My older brother is a sophomore this year, and would like to go to culinary school. He isn't the smartest kid, but he isn't that stupid. He really can't help it, but he doesn't have ADD or anything. They're just some kids who aren't good at school. He actually has like a 3.0 GPA though. I am like the complete opposite of him. I stress out so much for like a test, and he can care less. He does care, but just cares more about some classes than others. He wants to be a chef, though. I am happy for him, lol. He is on the Technical diploma route, so he couldn't go straight into a university. Though, he said a teacher told him he could go straight to a culinary school. I just wanted to know your input. He looked at Johnson and Wales- North Miami and may go to another campus. I do know that the average is like a 2.5 GPA to get in, and he is well over it. He did fail math though this semester, so how bad will this hurt him? He passed last year, but even with a a tutor he got like a 46% on the final this year. He is actually really good in the basic math, but not things like Geometry and Algebra I.
I also wanted to know your input on Le Cordon Blue and The Art Institue here in Atlanta? He said his Nutriton and Food teacher said it is a good program. Also, our school has a tech building and he is going to do a culinary program next year. We go to a very good public high school. He could go to a local Tech school which has culinary for two years, but thought he really liked J&W. What's your feedback on this, and what do you think? I also know that he would make an awesome chef, he always has to mix things together and experiment with foods. We also looked at CIA, but looked like a reach for him. He does like to cook food. Do you suggest any other schools? Thanks!
What is a "technical" diploma? If it's just a high school diploma with some of the classes through a technical or vocational program, that should be fine. That's a valid high school diploma. Probably many students in culinary programs do this.
JWU does require SATs or ACTs, so that sounds like your bro will need the algebra and geometry, though not at the AP level. I don't see anything on their website listing a GPA or SAT minimum, so he should be okay. He will need to repeat the math, but since it's not critical to cooking, they won't hold the one flunk against him. You can actually ask them all these questions directly. They have an online chat, so you don't even need to identify yourself or the student.
http://www.jwu.edu/content.aspx?id=32958
I don't see a thing about admission requirements for Cordon Bleu. I assume any high school diploma would be fine.
The Art Institute of Atlanta requires only a diploma and students can choose to take the COMPASS exam instead of the SAT or ACT, which might be good if your brother can't get the math together.
All of these programs sound good, but I have no idea how they rate; you'll need to research that. Start by getting info from each school about their programs. Your brother has to like the program before you start researching it. Find out if there's a ratings system for culinary schools. Maybe call some top restaurants and ask their chefs what they know. Or check with a professional association for chefs. Since they're all reasonably close, visit the campus of each and talk to the students and admissions people there.
A 2-year program at a tech school won't cut it. That would lead more to a job at a school or hospital cafeteria or a routine restaurant. To do really good cooking, for a top restaurant, at a hotel or resort, or for his own catering business, your bro needs a good chef's program.
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