I'm also in the current batch of hacker school. It's been a humongously, life-changingly fantastic experience.<p>Before I did hacker school, I thought I was a good programmer. But being in a room with 20 incredibly smart people really makes you realize what you don't know. Since joining, I've:<p><pre><code> -Authored a (now-committed) patch to the python core
-Written a SPDY implementation
-Contributed to many open source projects
-Learned C and Rust
</code></pre>
I've also made friends that I hope to keep around for a long time.<p>In short: If you have any interest, even if you've only done a bit of programming before, apply. They select on passion for self improvement, not skill.
Damn it. Stop making it sound so cool. I just applied and I don't need any more competition >_<<p>Seriously though, it sounds awesome. My CS skills are up to scratch but I'm still a pretty young programmer so I hope I can keep up (assuming I get in).
I would love to spend 3 months doing this. I just browsed Hacker School's website and the application question 'If you had time to write any software, what would you build' made me salivate.
Nick, Dave, and Sonali have set up a really cool program and it seems to be attracting programming talent like YC attracts entrepreneurial talent.<p>I was accepted for batch[3] in early Feb and planned on quitting my game industry job and moving to NYC this summer, but a month ago I got an offer from an awesome YCS11 company and ended up moving to SF instead. Best wishes to everyone who ends up going, it's a shame I won't be able to hack with you all. :)
I seriously entertained joining HS before accepting an internship offer for this spring. The Hackruiter people are excellent, and I've heard great things about the program from HS alums. Apply to Hacker School so I can live vicariously through you!
Just read this article and visited "Hacker School", I really love this way of learning and sharing. I will join in Hacker School if I'm an American, but I live in China and it's far beyond my life, sigh...
Disclaimer: I'm an employee of, and a graduate of DevBootcamp.<p>To those that feel they don't have enough experience for HackerSchool, or are just starting out in programming, or looking to start out in programming, I could highly recommend <a href="http://devbootcamp.com/" rel="nofollow">http://devbootcamp.com/</a>. We're closing applications shortly for the Summer (June 11th onwards) cohort.<p>I'd be happy to answer any questions here or via email (lachy@devbootcamp.com)