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 a guidance counselor or culinary educator describing your academic and leadership potential. You may use the Foodservice Experience Recommendation Form. The other may be from an industry employer that describes your foodservice experience.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. Optional: You may also submit a Secondary School Report Form.

2. Request Official Transcript

Ask your high school to mail your official transcript (not a student copy) directly to CIA Admissions. Your transcript must be complete through the 11th grade, and indicate what courses you'll take in the 12th grade or show your marks for the 12th grade.

Please note that you must be a high school graduate or have received an equivalency diploma to enter the CIA.

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 logging 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, 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.
  • 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 made out to The Culinary Institute of America for the $50 application fee, and send along with your application to:

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

Congratulations!

You have completed the admissions application process. Now, don't forget to apply for financial aid—

5. Optional: Secondary School Report

Fill out the "To the Applicant" section. Then ask your high school guidance counselor or culinary educator to complete the rest of the Secondary School Report Form and mail it directly to the CIA.

6. 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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