I like the new name! another reason that I would consider: try to explain to the immigration office that you are going to "Hacker School" first of all, they will freak out and then ask for your student visa.
1) consular offices start with the assumption that you're going to overstay and can deny you a visa for no particular, objective reason,
2) similarly, immigration officers can deny you entry even if you have a valid visa,
3) you're not technically doing anything illegal by attending Hacker School on a tourist visa (as opposed to, say, working or attending a university).
I'm surprised that applicants volunteer such information.
Why not just say you're visiting NYC as a tourist?
