Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY, USA

Reviews

Culinary Institute of America

Kristopher from Chesterbrook, PA

a current student here
48 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Every day is filled with TONS of material, so every day you are learning brand new techniques and methods. Because the class sizes are relatively small at the Culinary Institute of America, the Chefs/Professors are able to help each student more towards his or her individual needs, which is much appreciated.
Am enjoying being here
Overall, the atmosphere of the campus is excellent. Situated on the Hudson River, it is amazing. The overall experience at the Culinary Institute of America is very enjoyable because everyone is professional towards one another.
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to send in your application early. Be honest on your application and explain in detail. Definitely take a step back and really think about whether or not you want to dedicate your career to the food service industry, because if you aren't sure, the Culinary Institute of America isn't for you. The CIA is very fast-paced, hard-working and challenging, but well worth it if you are dedicated and interested.
Great for these types of students
Hard-workers, determined individuals, team-players, creative people.

Herbert from Marlboro, NJ

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
First of all we are on a block system with new classes every three or six weeks depending on the block. Each block contains classes which if they are kitchen classes are everyday. These classes you will have hands on training as well as lectures on specific subjects. For example, in Cuisines of Asia you will have three days dedicated to just Chinese food. In addition to learning the specific techniques you will also learn of the geography, flavor profiles, and food styles specific to the different regions. An example of the academic classes, would be B-Block. This block contains the class: Introduction to Gastronomy, Culinary Mathematics, Product Knowledge, and Food Safety. Product Knowledge you will learn all about produce and their quality and condition, how to choose them and how to identify them. Food Safety allows you to learn about the risks of unsafe food. You will also study for the ServSafe test.
There is also an 18 week externship where the students will apply for jobs in the industry and work. This allows the students to experience the industry and show them how its works, the process of applying to a job, network, and ultimately hone their skills in the kitchen.
Although we take a plenitude of classes, we complete them in a shorter amount of time, which can lead to students unable to grasp the knowledge needed to pass.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love being here. There is an awesome view and you are surrounded by nature with the Hudson River viewable from some dorms. It is very picturesque. I also love being around the knowledgeable chefs and around peers that share a common love of food. It is very refreshing to talk to someone and not have to explain what every detail to have them understand. The ability to meet new people is great since we have new students coming in every three weeks.
A con of being in this area is that there is not much to do after class and on the weekends. We are very close to some diners and the mall is about ten to fifteen minutes away. There is also a small town called Rhinebeck, 30 minutes north, where we walk around, window shop, and eat.
Bang for the buck
For over $30,000 a year, it is a bit pricey. We are known to be The World's Premier Culinary College. We have the most Certified Master Chef/Bakers on campus, compared to any other location. The majority of the instructors/professors have industry experience which lend to lots of recommendations, suggestions, and networks. On the other hand it is quite inconvenient that in my dorm we only have one working washing machine out of three. Three are not even enough for the whole building. The internet service is sort of shotty, it is sometime very unreliable which is very annoying. For that price tag it should be fully functional 24/7. The meal plan is on and off for me. IT is great to have a bountiful cuisine choice for lunch and dinner, but the menus cycle every three weeks, which can become very boring. After externship we have a meal swipe which can be used at the Apple Pie Cafe or Courtside Cafe, which its great but at Apple Pie a swipe, which is equivalent to $8 it is not even enough to get a sandwich and a soda.
Tips for prospective students
If you feel this career choice is something you will stick to no matter what happens, this is the school for you. There is so much knowledge to be learned but in a very short amount of time. If you are diligent, dedicated then this is the place for you.
Great for these types of students
Those that know that this what they want to do for a career. Those who work hard and do not try to find shortcuts. Must be very persistent and detail oriented. Be very open minded about food. Responsibility and diligence is key here at the CIA. Not only must we be clean in the kitchen but we must be clean in the dorms, as we have a sanitation inspection every three weeks. A driven person with a love to learn and the love for food belong here.

Alyssa from Hillsborough, NJ

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Each chef and professor has a different teaching style which really helps me learn. I think by getting so many views on one topic I am able to understand it better because one chef may be able to explain a topic more clearly than another. The variety of teaching styles keeps the information fresh and new while still sticking to the basics that everyone NEEDS to know.
Am enjoying being here
Whether I am in a classroom, kitchen, my dorm room, or wandering the campus, I am loving every minute at the Culinary Institute of America. I am learning so much while I am in class and I really do feel like I expand my skills every single day. Once classes are over I am able to relax and do my own thing but I am never bored. There are always on and off campus activities and even if none of them interest me, the campus is so beautiful that I could just walk around campus all day long.
Bang for the buck
Attending the Culinary Institute is definitely not a cheap endeavor however, it is worth every penny. I have to keep my GPA up to hold onto scholarships and I am constantly on the look out for more scholarships. I work hard to pay for this school but everyday I step into the kitchen I know it is worth it.
Tips for prospective students
1. Get your name out there and apply to a lot of places when looking for your required 6 months in the field
2. Continuously look for scholarships before and after entering this school
3. Get the most out of your 6 months in the field because the more you learn then the more you can expand when you arrive at school
Great for these types of students
1. Determined
2. Dedicated
3. Artistic
4. Hard working
5. Confident
6. Open minded

Leah from Milton, WV

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
Excellent training in both baking and culinary arts. Master trained chefs and world-class instructors. Professionalism is key.
Dorm Life
Easy to get a room. Very clean and plenty of room for essentials. Big bathrooms.
Food and Dining
Top quality food. Every night 3 course plated dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What to do for fun
Take a train to the city!
Campus Safety
Safety is not an issue, very quiet campus and open.

Michael from North Canton, OH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm currently on extern but in my first year alone I've learned more than spending 6 years in the kitchen! Just ask questions and be ready for class!
Am enjoying being here
There is nothing better than being around food all day every day. The location is unbeatable just a train ride away from the city. We are in the heart of the Hudson valley and it is the most beautiful location in all of new york.
Bang for the buck
You will learn a lot but the school is a little too expensive. It does happen to get cheaper every year that you advance though.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you are dedicated to culinary, if not I can almost promise that you will quit. Some chefs have no mercy and want you to give up. It's like military school if you can't listen and have authority problems you will get weeded out quick.
Great for these types of students
Culinary geeks... You know who we are.

Calum from Tampa, FL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is beautiful. One of the best culinary schools around. Many opportunities for work/study.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved in Student Activities. There are plenty and it's a fun way to meet people. It's expensive so try and apply for scholarships - start early. Read what you can and cannot bring. Bring ties! There is a dress code.
Academic Rigor
Lots of studying and practicing if you want to be good.
Dorm Life
As a freshman, you'll most likely be in Hudson Hall. They have a strict no drugs, no alcohol policy. More than likely you'll have a communal bathroom, but they're pretty clean and I don't usually see people in there. You cannot bring additional furniture, but all rooms come with a large Armoire, desk and bed.
Food and Dining
It's a culinary school so the meal plan is very good. You can also purchase food on the weekends when the kitchens aren't open.
What to do for fun
Intramural sports is big here. All sorts of clubs. Movies and shopping close by.
Bang for the buck
It's expensive, so make sure it's what you want to do. And if you have to take student loans, you'll be paying those off for a while.
Great for these types of students
Students who love to cook.

Ilona from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This school prepares you for the real world. You learn so much just in one day of class and everyday the work you do is hands on. You get to learn first hand from top chefs who have been in the culinary industry for many years and the small classes give you the opportunity to work one on one with your chef.
Am enjoying being here
The atmosphere on campus and in class is highly motivational. You are surrounded by student who are here for the same reason you are; for the love of food!
Bang for the buck
Attending this school will definetly take more money, but what you get out of it is worth the buck.

C.D. from Tampa, FL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The Culinary Institute of America is the No. 1 school for Culinary Arts.
It's only teaches culinary and baking and pastry.
Its student graduates are well trained and many are celebrity chefs.

Everything you want to know about the school is online, even virtual maps of campus.
Tips for prospective students
Plan accordingly. Attending the best Culinary school in the country is expensive.
Make sure you have 6 months of industry training.
Academic Rigor
One class every 2 weeks. Lots of stress, but many before you have done it before and were succesful. Study, study, study.
Dorm Life
Plan on walking, Winters are cold, and be considerate of your roommate. Rooms are not that big and some have shared bathrooms. You have to leave your dorm during school breaks, not cool.
Food and Dining
What can be said, you will not be dissapointed! After all we are a culinary school, you will be eating all the other labs creations. If it's anything like Johnson and Wales cafeteria, plan on going to the gym at least 3 times a week!
What to do for fun
Clubs, clubs, and more clubs. Plan to give, to get. Be as involved as possible. It's Hyde Park, New York so get out and enjoy the outdoors!
Bang for the buck
It's expensive, but there students are reputed to earn 20% more than any other culinary grad. The CIA name speaks!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
none
Great for these types of students
Great for all types of students- young, carreer changers, Veterans.
Clubs and Activities
Newspaper, wine enthusiasts, LGBT, Veterans, SGA, sports, free gym membership
Campus Safety
They will pick u up if you need a ride at night or early in the morning. It's a large campus, carry your cell. It's safe but plan on walking with a partner anyway.

angelika mae from philippines

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
culinary institute of america is a good school for culinary course.
it have a wonderful facilities.
they could offer a worth it study in there school.
Tips for prospective students
just follow your dreams, and don't let your fears ruined it.
Academic Rigor
it is fine, not so high or not too low.
Dorm Life
it was an amazing experience to be with other person, having a wonderful time and experience with new people and knowing each of us our true self's. great new friends and best of friends.
Food and Dining
i really love food and i also love creating new dish or new things when it comes to food and dinning.
What to do for fun
i am an adventurous but simply person, i like to discover new things or i just wanna go out with my friends and i'm happy with that.
Clubs and Activities
more on activities and fun.
Greek Life
nothing in greek life

Sarah from San Diego, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The Culinary Institute of America provides their students with practical and theoretical knowledge on the highest level of education a culinary student can receive. The CIA is a prestigious culinary school of the finest, geared towards teaching their students to be leaders in the food and beverage industry. It is a fantastic school that is meant for anyone interested in pursuing a culinary career.
Tips for prospective students
Be proactive toward ones education. Work hard and have good work ethic. Have a positive attitude. Learn to be a good team member. Cultivate your learning experience. Challenge yourself with the opportunities the CIA can offer. Network with your peers and faculty because they will give you the tools to be successful.
Academic Rigor
The curricular programs the CIA offers are intense and fast paced. The academic and practical classes move quickly and therefore students must be proactive in their want to succeed. An externship is required in the program that will allow students to get hands on experience in the industry. This also means, you must have skills to acquire a job through interviews and stages(trials) in kitchen settings. The academics are challenging and are challenging to prep students to be leaders in this food and beverage industry.
Dorm Life
Like any other traditional college, the dorms are co-ed. The dorm settings are relaxing and offer a range of privileges towards students. This includes a kitchen for the students use, a gym, and patio areas for relaxation. The environment is terrific for students to do their extra curricular activities, their homework assignments, and completion of their daily objectives.
Food and Dining
The restaurants opened to the public are student ran. Customers going to the restaurant can expect students cooking their food and serving them in the front of the house. The food and dining experience are of the upmost quality and exhibits the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.
What to do for fun
The CIA offers extra curricular activities including sport and clubs. They encourage students to take their extra time to be active in the school life. Clubs at the CIA are unique because they are geared towards culinary. Specific clubs that are offered include wine, beer, mixology, Asia cuisine, and even European cuisine. The multiple campuses of the CIA each individually offer different activities due to the location. For example, the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone located in Saint Helena, California is built on an area with multiple vineyards. Students of legal age are encouraged to go wine tasting. The opportunity is fun and educational .
Bang for the buck
The Culinary Institute of America is a non-profit organization. The programs are expensive due to the materials needed to execute a full educational experience. Although students have choices towards attending other culinary schools, the CIA is world re-known for being the best.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone is unique due the history of the campus. The building used to be a winery back in the 1950's and was converted to a school after the CIA bought the rights. The building currently standing has been mostly unchanged and has only had additions to allow the building to be an environment for teaching students on culinary.
Great for these types of students
The CIA is meant for students who pursue a career in culinary or baking. Students who are proactive and passionate towards a career in this food and beverage industry will thoroughly enjoy the environment. Students who seek an opportunities on practical training will also enjoy this school. Students who seek to make a wide social network in the food and beverage industry will also enjoy this school.
Clubs and Activities
The clubs and activities are unique and builds students interest while being educational.
Campus Safety
There campus security that monitors the campus 24/7. The schools have security cameras built on the inside and campus security does frequent checks around the buildings.