Application for Culinary School: What is Needed to Attend Louisiana Culinary Institute?

Charlie Ruffolo • November 30, 2023

Finishing high school, changing careers, and pursuing new education opportunities are exciting occasions. It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of an entirely new book, all at the same time. It is also time to seriously consider what this new book will be about. The decision on what to pursue professionally is an important one, and if you have the drive, passion, and desire to become a chef, culinary school can be the perfect table of contents.   


A culinary arts degree provides the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to be a successful chef. Whether your interests lie in Advanced Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, or Hospitality and Culinary Management, the relationships you develop and networking opportunities can be just as valuable as the lessons learned.


But where do you begin? As an incoming student at Louisiana Culinary Institute, a few prerequisites go into the application process.


  1. Have proof of high school graduation or an equivalent. Acceptable forms of proof include the following: high school diploma, official high school transcript, GED/HISET documentation with scores, or an acceptable home school diploma and state home school approval letter.
  2. Complete an application and pay the non-refundable $25 application fee.
  3. Provide three references that are not related to you who can attest to your professional character.
  4. Complete a short essay (500 words maximum) explaining your desire to obtain a culinary arts degree.
  5. Complete the Louisiana Culinary Institute-developed culinary math test.
  6. Successfully pass the Wonderlic Basic Skills test. (**Required for applicants that do not have official college transcripts showing credit with a grade of ‘C’ or higher in a college-level math or English course.)
  7. Interview with the admissions panel.
  8. Provide proof of citizenship. Two forms of identification are required (birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, passport, etc.). One form must be a photo ID.


If accepted into the program, a $75 registration fee is required. 


Louisiana Culinary Institute is licensed by the State of Louisiana Board of Regents. It is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). LCI is also a member of the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA). 16-month degree programs are offered in Advanced Culinary Arts, Advanced Baking and Pastry, and Hospitality and Culinary Management. Three semesters, Fall, Spring, and Summer, are available for enrollment.


Pursuing your culinary dreams is only a few steps away.

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