HOW TO APPLY

Points to remember:

  1. Our Admissions Committee reviews all applications, which are valid for one year. Please note that the CIA does not return any materials sent as part of the admission review process. Do not submit original diplomas and certificates, as they will not be returned.
  2. Your prior educational record will be evaluated according to the difficulty of the program undertaken, class rank, and grade point average. Applicants who have vocational training in culinary arts and related disciplines are expected to have high marks in those areas.
  3. Your application is seen as a direct reflection of you—your interest, motivation, confidence, and academic ability. The Admissions Committee will note the initiative you take in expressing and documenting these areas in your application materials.
  4. You don't need foodservice experience to apply for admission—the requirement must be met before entering the CIA.
  5. All applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language at a level adequate for success at the CIA. If your primary spoken language is other than English, you will be required to submit TOEFL scores.
  6. If you would like to apply for transfer credit, you can learn more about our requirements.

1. Ask for Recommendations

Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.)—Two recommendations are required, one from an industry employer that describes your foodservice experience. You may use the Foodservice Experience Recommendation Form. The second must be a recommendation from a professional contact (e.g., employer, business associate, mentor), in order to give the Admissions Committee a greater understanding of your character and abilities. You may use the Professional Letter of Recommendation Form if desired, or the recommender can submit a letter.

Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.)—One recommendation is required. It must be from a foodservice employer describing your foodservice experience. You may use the Foodservice Experience Recommendation Form. In addition, submitting a recommendation from a professional contact (e.g., employer, business associate, mentor), is advised in order to give the Admissions Committee a greater understanding of your character and abilities. You may use the Professional Letter of Recommendation Form if desired, or the recommender can submit a letter.

2. Request Official Transcripts

Ask your high school* and postsecondary schools you've attended to mail your official transcripts (not student copies) directly to CIA Admissions.

If you hold an equivalency diploma, the official test scores must be submitted. Please note that you must be a high school graduate or have received an equivalency diploma to enter the CIA.

* If you have matriculated in a college-level degree program and have completed the equivalent of 24 or more college credits, you are not required to submit a high school transcript.

Academic transcripts are required for all colleges you have attended.

3. Complete Your Application

Apply online!

If you complete your application online, you will be able to check the status of your application at anytime by loggining into your account. Apply Now!!

Or...

Complete and mail your application

  • Read the application form carefully and complete all sections.
  • Attach your essay of 400-500 words describing the person in your life who most influenced your interest in the foodservice and hospitality field. Include in your essay a discussion of your future career goals.
  • If you have taken the SAT within the last five years, the college strongly recommends that you include your scores, as they may help you qualify for a scholarship. They may also enable you to move directly into Block B to begin your studies.
  • If you have significant experience in the foodservice industry or are a career changer, it is helpful to include your résumé.
  • Remember to sign and date the application!

4. Pay Your Non-refundable Application Fee

Pay your fee online during the application process or include a check or money order for the $50 application fee made out to The Culinary Institute of America and send along with your application to:

Admissions Department
The Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499

5. Apply for Financial Aid

Complete all necessary financial aid forms, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—which you can file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Please don't assume you won't be eligible for financial aid; give our financial aid staff the opportunity to review your request. Visit our Financial Aid Web page for more information!

   
 
 
 
 
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