Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Chefs
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Northern Virginia Community College, Tidewater Community College, J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and Virginia Western Community College.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Northern Virginia Community College, Tidewater Community College, and J Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Virginia Western Community College, Dabney S Lancaster Community College, Tidewater Community College, and J Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Northern Virginia Community College and Tidewater Community College.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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Sweet Briar College • Sweet Briar, VA
Studying Culinary Arts (completion in 2006)
• 10/14/2011
"This wasn't the best experience in the world, but the knowledge was invaluable. The friends that I made and the techniques I learned from the Chefs will last a lifetime."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | I would recommend my school only to someone who wants a very broad knowledge base of the Culinary Arts. If you are looking to specialize in a particular cuisine, I would recommend going elsewhere. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | The program is fairly well known in this area. It isn't the best program by any means, but it definitely is the most practical for those who live in my area. |
| Program Quality | 3 | I really didn't learn a great deal at Sweet Briar. Most of my cooking comes from natural talent and improvisation, with a tiny bit of luck. |
| Instruction | 3 | There was a lot of room for improvement in regards to the faculty that worked with us. The course was well laid out but the delivery was hard to take in. |
| How Difficult | 6 | It wasn't too difficult, but at the same time the work load was heavy. The instructors were demanding as well, and this made it slightly more difficult. Luckily, a lot of it was group work. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Virtually all of the work that meant anything was hands-on. You can't learn to clean and cut a chicken without a knife. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | The classes were fairly flexible and had multiple sections available. The individual cooking tests were held anytime in the week that suited each individual (depending on the availability of the instructors). |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | As for mass media outlets and technological advantages, the facility was sorely lacking, but the Chefs and the respective sous chefs were just as passionate about teaching as we were about learning. They also maintained a very well-stocked kitchen space and several new editions of textbooks. |
| Social Life | 6 | We were encouraged to work with the other cooks in order to feed off each other, so to speak. This allowed more room for improvisation and fresh directions. |
| Placement Services | 8 | The college gave me a job working in the cafeteria after I graduated. This has proven to be very helpful as jobs are hard to come by. |
Southeast Culinary And Hospitality College • Bristol, VA
Studying Restaurant Management And Baking (completion in 2014)
• 2/1/2012
"The school is great. I can't wait to go back in the summer"
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | The teachers are very knowledgeable, the facilities and equipment are top notch. Also, the curriculum is cutting edge. |
| Program Reputation | 9 | Everyone in the region knows about Southeast Culinary; it is viewed in a very positive light by the community, and every day the students make a 6 course meal for $10.50 a person. People Love it. |
| Program Quality | 10 | The school has a fantastic facility, as well as a knowledgeable staff. The curriculum is great, very concise and informative. |
| Instruction | 10 | The teachers were very good at what they do. Not only did they have a technical grasp and were able to explain on paper how to do things, but they also had a great mastery of the process of cooking. |
| How Difficult | 3 | It wasn't a challenge but I did have to put in a bit of time to memorize some subject matter. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | It was a 50/50 mix of book and hands on learning. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | They work with you for whatever you need. It was very nice to be able to switch classes if my schedule changed. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | Excellent! The building was spacious, and the equipment was top notch! |
| Social Life | 10 | I met many people from many walks of life. I also made friends with most of them, and joined in parties and cookouts. |
| Placement Services | 8 | There is a lot of support for post-graduate job acquisition. There is a whole section of the building dedicated to this |
| Alumni Network | I have not yet graduated. As far as I can tell, everyone stays in touch with everyone. |
ECPI University, Culinary Institute Of Virginia • Norfolk, VA
Studying Culinary Arts (completion in 2011)
• 2/19/2012
"I was hired at a well-paying job in my first interview. This institute is respected in the job market."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | If you love art through culinary practices, then this is for you. Do what you love and have fun doing it. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | Premier culinary institute in Hampton Roads. Every one of my colleagues enjoyed it. |
| Program Quality | 9 | Excellent, hands-on classroom instruction. |
| Instruction | 9 | Teachers are clear and there to help you. Any questions are welcomed. |
| How Difficult | 5 | It was fun and challenging. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I'd say it is close to equal. Maybe slightly more bookwork, but not much. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 6 | The classes are somewhat flexible. No overnight classes. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | The classroom and kitchen are great. The facilities exceed the standard. |
| Social Life | 8 | Very interactive social environment. Co-ed social experience. |
| Placement Services | 8 | They will help you get a job upon graduation. Placement programs are available. |
| Alumni Network | 2 | I don't know of an alumni network. Maybe there will be one soon. |
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