Admissions Process

What does it take to be a successful student at the Culinary Institute of St Louis? The most important thing we look for in our culinary students is a true passion for cooking. We view our job as turning that passion for cooking into a fulfilling career in the culinary industry.  

You also need to know that you will be learning by doing—while you will learn other business skills, this is a hands-on culinary program.

• You will spend hours in the kitchen taking classes every day. 
• You will be learning skills, creating dishes, testing out flavor combinations, and experiencing the hustle of the kitchen. 
• You’ll be working side-by-side with your chef instructors and your fellow culinary students.

As a graduate of the culinary program, you will have been taught the foundational techniques necessary to master recipes in almost any cookbook.

Sound good? Here are the details on how to get started:

The basic requirement for admission to the Culinary Institute of St. Louis  is that prior to starting classes, you must have graduated from high school,  private school, or earned a high school equivalent (GED).  We will request a copy of your transcript as part of the application process as well.

We accept applications throughout the year and acceptance decisions are made on a timely basis.  Current high school students may apply at any time after their junior years, but you must be a high school graduate or have earned a GED prior to beginning our programs.  We do not require the SAT or ACT.

We also encourage potential culinary students to come tour the school and see our impressive facilities for yourself.  As you enter the school, you may be greeted with the smell of something tasy being created in one of our kitchens! On a regular basis, our students prepare meals that are shared with students and faculty throughout the school!

Are you ready to learn the Culinary Institute of St. Louis way to cook? Apply here.

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