You made it! Welcome to your senior year of high school!
The college search is an exciting step in your educational journey, but we at the Culinary Institute of America know it can also be a stressful process for you and your parents. So, we created a calendar checklist to help you stay on top of some important dates and events to guide you through the year ahead.
September: Time to Apply
Create your CIA account to begin your application. Prepare your supporting documents—ask for a letter of recommendation, request your high school transcripts, and get to work on your personal statement.
October: File Your FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for need-based aid including scholarships, federal or state grants, loans, and work-study. CIA’s federal code is 007304.
November: Plan a Visit
Visit campus for a day to get a sneak peek at what makes CIA the perfect place for you! Join us for an Information Session or an Open House to learn about all the exciting programs and opportunities we have to offer, meet current students, enjoy a tour of campus, and have lunch in our student dining center, The Egg.
December: Get Noticed
Colleges value students who demonstrate an interest in them, and it also helps you to stand out from other candidates when we can put a face to your application and story. By picking up the phone, sending an email, visiting campus, or stopping by our table at a college fair, it sends us a clear signal that we’re your first choice!
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January: #Proud2bCIA
CIA offers rolling admissions, which means that our Admissions Committee will review your application as soon as we have all your documents. We hope to have good news for you! In the meantime, find the Culinary Institute of America on your favorite social media platform to stay up-to-date on campus news, and follow #proud2bcia to check out student activities both in and out of the kitchen.
February: Get A Head Start
Taste the results—it’s online learning you can really sink your teeth into! Watch tutorial videos of CIA chefs in the kitchen as they show you some of the knife cuts you’ll be learning during your first weeks here at The Culinary Institute of America.
March: Get Connected
Celebrate your CIA acceptance with future classmates at one of our Accepted Student Days this month. Keep an eye out for your invitation! Until then, join the Admitted Student Facebook Page to connect and learn more about life on campus.
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April: Submit Deposit
If you’re ready to reserve your place among the best of the best at CIA, then submit your admissions deposit! You can pay online or mail a check to campus. National Decision Day is May 1. Let everyone know you’re CIA bound and share your photos with us on social media using #idecidedcia.
May: Finalize Funding ($HEF)
Work with your very own personal Enrollment Manager and Student Financial Planner to finalize a payment plan for the upcoming academic year. Be sure to apply for additional scholarships on our $HEF website and notify Student Financial and Registration Services (SFRS) of any outside scholarships or grants you have or will receive.
June: Get Prepared
Finalize any remaining academic, financial, housing, or student life paperwork. Submit your final official high school transcripts, medical forms, and request for on-campus housing. Order your CIA uniform, if applicable.
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July: Get Ready to Enroll!
Preparation is everything! (We call it “mise en place” in the kitchen.) Prepare for your first day of class with a variety of CIA events and resources.
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August: Get Packing
You’ve made it! It’s time to get ready for move-in day, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you home. Check out our list of what to pack for college—and what to leave at home.
Whether or not your future is with us, we hope this helps you be prepared for your senior year. Enjoy every second—it’s an exciting time for you!
Need help along the way? Our Admissions team is available year-round to answer your questions.