Welcome to the 15-Day SQL Challenge
Ready to test your SQL skills? Join our 15-Day SQL Challenge starting March 24, 2025—one daily question to sharpen your queries, speed, and problem-solving! 🚀
👋 Hey! This is Manisha Arora from PrepVector. Welcome to the Tech Growth Series, a newsletter that aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical aspects of data science. My goal is to simplify complicated data concepts, share my perspectives on the latest trends, and share my learnings from building and leading data teams.
Hello SQL Enthusiasts!
What started as a simple idea—a fun, hands-on SQL challenge—has grown into something far bigger than we imagined. When Siddarth Ranganathan, Sai Kumar Bysani, and I first discussed this, we had one clear goal: to help learners gain real-world problem-solving experience.
In the industry, SQL isn’t just about writing queries—it’s about solving real problems efficiently, handling data at scale, and thinking critically. Through this 15-day challenge, we want to replicate that experience, helping you hone your skills, think strategically, and push your limits.
Whether you're just starting out or already advanced, this is more than just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to level up, build confidence, and become a stronger data professional.
We’re excited to have you on this journey. Let’s learn, compete, and grow together!
🚀 How to Register & Set Up
Before the challenge begins, make sure you’re all set by following these simple steps:
Access the SQL Challenge:
Use the link below and sign up for the challenge. Registration is quick, so get on board as soon as possible!
Note: You need to sign up in this portal even if you’re already on the waitlist.
Complete Your Profile:
Once registered, complete your profile. This helps us tailor your experience and keep track of your progress throughout the challenge.Mark Your Calendar:
After signing up, you’ll be prompted to add the challenge to your calendar. We highly recommend doing this—each daily challenge is designed to take only 15–30 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule.Get Ready for Day 1:
The challenge officially kicks off on March 24, 2025, at 12:00 AM Eastern Time (ET). Prepare to receive your first question and start your journey to SQL mastery!
🎯 Challenge Format & Rules
Every day, a fresh SQL question will be delivered at 12:00 AM ET. The questions increase in complexity, encouraging you to build on your knowledge as the challenge progresses. Here’s what to expect:
One question per day: Stay consistent by tackling a new problem every day.
Do not edit or delete input tables: Write your solution at the end of the provided query and hit submit.
Three attempts per question: Strategize your approach carefully. Each attempt counts!
Each question is worth 10 points: Aim for a perfect score to dominate the leaderboard.
Specified output format: Ensure your results match the provided structure for each question.
SQLite is our platform: For any syntax-related queries, refer to the official SQLite syntax guide.
🏆 How Should You Prepare for the SQL Challenge?
This challenge caters to all skill levels. Here’s how you can prepare based on your current expertise:
🔹 If You’re a Beginner
Focus on Fundamentals:
Build a solid understanding of basic SQL concepts such as SELECT, WHERE, GROUP BY, JOINs, and ORDER BY.Practice Makes Perfect:
Use interactive tutorials on platforms like SQLZoo or Mode’s SQL Tutorial to gain confidence.Understand Data Structures:
Learn to read table schemas and interpret data layouts—this is key for formulating your queries.
🔹 If You’re Intermediate
Enhance Your Query Optimization:
Learn how to write efficient queries. Understand the importance of indexes and avoid unnecessary subqueries.Explore Advanced Functions:
Familiarize yourself with window functions like ROW_NUMBER, RANK, and DENSE_RANK to handle more complex data analysis.Aim for Clarity & Efficiency:
Focus on writing queries that are not only correct but also optimized for performance on large datasets.
🔹 If You’re an Advanced SQL Practitioner
Challenge Your Speed & Accuracy:
Try writing your SQL queries in one shot to simulate real-world pressures. Can you nail the solution without multiple attempts?Time Your Efforts:
Use a timer to see how quickly you can arrive at a correct solution. This practice is invaluable for high-pressure environments like job interviews or live projects.Experiment with Different Approaches:
Look for innovative ways to solve problems—challenge yourself to find multiple solutions and choose the most efficient one.
💡 Why Should You Join the 15-Day SQL Challenge?
You might be asking, “Why take on this challenge?” Here’s what makes it a unique and rewarding experience:
🚀 Daily Practice, Lasting Impact
Regular practice is the key to mastering SQL. With a new question each day, you’re not just learning syntax—you’re developing a deep, intuitive understanding of query logic that will serve you in any data role.
🏆 Gamify Your Learning
Inject some fun into your learning journey! With every question worth 10 points and only three attempts per question, you’re challenged to strategize, refine, and perfect your answers. The thrill of the game keeps you engaged and motivated.
💡 Think Like a Data Professional
In today’s data-driven world, writing SQL isn’t merely about getting the right answer—it’s about writing clean, optimized, and efficient code. This challenge is designed to mimic real-world scenarios, enhancing your ability to solve complex problems under pressure.
🤝 Join a Vibrant Community
Learning is best when shared. Engage with a community of fellow data enthusiasts. Share insights, compare strategies, and celebrate your achievements together. The camaraderie and collective wisdom will help you learn and grow faster.
⏳ Preparation for Interviews & On-the-Job Excellence
SQL is a critical skill for many roles in tech and data. This challenge not only sharpens your technical abilities but also builds your confidence—preparing you for job interviews and boosting your everyday work performance.
🔥 Push Your Limits & Level Up
Whether you’re testing your speed or refining your query structure, this challenge is designed to push you beyond your comfort zone. The more you challenge yourself, the more you grow as a professional.
🎯 Time-Efficient Learning
With each challenge designed to be completed in just 15-20 minutes, you can easily integrate this learning experience into your busy schedule. A small daily commitment can lead to huge improvements in your SQL proficiency.
Join Our Data Science Community
Become a part of the Learn Data Science with Me community and connect with fellow professionals on the same journey. Get access to exclusive content, participate in interactive discussions, and stay updated on challenges, speaker events, and more. Join us today and accelerate your learning with a supportive network of data science enthusiasts!
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