The rule
A deployed scrappy project beats a perfect local one. Every time.
The 14-day plan
- Days 1–2: Pick a problem YOU have. Not a todo app.
- Days 3–8: Build the ugliest version that works. One feature.
- Days 9–10: Deploy it (Vercel is free). Send the link to 5 people.
- Days 11–14: Fix the top complaint. Redeploy. Write a short README.
What startups actually check
- Is it live? (a URL, not a screenshot)
- Can you explain WHY you built it that way?
- Did anyone use it?
Three "yes" answers put you ahead of most college applicants.