Get Cooking: The Ultimate Guide on How to Get into Culinary School

Do you love to cook? Is it your passion to create amazing and delectable dishes for your family and friends? You may want to consider studying in the culinary arts curriculum. From learning the precise techniques needed for baking and cooking to learning the ins and outs of hospitality management, a culinary school can help you prepare for a career in the food preparation industry.

Choosing a culinary school and going through the application process can be overwhelming if you’ve never navigated this process before. In this article, we’ll help you find out how to get into culinary school. Let’s take a look at some considerations that can help you find the right program and successfully apply.

Decide What Culinary Program You Want to Study First

There are a number of culinary programs within this type of curriculum that you can choose from once you’ve decided that this is the direction you want to take with your professional life. It’s really important that you take some time to consider what’s available to you. You may already know what your passion is and where you want your studies to take you, but there may also be programs that you weren’t aware existed.

Ideally, you want to choose a culinary program that piques your interest. It won’t feel like work if you truly love what you do.

Culinary Arts Degree

Culinary Arts programs provide students with the ability to learn about traditional and contemporary culinary techniques. In addition to the cooking aspect of this curriculum, there are also courses that focus on business skills to increase company profit and potential. You’ll learn valuable information that can be carried over to a small-scale local restaurant to one of the highest-rated restaurants in the world. Some of the other topics covered as part of a culinary arts program can include:

• Menu planning
• Table service
• Financial considerations
• Marketing
• Food science
• Brand creation and management

Pastry and Bakery

Pastry and bakery programs available in some culinary schools provide you with the knowledge to work in positions such as a cake designer and decorator, run your own bakery at home, work in the dessert area of a restaurant and direct the daily production at a bakery.

You’ll learn all about creating your own doughs, bread, pastries, cookies and cakes from scratch. From the basics to the more elaborate creations of a pastry chef, your courses will span many topics. You’ll also learn about the business aspect of this field, including starting your own business and the financial aspect of running a business.

Hospitality Management and Innovation

Focusing more on the business side of hospitality management and innovation provides you with the opportunity to really see how a restaurant, bakery or shop becomes successful. Some people like to learn the basics of cooking and baking but ultimately want to take part in managing an establishment and the employees that work there.

You’ll learn how to be a great leader, how to communicate with employees and customers, the ins and outs of beverage operations, creating a menu and how to successfully cater a large-scale event.

Professional Certificate in Food Preparation

A professional certificate in food preparation offers knowledge of various food safety and sanitation procedures. You also learn about preparing a number of foods. Expect to learn the importance of proper knife skills, managing a buffet, shelf life and the nutrition aspect of culinary arts.

Cold and Hot Kitchen

Learn about the differences between cold and hot kitchen. A hot kitchen is one that utilizes heat in cooking with many different ingredients. This can include things like boiling, steaming, frying, roasting or stewing. A cold kitchen does not require heat for the preparation of its menu.

How to Find a Culinary School

There are a number of details you should consider when you’re trying to choose the perfect culinary school. This includes:

Location

Don’t limit yourself to a culinary academy that’s close to home. There are some really fantastic programs out there, and some may require you to leave home for the time being. The goal is to pick a curriculum that encompasses everything you need to know for a lifetime of success within the culinary industry.

Programs and Staff

If you have a specific program or topic that you’re interested in specializing in, look for a school that offers that information. Also, consider what kind of staff is teaching the classes. You’ll really enjoy the learning process if you’re learning from some of the best industry professionals.

Cost

Purchasing an education is one of the best investments that you can make in your future. However, you may be working with a set budget. Look at the different tuition rates at various culinary academies, but you should also consider any scholarship options or pair internships that may be available. HRC Culinary Academy makes it affordable to follow your dreams without breaking the bank. Browse the academy culinary programs and learn more about the costs of each program on their own page.

What Are the Requirements for Applying to a Culinary School?

Each individual culinary arts program will have its own set of requirements for enrolling and completing the program successfully. However, many of these requirements are similar regardless of where you’re applying. To begin, you’ll want to decide between a long program such as achieving your associate’s degree, or something shorter like a certification program that focuses on a very brief curriculum.

For example, HRC Culinary Academy requires proof of your secondary school diploma. You will also need to submit your grades, which must be more than 62% in order to be eligible for enrollment. Once enrolled, you will need to purchase a uniform and tool kit. These items will be used in all of your classes throughout your time at HRC Culinary Academy.

Depending on the academy location, you may also need to submit certain information in case you have to go through a visa process. This is why it is good to sure you meet all requirements for foreigners before applying to a culinary school abroad. Once you have arrived, you will be directed through the process of applying for a residence permit or a different process depending on the host country.

When Should I Start to Apply for Culinary School?

The time of application will depend on the program you’re choosing (long versus short) as well as all the paperwork that may be needed for your enrollment. Make sure that you start to get everything together as early as possible. That way, you won’t miss any deadlines or slow down the process of acceptance.

How to Prepare for Culinary School

Before you arrive at your culinary school, there are some things you can do to get ahead of the game. Do some reading on common baking and cooking terms that will be used in a large majority of your classes. You can also work on your knife skills, so you’re able to keep up with the curriculum. Come up with a series of goals and a work ethic that will help you stay focused while you’re enrolled.

FAQ About How To Get Into Culinary School

What is the Difference between a Culinary School and a Traditional University or College?

When choosing a school to pursue a culinary education, it is important to consider the size of the learning environment. Culinary schools generally have smaller class sizes, which means that you are likely to receive more individual attention and focused instruction from your instructors. This is particularly advantageous for students who are new to the culinary arts and need more guidance and support during the learning process.

In contrast, universities and colleges tend to have much larger student populations, which can make it difficult for instructors to provide the same level of attention and support. This can be especially challenging in culinary programs, which require a significant amount of hands-on learning and practical experience.

In a culinary school, you can expect to work closely with experienced chefs who will share their knowledge and expertise with you. You will have the opportunity to learn from their personal experiences and receive personalized feedback on your work. This focused attention can help you develop your skills more quickly and effectively than you might in a larger, more impersonal environment.

Ultimately, the size of the learning environment should be an important consideration when choosing a culinary school. By selecting a school with a smaller class size, you can ensure that you receive the individual attention and support you need to succeed in your culinary career.

Can I Still Get into Culinary School If I Don’t Have Any Cooking Experience?

Yes, you can still get into culinary school even if you don’t have any cooking experience. Many culinary schools offer programs for beginners and those who have no prior cooking knowledge.

In fact, some schools even prefer students who are new to the culinary world because they are more open to learning new techniques and developing their skills from scratch. As long as you have a passion for cooking and a willingness to work hard, you can succeed in culinary school without any prior experience.

Is It Difficult to Get into Culinary School?

Acceptance rates vary from university to university. There are some top schools that are quite difficult to get into, but HRC Culinary Academy makes a culinary arts degree as accessible as possible. If you’re a hard worker with a passion for all things culinary, we encourage you to get started with our application process.

What Kind of Job Opportunities Are Available for Culinary School Graduates?

Completing a culinary arts program exposes you to a lot of different topics. You also have the opportunity to specialize in certain subjects. The job you eventually apply for may include direct food preparation as a chef, sous chef, pastry chef or personal chef. However, you can choose the type of environment you want to work in. Some people prefer a small or personal venue, while others want to travel between large, chain-restaurant kitchens. You can also work in management, brand development and so many other aspects of this industry once you have your degree.

How Much Can I Earn Once I’ve Acquired My Degree?

As with most professions, you’ll start in an entry-level position. From there, the amount of hard work that you put into your job will determine how quickly you can climb the corporate ladder. An entry-level culinary position will usually bring in approximately $15 to $20 per hour. The annual income of a culinary professional in the U.S. and Europe is pretty similar, ranging from $35,000 to $50,000. After a series of promotions and title changes, you can earn $80,000 per year and upwards as an executive chef.

Do I need to attend a prestigious culinary school to be successful in the industry?

A degree from a prestigious culinary school can help you get started with your career, but it’s not necessarily a requirement. There are plenty of schools that provide you with industry information and expertise that will help you succeed.

Ready for Culinary School?

There are a number of methods you can use to learn the proper way of working in a restaurant or in the hospitality field. While you may be tempted to find a job right out of high school and attempt to focus on obtaining promotions, it’s likely you will only get so far. Motivated students select culinary school as a way to learn from the best while becoming educated in an enriching and supporting environment. At HRC Culinary Academy, we provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills while making valuable connections before you enter the working world. Reach out to our admissions staff for more information.

see all posts