The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) requires that students applying for admission have at least 6 months of hands-on experience in the food preparation service industry. The school requires that at least 50 percent of the food be prepared in a made-to-order environment. The CIA wants potential students to be absolutely certain of their career choice in the culinary industry; hands-on experience will introduce them to the realities of this environment. Experience can come from a variety of sources including restaurant work, apprenticeships, catering work or even work in a soup kitchen.
Students applying to the CIA must also receive a recommendation from a former teacher, employer or counselor. For those who cannot get a recommendation letter from one of these individuals, applicants can also find someone who can attest to their passion for a career in the food preparation industry. The recommendation letter should include statements regarding the applicant's work ethic and attitudes toward work and responsibility. Letters from academic counselors should attest to the applicant's academic ability and leadership potential.
Potential students must also complete an assessment exam in order to determine what prerequisite classes they may need to complete as they begin their culinary studies. This Compass exam provides the CIA with an idea of where you stand on various academic subjects. Applicants who have completed the SAT examination and scored better than 500 on the math and critical reading sections may not have to take the Compass exam. A score of 19 or higher on the ACT within the last five years also allows students enter the school without taking the exam. Completion of an AP English exam with a score of four or higher or the completion of college math and English with a "C" grade or better also meets the entry requirements.