Pastry Schools

Overview

Pastry schools refer to those schools, colleges, or universities that prepare students to become an ace bakers or pastry chefs. A pastry school usually forms a part of culinary schools. These schools offer four-year bachelor degrees or two-year associate degrees.

Benefits

Baking a terrific cake or a perfect bread loaf is only the first step in a culinary career. The real benefit of getting into a pastry school lies in the increased earning power. Graduates with an associate degree can expect to earn significantly more in the culinary industry than job seekers who have only a high school diploma. Such graduates will also be able to serve in all areas of the pastry and baking industry. Some graduates from top colleges go on to become world-famous chefs.

Costs

The major cost is the normal tuition fee that is associated with a college or technical school. Pastry schools are supposed to be specialized schools that offer exclusive training in culinary arts or hospitality services. Private colleges usually cost substantially more than state colleges. It is seen that the cost varies widely from school to school. Students might consider spending on laptops since they prove handy for such a course. Other supplies that may have to be bought include white chef coats, specific kitchen utensils, and equipment.

Schools

Pastry programs are generally offered at two year technical schools and community colleges. Students from these schools receive an associate degree in culinary arts.

There are also private culinary schools that offer specialty courses in pastry. Many universities offer bachelor degree programs and master degree programs. Some of the pastry schools that you might want to check out are: Notter School of Pastry Arts, the Culinary Institute of America, and the French Pastry School.

Testing & Preparation

Universities and colleges offering pastry programs require prospective students to take the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT.) They expect students to earn a minimum score for admission. These tests may be waived for students falling above a certain age limit or for students who are transferring into a four-year school with an associate degree. Most technical and business schools accept ACT and SAT scores, but may have placements tests of their own.

Financial Aid

Pastry schooling from accredited technical schools, colleges, and universities are generally eligible for financial aid. It usually comes in any of the following forms: grants, scholarships, loans, or federal student aid. Grants are usually based on the amount of financial need desired by a student. Students are not required to repay such funds. Scholarships are given based on the academic excellence or other criteria set forth by the organization or agency awarding the scholarship to students. Loans are the least desirable type of financial aid because they have to be repaid. There are many financial options available to students at the French Pastry School and the Culinary Institute of America.