Application Requirements for CIA Undergraduate Programs

For Associate, Bachelor’s, and Undergraduate Certificate

CIA alumni applying for the Online Food Business Leadership program can find requirements here.

Application Form

CIA Application

Common App

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Transcript(s)

You need a high school diploma or GED to enroll at CIA.

If you are in high school, you can download the Transcript Request Form (PDF) and ask your high school to provide your transcripts electronically via Parchment Exchange, email from your school directly to [email protected], or mail your official transcripts (not student copies) directly to the CIA Admissions Office. Transcripts for high school students must be complete through the 11th grade and indicate what courses you’ll take in the 12th grade or show your marks for the 12th grade. See alternate admissions requirements for homeschooled students.

If you hold an equivalency diploma, the official test scores must be submitted. You must have met all the requirements for a high school diploma or an equivalency diploma to enroll at CIA.

If you have matriculated in a college-level degree program and have completed the equivalent of 24 or more credits—including math and English—you may not be required to submit a high school transcript.

For applicants with foreign (non-US) transcripts: We require academic transcripts to be sent to us in English, and SpanTran is our recommended translation service. If you need to have your transcript translated into English, you can request their service here: SpanTran Translations Application.

Additionally, while Foreign Credential and Transcript Evaluation is not required for your CIA application, SpanTran offers this service as well. If you wish to have your transcript evaluated by an external provider (optional) and sent to the CIA Admissions Office, you can access their application here at a discounted rate: SpanTran Application.

Essay

If you did not submit as part of your Common App or initial submission, you can submit via your CIA application status portal. Need help? Check out our blog post: Tips for Writing Your CIA Application Essay.

Additional Supporting Documentation

Letter Recommendation

Students may qualify for a one-time, $1,000 CIA Alumni Referral Scholarship by submitting a letter from a CIA graduate encouraging them to enroll. In certain cases, Admissions may request a letter of recommendation to strengthen your application. You can add recommenders via your CIA application status portal.

CIA video title: Culinary Institute of America, How to Apply: Personal Recommendation.

SAT/ACT Scores are Optional

Résumé

CIA may request—or you may choose to provide—a résumé.

View additional admission requirements for international students and homeschooled students.

Track Your Application’s Status

Your CIA application status portal will allow you to track and upload application materials. You’ll also find contact information for your personal admissions counselor who is available to support you during the application process.