Peter Kump vs FCI vs NYRS

Hello everyone. It's my first time here and this seems like a very useful and interesting forum. I just graduated from college and felt like cooking is something I would really like to do. So, I am looking for a good cooking school in NYC. I know, it's very debatable whether the cooking schools are worth their money, but I feel like I need to get some basic skills down to go out to the real world.
So, there are NY Restuarant School, Peter Kump's and French Culinary. What do you think is the best out of three? I know, NYRS and Peter Kump are both around 18 grand, and FCI is like 24 grand. Is FCI worth more to pay 6 more grand? Do you get better education or better job placement after you graduate? Or is it just the name thing?
I know some people would say, it all depends on how much time and effort you put into, and I will definitely work hard to get the most out of it.
Just wanted to get some idea on which school is good to put my money into...and gosh...it is so EXPENSIVE.
Thank you all.

[Chef David Simpson]

Hello, and welcome kimchi to cheftalk.com

I don't know how old you are but I first went to Job Corps and they paid me. you have be within 16 to 24 to get in. after I completed I got a scholership to a respective school. So it really does'nt have to do with the school you go to.It's all in your love for the art to go as far as you want to go.

good luck,
Chef David

Thank you Chef Simpson.
Can you tell me little bit more about the Job Corps? Like where I can get more information on that and stuff. I am 22 and definitely interested in program that can pay me to learn!

[Chef David Simpson]

Well of course I'll help you. OK, now, get out your phone book. Look up Job corps. in your government section of your PhB and get the 1 800- number and call. ask which one has culinary arts around your State.
there might be a waiting list so do it ASAP.
Once you get there you will get basic skills in restuarant/hotel cooking. This will take about one year. once you get your certifacate you can go home or advanced training in San Francisco. This is where the fun starts.

[This message has been edited by Chef David Simpson (edited October 17, 2000).]

[KyleW]

I have taken several recreational courses at Peter Kump's. The place is amazing. The atmosphere is very friendly and the instuctors are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I would suggest that you contact each of the schools and arrange a tour. At Kump's call 212-847-0700. You can speak with Linda at ext. 278.
KyleW

[layjo]

Welcome to the Cafe kimchi and KyleW, and thanks for supplying some inforamtion Chef David and KyleW. I've heard of these schools , but live far away from them, so i don't really know that many specifics. I've heard some very good coments from previous students. But usually you hear good comments from everyone about their school. At least from my point of listening. And yes it can be expensive so its good to do some investigating as you are doing now. Well if anybody has any more comments on these schools or suggestions of schools....detective kimchi is on the case!

Thank you everyone who gave me some good information.
Chef Simpson, thank you about the job corp. I found out that there wasn't a location close to where I am.

I have been to all three schools myself for last few days. Here is what I thought. I am just writing for whomever needs opinion on these schools later on.

NYRS is a good school if you want to get an degree on culinary arts and management rather than a certificate. I am still not sure what would be the advantage to have the degree in this field. Maybe someone can help me understand. But, it was a little crowded and the majority of students were fairly young. I wasn't too attract to the whole atmosphere of working environment. The culinary program only is about $17,500 and the person I spoke to told me that there is going to be a price increase in two weeks or something. But they got pretty good financial aid package with some grants, loans, and scholarships one can apply for.

Peter Kump's was pretty impressive. First, they occupy 3 floors in a building on 23rd st. They got the nice office and spacious kitchens. I know the looks shouldn't matter, but nicer working environment wouldn't hurt. The student to teacher ratio is about 16:1, fairly nice size. I got a chance to spoke to one of the instructors there, and like KyleW had said before, he was really enthusiastic and very helpful. They charge about same, $17,500 for the culinary arts program. However, they only offer one kind of private loan which limits the option for other financial aids.

Lastly, the french culinary institute. Yes, they have pretty impressive student-run restaurant L'Ecole. And they got like celebrity chefs on the board. They have really well structured program if you want to master classic french culinary skills. With all those perks, it should be one of best culinary schools in east coast. For this superb program, you gotta pay the price. The culinary program is $24,750. They got some financial aid, so that should help. And the class size was pretty large, about 22 students in a class with 2 instructors. And there is like 6 months wait list for the next available spot in a class! I guess, that shows how good the program is. If you got some money to spend and time to wait, this got to be the top choice for the culinary program.

So, that's what I felt after touring all three schools myself. It's solely based my own experience and situation, so if you are looking for culinary program, you should see it for yourself.

Kuku, I first wrote to ask people about these schools and now I am answering my own question...hehe.

So, guess where I am going? Well, I will let you know after I finally make my mind up.

[This message has been edited by kimchi (edited October 19, 2000).]