Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
Charlotte, NC, USA

Reviews

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Dwayne from fayetteville, NC

a current student here
26 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
every chef at this university has years of experience, know the ends ands outs of the business and can really give insight on any aspect of the culinary worldthey make sure in the time your in their labs that when you leave you will be able to go to any employer eady to do the job they ask of you
Am enjoying being here
ive met so many others like myself that enjoy being in the kitchen working up some of the best didshes ive seen outside of foodnetwork
Bang for the buck
dont get me wrong this school is not cheap but they offer so many oppertunities to make your money back in knowledge and skills through events such as chefs choice and other things goin on around the campus
Tips for prospective students
find yourself a veteran student that you can learn from fast because study groups are the best thing running at this school
Great for these types of students
anyone that is willing to learn the chefs are there they will stay nomatter how long it takes they will even meet you outside of class to help if you need it

Alora from Ewing, NJ

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The chefs an professors at school are amazing. Everyday that I step into the classroom I learn things. All of the chefs that I have encountered have done everything that they could to help me learn. They will stay late or come early if you ask them to. My suggestion is if you are having problems with something don't be afraid to ask for help. The chefs and professors will do everything in their power to help you. Remember if you are going to school here you are paying big $$$$$, it's not worth it if you don't ask questions.
Am enjoying being here
Truthfully, I love the Charlotte campus. The dorms are great and the city is amazing. There is a lot to do as long as you don't want to stay out late. The campus is in the business district of Charlotte and everything shuts down at night. But, if you can't find something to do around town, espescially on College St, there is always the Quad filled with people and the common rooms. If that's not enough, there are so many clubs and activities that you can join.
Tips for prospective students
Join clubs such as ice chippers, the baking and pastry club or student government. If sports are more your style their are all kinds of sport clubs that were just recently created. All of the clubs are relatively cheap and that's what you are looking for on a college budget. Another thing that you can do if you are in the college of culinary is volunteer for Chef's Choice! They are classes for people that are in the community. It is really good for the Baking and Pastry and Culinary students. You can gain eperience in your own field or you can experiment with the opposite program. There are many things you can learn like sushi rolling and how to make breads. You don't have to pay for them! They are on the weekends so you don't have to worry about them conflicting with your class schedule.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for people who want to get right into the industry after college.

Kaitlyn from Dawsonville, GA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I never knew what a julienne knife cut was, or which oil is the best to saute with until I came here to Johnson & Wales University. I have learned so much and I only completed my first year there. The instructors and unbelievable. They work with you and never get frustrated with the amount of questions asked or how long it something as simple has making mashed potatoes is taking you. They are there for the students and the students only. It honestly is an amazing experience and I am so glad that I came here to this school.
Am enjoying being here
Charlotte the city is something in itself. The career opportunities here are amazing. But, being on campus is also a lot of fun. We have so many different clubs to join like Toastmasters International, Ice Chippers, we also have different sports clubs like Hockey and soccer. The school itself tries to keep the students entertained as much as possible. We have different speakers come to our school for our career as well as entertainment.
Bang for the buck
The education is amazing, the price is high but totally worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Ask as many questions as you can and don't be afraid to try something new. Don't fall behind on your studies, and have a great time.

Christian from Creedmoor, NC

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the professors are nice, and care about making sure that you do good in their classes. The class room size is a lot smaller than a regular public college, so you don't feel like just a number, and you have a better chance of getting help if you do not understand something.
Am enjoying being here
There are SO many things to do on campus. We have many events that you can go to on campus, such as Movie Nights on certain Fridays of the month. Tie-Dye day where you make tie-dye t-shirts, Indoor Skydiving and ALOT more. We have a monthly calender that tells you about all the events that are happening each day of the month.
Bang for the buck
Overall JWU does give you a bang for your buck, you really get to learn a lot about the business world as well as the Culinary industry. And the location makes it even better, because you are in downtown Charlotte. Some of the classes are in the Bank of America Corporate building. Many businesses contact JWU when looking for students for employment also.
Tips for prospective students
A good school in a nice location of Charlotte. The school has a good reputation, and has many opportunties for students in the job industry also.
Great for these types of students
Culinary, Business, Fashion, and Hospitality.

Christina from Bedford, VA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I grew up in a small town with zero fine dining restaurants. One of my biggest worries was that I wouldn't fit in with other students here or that the chef instructors would expect me to know a lot already. I've had no experience in the industry, only in my kitchen. Thankfully, I was wrong about what to expect. The chef instructors are some of the most helpful people you'll ever meet, and you learn so many different things from each of them because they each have had their own individual experience in the industry. They expect you to work hard and do your best, but not to be perfect. And that's one reason why you learn so much at JWU.
Am enjoying being here
Although I am missing my hometown and my family, Johnson & Wales University is a family of its own. All of the classes are small, which allows for stronger teacher-student relationships. Also, there are always so many campus activities that even if you're not a person who wants to go out every weekend there is still something for you to do.
Bang for the buck
Our state of the art kitchens, chefs, and professors make it worth the money. We are a career-oriented school, and you certainly get the hands-on experience that you need to find a job in our tough economy. The class sizes are small, so you get to know your teacher and have a better learning experience. Plus, the university uses some of the tuition and room & board money to put on fun events for the students. It's definitely worth the money. Employers know that someone with a degree from Johnson & Wales is a person to trust, and someone that has great work ethic.
Tips for prospective students
Those interested in a culinary or baking major, do the career-explorations program! It's an incredible weekend program where you get to work hands on in one of our kitchens. You'll know after this program whether or not it's the right school for you.
Great for these types of students
Hands-on learners, those interested in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts, those with a strong work ethic.

Trela from Spring Lake, NC

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a freshman in college there is one each freshman must know and that is staying focus. This school offers many majors, but it focuses on culinary arts mainly. The professor are very professional and about business. They teach each student how to gain knowledge from their course. The teachers also interact with you and they know you personally.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being at JWU, but I hate that nobody knows the business side to JWU. The students here are friendly you grow accustomed to many different cultures. Just living on campus is nice and the dorms are well maintained unlike other colleges.
Bang for the buck
I don't believe I'm getting my money worth but that's because I'm not a culinary arts student. I am a fashion major, and not to many people know the fashion in Charlotte. Each year the tuition goes up and personally I'm not getting my money's worth.
Tips for prospective students
If you plan to attend JWU check their major catalog and see if it has what your majoring in. This school does focus on culinary arts mainly so if that's not your major I don't advise you to attend here. Do your research on this school before applying you want your parents & your self to get the best for the money.

Annalea from Pikesville, MD

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I just came back from orientation and I am more impressed than ever!!
Will enjoy being here
Lots of planned opportunities many different interests! How can you not have fun?
Bang for the buck
The financial aid people go out of their way to help you find as much money as they can!
Tips for prospective students
Get involved!
Great for these types of students
It is a small campus in a big city. Plenty nearby if you want to get off campus for a while but plenty to do on campus as well!

Rosa from Silver Spring, MD

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This school has a lot of Professors who have been published authors, important chefs, and people in the business industry who know what they are teaching you. Many teachers here will only teach you what you need to succeed, because in the end you are paying them for only that and not useless things you don't need to know or will never use.
Am enjoying being here
The city of Charlotte is great, it fits every type of personality ther is out there. Whether you are a party person, a sight-seeing person, or a business person, there's a place for you. You get a taste of living in the city without having the noise from a city which is good if you prefer to have a quiet environment.
Bang for the buck
JWU is not cheap but everything that you pay is for something and there are no hidden fees or ridiculous fees that you would see in other universities. You also have a choice of taking up to 21 credits per term, there are 3 terms in the year.
Tips for prospective students
Look for scholarships everywhere because as a new adult to the world, any college you choose to go to you might have to take a loan. As young as we are we don't want loans at such a young age. Also join business clubs at your school because you will get a taste of what this college is about there.

Nanice from Colonial Heights, VA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Baking & Pastry Arts program is awesome. The chefs are very knowledge in Baking & Pastry Arts and also in life lessons. They teach us not only applied baking skills, but also about the reward of baking and the passion you put into your profession. You can feel that the chefs are just as passionate as you are hopefully when going to school here at JWU - Charlotte. I couldnt ask for better chefs.
Am enjoying being here
Charlotte is a very beautiful city. It is also a very buisness forward city. Many students in the culinary program at Johnson & Wales University can get their foot in the door here and can grow as a chef-in-training. I feel that besides business, the area that JWU is located in is very dull. There is not much to do except go eat at expensive restaurants if you can afford them.
Bang for the buck
I think for my education, the money is well worth it. But as for residential life and receiving help on campus for what you need, it sucks. The food in the cafeteria is owned by Chartwells. You'd think that at a culinary school the food would be above average, but that is not the case. The food is rather mediocre with limited choices and hardly any variety. Except for when the parents come to visit, the food is mysteriously delicious. The financial department also sucks when it comes to helping you out. They always claim that they are busy 24/7 and do not have time. They also seem like they do not want to help you, horrible customer service considering we are paying $36,000+ to pay for there salary.
Tips for prospective students
If you are going to JWU for Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry Arts, I hope you are going because cooking/baking is your passion. The chefs here are very passionate about there job and helping us chefs-in-training to succeed. If you do not care, they wont either. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts are not as simple of a major as they may seem. It takes a lot of hard work. Not just hands-on in the lab, but also studying and reading. A wise chef that teaches at JWU told me that Reading is Fundamental. You will find this very true. Do whatever reading is assigned to you and you will go very far.
Great for these types of students
Johnson & Wales University is a very good school to go to if you want to live on a campus with a good amount of students but not too many. The education you receive will be well worth the tuition you are paying. Although there are other majors besides culinary, I do not know much about them. But if you are passionate about Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts, then JWU is the school for you.

Jose from Edinburg, TX

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The academic classes are challenging Sophomore year. Be sure to do your best during placement testing at Orientation to be sure you don't have to take remedial classes, or you will definitely be bored (if you don't need them)
Am enjoying being here
I love JWU! I am a part of the CAT team, IFSEA, an Orientation Leader for the 2011 summer, and a Student Assistant in the Admissions Office for the fall and winter terms of 2011. I couldn't ask for a better environment. I think students here are mostly hospitable, and you make great friendships that are more than friendships.
Bang for the buck
This university is pricey, but if you work on attaining scholarships, and grants, its affordable. The teachers provide a lot more personal experience for our career classes that make up for the amount of tuition.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early and apply for ALOT of scholarships!
Great for these types of students
Career Focused, Motivated, Driven, Determined, Successful, Energetic, Outgoing.