Culinary Institute of America Top Questions

The first thing I would tell myself is that things are NOT going to be easy. The bubble of school and a set schedule everyday is going to pop. I would tell myself that I need to be on the honor roll the rest of the year, and to join clubs and do extra community service. The most important thing I would tell myself is to be very proactive. On top of doing clubs and community service, which would present numerous scholarship opportunities, I would tell myself I need tons of practice decorating cakes. My advice would be to take classes and read books on my trade. Knowing what I know about college life is that everything is on myself, no one can do the things I just listed for me. I would also advise to not doubt myself. Out of high school confusion and self doubt sneak up, so my advice to myself above all is to believe in myself, and believe that what i'm working for will always be worth it in the end.

I would tell myself not to be afraid to work for free. The reward of learning is much greater than any amount of money in the world if you are doing something you love. Go to highly acclaimed restaurants and offer your time in the kitchen. If I had done this, I would have been more prepared and confident in my classes. Also, note to self: pay more attention in science. Biology and Anatomy are NOT useless!

Wow! I would probably tell myself to check into more internships.

When you graduate highschool you are going to be faced with many decisions, striving to choose the right path. However, you wont know if it's the right path for you until you try it. Don't be afraid to try things out. But be sure to make all of your decisions for yourself only. You are the only one who knows when you are truly happy and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Know that it's ok to change your mind 2 or 3 times. Don't be ashsamed. It shows that you're human. You don't need to grow up the second you are out of highschool. Do what makes you happy. If you find a passion for something, don't be afraid to go for it. If all of your friends are going to a 4 year university and your mom is telling you that you should, but deep down you feel that it isn't the right thing for you, it's ok. You aren't required to conform if you don't fit. Everyone is different. Maybe what works for your best friend from highschool doesn't necessarily work for you.

Zach i know you work alot at the lake placid lodge I strongly eurge you to make good money management strategies. You are going to need every cent when you go to school its hard to pay for school and every bit of money will help you make our dream come true. Deffinetly study hard the rest of you time in high school and cherish every moment you have with you friend cause that is one of the hardest parts is missing your friends and family. making new friends is sometimes difficult at a new place but if you smile and say high and spark up a conversation with someone it does not become that difficult to make friends. when your away from home it is hard to make healthy food choices in college. try and eat healthy and drink lots of water. Going to the gym will not only keep you healthy it is a good way to socialize and meet new people. Get involved with things that are going on around campus its a good way to network and get your name tossed around. remember to study hard and get good grades. Its all worth the work.

I would love to have a chance to go back in time and talk to my senior high school self. I would tell myself to only spend one year following bands and festivals around the country then go to a few major colleges and university. Get my degrees in education, culinary arts, roman history, business and law. Spend about eight years in college, travel and study abroad, graduate and have my own restaurant with -in three years and be teaching at the same time.

Take everything the school says and offers seriously. Listen and volunteer for every extra event. All the little stuff counts. When the chefs ask for people to stay late and help them out take every chance to do so. Join a few more clubs too. Another thing study hard and play when there is time. After college there will be time for everything else. Start your externship hunt the minute they tell you about it. Break yourself of the procrastination habit. It will be a large burden in the long run. Take the time to hunt for more scholarships and any help you can get. When you get the information on your roommate, start trying to get to kno him as soon as possible. Keep up your outgoing personality, so making friends remains easy. You will need them to keep your stress levels to a minimum. Last, do not ever give up your dream and do not let any hardships get in your way.

I wish I would've looked more into the Bachelors program at the CIA, because I wouldn't have done it here . I should've looked more into other programs.

Make sure that you choose a school where you feel comfortable at according to area, and number of students. If you do not like to be away from home, do not move far away or you will get homesick, which willl affect your learning abilities and ability to enjoy your campus life. I was able to choose whatever school I wanted without worrying about cost. That way you chose on the merits of the school. I knew what I wanted to do and chose a school that specializes in that one career. If you attended a small high school, really think about wether you want a large school with big classes or the smaller school with small classes and where you will be able to get to know your classmates and professors. Whatever you do, enjoy the process and check out all the schools you can in person, chcking out the campus and towns around it.

College life is full of diversity, individuals who walk to a beat all their own, and groups of people who are so unsure of themselves that they fall prey to an excess of peer pressure. If I could "go back in time" to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay true to myself and take a stand for what I believe in. I have seen so many instances where people doubt who they are and abandon all of their common sense and values because their "friends" say that what they believe is crazy or dumb. No one should ever make you feel like you aren't good enough or that you are stupid. I would tell myself that no matter what, NEVER change yourself or stop liking yourself for others. Friends, especially college "friends", come and go. You, and only you, have to be happy with who you are and live with yourself everyday.

If I could go back to high school I would envolved in as many culinary programs as possible to better my knowledge of the field that I wanted to go into. Also maybe instead of working four jobs for 3 years to pay for school, maybe possible finding a better paying job or find out ways of going to school on a scholarship so I would be a lot less stress while attending college.

What would I tell the high school senior version of myself? Don't worry that you don't know what course of study you want to persue, or that you aren't even sure what you want to do. There's plenty of time in life to figure out exactly what you want to do. Experiment- try new things, visit places you've never been before, and, most importantly, don't rule out possible education choices or career options just because they don't go along with the image you want to portray right now. You might be scared when you do start college; you might be nervous that you won't make friends, that you'll have a hard time living away from home and being completely responsible for yourself, or that you might just be awful in your studies. Don't doubt yourself. Try your best, work your hardest, and remember that patience and fortitude really do conquer all things. If you believe in yourself and truly want to succeed with the path you are making for youself, you will be all right.

First on the topic of finding the right college for most there is no such thing. Every school has pros and cons differences in the programs and the faculty that drives them. All you can do is keep an open mind as you look for schools that seem appealing. Or else you may be shaken by reality once you?ve actually spent real time at you dream school. However if you wish to go into a specific field such as the culinary arts finding the right college will depend on how hard you are willing to work. Note this is a new kind of work, no longer are we talking term papers and oral presentations. Welcome a world of pressure like you could never imagine a place where your success is measured by your ability to give it all you have. Consequently, as you try to make the most of your college experience all you have to do is not take opportunities for granted. That was my mistake freshman year, I ignored the seminars, I chose not to attend the cooking demonstrations. That was my largest mistake and if you plan to truly succeed you have to seize every opportunity.

When looking for a college to attend, pick the one that best suits you. The one you can see yourself succeeding in and enjoying the whole time there. Going to college and getting a degree is only half the fun. With it comes new knowledge, experience and friends.

Do a college visit! Ask students what they think about the program. Bring your parents along. Use a planner, and take as much of your education as you can with you, pay attention! You'll wish you had paid more attention when you've finished!

Pick a school that you love, not just academically. You need to love the library, the rec center, and everything in between. Take multiple tours, and be prepared for the cost of the school. Its worth every penny if you love what you are doing and where you are.

I would advise parents and/or students to determine 1, whether or not the school has the academic program that the student needs. 2. whether or not the school is located in a physical environment that the student will find enjoyable. 3. whether or not the cost of the school will result in the student leaving school with an enormous debt load 4. whether or not the school has those extracurricular activities such as sports in which the student wants to participate. 5. whether or not the school's reputation will help or hinder the student in either finding employment after collele or going to graduate school. Above all, will the student think well of himself or herself by saying: "I go to X college." Being accepted at the college that is your first choice is a validation of the student's life up until the age of 17 or 18. If a student winds up at a college that he or she does not respect, the probability that the student will not do well increases exponentially.

I would advise parents and students when choosing a school to be fully commited to your education. You will only get out of school what you put in. There are all types of schools in the world and any one of them could be an ideal fit for the student, but if the student isn't sure of why they are going to that school in the first place than it might be more difficult to find their niche at that particular school. I would also reccommend to do a little career searching before you commit to a school. I knew what I wanted to do when I decided on what college to attend, that's why I went to one of the best culinary schools in the world. I believe that students whom have somewhat of an idea of what they want to do when they graduate are at an advantage to those who might spend years at school trying to decide on a major. This also will help to narrow down the search on finding the ideal school for that particular student. To the students: while at school, utilize your library!

My advice would be to start looking early. Try to have at least an idea of where you want to go by your junior year of high school. Then, create a list of your top choices. List the pros and cons of each choice, including specific detail. After you have a list, start making visits. Try to visit every school on your list, even if you think you'll love it. You may find out on the tour that you won't fit in well, or you simply don't like the campus. When you've finished your visits, start applying. Applying early decision is always a good idea, because you find out early enough that you can always find other schools if you need to. When you receive your acceptance letters, base your decision on where you'll be happiest. It won't matter that your tuition is less if you are miserable. To make the most of your experience, get involved! Join a club or go to a campus event. Make friends in your classes and dorm. Focus on school work, but always make sure to leave some time for yourself, and have fun!

I would say to parents that they should encourage students to go to the best school that supports their career choices no matter the price. I feel that everyone should have the right to go to the school that they want as long as they are qualified. I dont feel that money should be judged as a qualification to attend any school. To the students I would advise you to have a financial plan, especially if you come from a family of need. Dont accept going to a trade school or community college based on money, rather go to whatever institution you like based on its vision, benefits, and commitment to your education. You have to have a financial plan before you attend college in order to start, attend, and become a succesful alumni. There is money out there, you just have to find it. Better yet, there are people at your school financial aid offices that can help you, but you have to find them too. Know you resources and use them wisely. Take advantage of college programs in highschool, grants, scholarships, etc. Dont get stuck in student loan hell like i did. Have a financial plan for school.

going to the school was the best thing that ever happend to me

i believe that the students should look into schools that will fulfill their needs as a member of society, their needs as a student and the needs of their passion. noone should have to be unhappy in what they do. that is another reason of why my school is so special. there is no age limit of when you can not go to college. life is full of experiences and it is up to the indivitual to take it for themselves and learn as much as they can. nothing is impossible to achieve as long as you put your full mind heart and soul into it. there are twelve words that i would choose to describe what any person should strive for. trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, curteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty brave, clean and reverent.

Take everything that comes your way whether it be a setback or a triumph and transform it into a learning experience to apply to future scenarios. Every action has a reason and what was meant to happen will unravel itself in time. Be patient and be optimistic, because if you truly want to reach your goal, you will stop at nothing to obtain it.

The only advice I would give to incoming college freshmen, and their families, is to choose a school that you love. Make sure it is the one for you by visiting, taking tours and even asking current students about the dialy lives. Collge is a once and a life time experience and every minute shoukd be spent enjoying iy by making friends, learning and studying.

The main I would say for parents and students alike trying to find the right college is it is the BEST idea to visit the campus before you actually begin attending, so you know what the campus is like. I would treat it similar to a new job offer - never take it until you have had a chance to see the place you'll be working in and where you will be living!

I would have to say that students should make sure that they know what they want out of life and follow their dreams to the best college that they can get into. I also think that students should make sure to do reasearch on the schools and be sure that it will be the right fit for them, by visiting the school, talking to students, and possibly sitting in on classes if it is at all possible. As for parents i think that they should be open minded about the thoughts that the students have, and guide them giving their input without pressuring them. When it comes to making the most of the college experience i believe that everyone should live on-campus for at least one semester, because a lot of learning takes place in residence halls. I also think that students have to learn to ballance their social lives with academics, but i recomend not loosing sight of one or the other.

One of the most important things i tell high schoolers is to make sure you make the right choice. this is your career and you should be happy with what you do. why waste money and time you put in , to then waste it all because you didnt make the right choice. Make a ton of Friends and dont be shy, Network. be friendly with your professors and never be afraid of who you are. Remember, have fun and enjoy your time in college becuase when the real world hits you, bye bye free time.

I would tell students to not worry if they have no idea what they want to be in the future. Look for a college with options, in both academics and extracurricular activities. I would tell them to keep an open mind. My advice to parents is to just help their child/children as much as they can.

Finding the right college can be particularly difficult right now especially with the way the economy is going. Although it can be great to have that 'name-brand' school and be an alumni from there, finacially it might not be worth it. Just remember what school really will satisfy your needs, maybe it will take having to live at home to save money, maybe going to a community college first is what is needed. If you are so set on choosing a school just because of the name then there is nothing I can say to change your mind, but if I had the choce between my name brand and the community one who offers the same program, I think i made the wrong choice. I just feel like all this school does is take my money, and if I had paid less maybe I could have enjoyed myself more and really concentrated on my studies if worrying about paying those outrageous bills wasn't always in my head. So if you are passionate enough, there isn't a pricetag that matters, it's what you get out of it.

Make sure you know what it is that you want to do before spending alot of money. if you are not sure, attend community college which is ceaper.

The most important thing about the college selection process is overall satisfaction. There are several factors that contribute to the personal satifisfaction that one derives, but, in the end, what really matters is when one looks back on his education and reflects, can he draw on his experiences to lead others and build successful relationships in his chosen field. If one can say that he has done that, then I believe that one can say truthfully that he has found the right college.

No matter how clich? it may sound, college is really all about getting what you put into it. It may seem really hard to find the right school for you, but at one point, you will just know, or hopefully figure out where you want to be, and what you want to get out of life. Without really having any direction, it all seems like a waste of time because you will have nothing to strive for. College is when you truly find out who you are and what your purpose is. It all goes by so fast that its important to reflect on both academic and social aspects of your college years before moving into adulthood and the realm of complete responsibility.

Examine the course materials and the qualifications of the professors at the school to ensure your child receives the best education for the dollar. There may be many schools which fit your child, be sure to choose the one which best suits their needs.

I would recommend that the student have a specific job that they wish to do on mind when choosing a school and pick a school that has the best program for that specific job. For the college experience I would recommend to work hard for your first two years and then begin to experience the social aspects of the college scene.