Posted by Chef Dave Vincent on February 01, 1999 at 10:55:25:
In Reply to: community college first then an institute? posted by Eica Rohnert on January 27, 1999 at 21:31:58:
: I live near Detroit, Michigan, and there is a good culinary program at a community college near by. I was thinking about getting an associates degree there, and then going to an institute and study to become a pastry chef. I want to know if that is a good idea. Also, how long would it take to study at an institute to become a pastry chef, and what ones would you reccommend?
One of the most important things to consider is how deep are your pockets? As a graduate of a junior college in California that specilizes in the culinary arts I would HIGHLY recomend you attending the J.C., but if you only want to specilize in baking your money would be better spent going to a school such as Johnson and Wales.
The price difference between the 2 types of schools is vast. At a J.C. you will spend about $1500 with books for 2 - 3 years of education: at a culinary school it is upwards of $20,000 plus on the average. Again it all depends how serious you are about the field and where you want to go with it.
One more note - the National Resturant Association offers a certificate program and scolarship programs. This is a national standard that is used by ALL culinary schools, the tests come out of Washington and are the same NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO TO SCHOOL. This makes the J.C. program an execllent program if you are not sure about your future in the field. The bottom line though is reasurch the schools and don't be afraid to ask for a tour of the facilities, ask to sit in on a couple classes, take the position that you are interviewing them (just as a business would if you were applying for work)after all it is a life choice that you will have to live with.
Good Luck, Chef Dave Vincent