The Application for enrollment into the Detroit Institute of Gastronomy requires you to submit an essay. The essay is intended to give the concierge team and idea about you and your love for the culinary arts. When writing an essay, there are a few points to remember:

  • Don’t worry about the length or word count.

  • Content is the most important item to keep in mind.

  • Writing reflects the author (you), be sure to put in your best effort!

This page is designed to help you begin your essay for the application. If you need more guidance in writing the essay, contact your concierge team member. We are here to help!

Step 1: Outline the Structure

All essays have a similar structure. When starting to write an essay, many people find it helpful to outline the structure of the essay before they begin. Use the structure below and write one sentence for each bullet point.

Introduction

  • Introduce the subject and come to the point

Body

  • The real power of your writing
  • Support your introduction
  • Provide examples
  • Detailed information

Conclusion

  • Restate your introduction (Not word for word!)
  • End the essay with a purpose

Step 2: Expand on the Outline

Once you have the outline, expand on the sentences by adding examples and supporting sentences where needed. At the end of this process, you will have written your first draft. Now is the time to read the essay and add content to ensure that it properly flows.

Step 3: Review the Draft

Now that you have an essay that flows well and meets the requirement of the content, go back through it and check the spelling and grammar to ensure that it is proper. At this point, you should be at the required word length. If not, add more content to the body by providing more examples or expanding in detail on the examples already in the body.

Step 4: Final Essay

You now have written your second draft! It is recommended at this point to save the essay and walk away. Return to it after a break and reread it, making sure that it reflects you and the requirement of the essay. If you are happy with your essay, it is time to submit! Congratulations!

Required Essay for the Application for Enrollment

Essay: Topic

650 words about why you want to be a chef or about a time you overcame an obstile. You may also write about why you are choosing a culinary apprenticship as a way to learn the culinary arts.  A structure outline follows with some examples of content that you can write about. Remember this is about you, the author of the essay.

Introduction

  • Why do you want to be in the culinary industry?

Body
Provide examples of your passion for food and cooking. Some examples may include:

  • When did you start cooking?
  • What is your favorite item to cook?
  • Who have you cooked for?
  • Where do you see yourself in the industry?
  • What will you do with your culinary education?

Conclusion

  • How will Detroit Institute of Gastronomy help you in your goals?

Video Essay: Option for Submission

Self-Recorded Video Essay for DIG Application

If you choose this option, you will record the essay by yourself and then submit a link for video review. We are interested in your manner of speech, essay content and personality. Your video must be an unedited single-take recording. However, the advantage of a self-recorded video essay is that you can reshoot it as many times as needed and upload the best one.

Video Essay Guidelines

Feel free to use the following tips and guidlines for video essay submission purposes or to go viral on YouTube and social media.

The video must include:

  • Why you want to go to school: You will have a very small window to build your hook into a case for why you belong in school. Use your introductory sentence as the basis for the lesson that set you on the course toward higher education.
  • Share your true motivation

Remember, that the Concierge Team wants to get to know you as a person to help guide your culinary career path and education. If you need additional guidance with the essay, we are here to help.