that works for you.

I registered for a livestream. Where is it being held?

Anywhere you want! Livestreams are accessible from wherever you choose. You'll receive an email with a link to join the livestream a few hours before it’s scheduled to begin, so mark your calendar and keep an eye on your inbox

How can I find out more about GA’s online workshops and events?

You can check out our current lineup of offerings here. Or, subscribe to our emails — we announce upcoming workshops and events every Sunday.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

GA’s campuses are governed by location-specific regulatory standards that we need to comply with when it comes to refunds. For that reason, our refund policy varies based on where you are taking a GA course. Click here to learn more about our refund policies.

Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Email us at online@generalassemb.ly.