General Requirements
The requirements for culinary arts shools will vary based on the competitiveness of the program. Well respected schools almost always require a high school diploma, GED or equivalent qualifications. Schools, especially more competitive ones will consider GPA and extra curricular activities and interests, especially those related to the culinary industry.
Some schools have very stringent requirements expecting that their students have cultivated an interest in the culinary industry and have already taken steps to further themselves professional. It reflects strongly on any candidate applying to any school to have experience working in the food or hospitality industry. Many schools require a certain number of hours or months of work in food related business and may even require a certain percentage of hands-on, directly food related work.
Because culinary arts schools are not as focused on your high school academic grades like other colleges may be it is important that you have bench marks and qualifications that reflect your passion for culinary arts, creativity, and capacity to succeed in the business. Take up any opportunity to get involved in culinary experiences.
The Admissions Procedure
If you have appropriate qualifications to apply for a program there may be additional considerations. Like any college or university culinary schools may ask you to come in for an interview, write an entrance essay, and provide references or to take tests on any variety of subjects. Often the tests are often given to evaluate what courses you will need to take after being accepted, but in certain circumstances they may be given to see if you qualify for the program.
Find out what a school expects and prepare accordingly. Spend time writing and re-writing your essay and be sure to prepare for any interviews. It is important to develop relationships, either professional or academic, that can help provide references if needed.
As always, it is important to do your research and know what is expected so that you can be prepared.
Checking Before You Apply
Before you spend the money to apply to a school you should check with the admissions office to find out what is required. The sooner you do this the better. If a program requires that you have six months of food industry experience you do not want to find out a week before the application is due.
