Will I graduate with a degree or a certificate?
The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College does not have a certificate program. We offer Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Restaurant Management and Hotel Management.

How long are the programs?
The Associates Degree is comprised of six 10 week terms for a total of eighteen months. You must complete the Associates Degree before beginning the Bachelor Degree. It takes thirty-six months to complete both degrees.

What are the requirements for admission?
The admissions decision is based on the information we obtain from the following:

• High School and/or college transcript (or GED)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Essay/Goal Statement
• SAT/ACT test scores (or our in house assessment test)
• Personal interview

While all of the above pieces are important, we give the most weight to the personal interview.

Do I have to take the SATs?
While standardized tests like the SAT and ACT can provide valuable information about a prospective student, we know that they do not tell the entire story. If you did not take either of those tests or score less than 900 (combined Critical Reading and Math), we will give you our assessment test. For current high school students it is highly recommended that you take the SAT or ACT test as your test scores may qualify you for scholarship money.

Do you have financial aid?
Yes, we do offer financial aid for those who qualify. To begin the financial aid process please visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. Our Financial Aid Officers are available to meet with you, answer all of your questions and help you choose the options that make the most sense for your situation.

Who is your accrediting body?
The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

What is Financial Aid (also referred to as Student Aid)?
Financial Aid is money provided by the federal government or another entity, such as a school or a state government, to help students pay for college. The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College offers federal, state, and institutional scholarships to students who qualify. Based on eligibility, Financial Aid may cover expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, equipment, knives, and uniforms, transportation, and other educational related items.

What are the Financial Aid Programs offered at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College?
The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College offers financial aid to students who qualify for the following programs:

• Scholarships
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal ACG (Academic Competitiveness Grant)
• PHEAA State Grant and PHEAA Special Programs (Chafee / Gear Up)
• Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Parent PLUS Loan
• Private/Alternative Loans

Other types of funding:

• Veterans’ Benefits
• OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation)
• DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation)
• Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

Where Do I Begin the Financial Aid Application Process?
At the Financial Aid Office – located in Hunter Hall at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. Student and parents or student and spouse are assigned a financial aid representative who is eager to assist students navigate the financial aid application process of applying for scholarships, grants, loans, and other types of funding.

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
You can begin the financial aid application process by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – FAFSA form. The FAFSA ON THE WEB WORKSHEET is available at the Financial Aid Office of The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College or by logging onto www.fafsa.ed.gov. Upon completion of the FAFSA, you will be notified if further documentation is required for verification.

What do I need to complete the current years’ FAFSA?
You will need the following information to complete 2013/2014 FAFSA:

• Valid Social Security Number for you and your parents or spouse – if married
• Driver’s license number (if you have one)
• Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen)
• 2012 federal tax information or tax returns (including IRS W-2 information) for yourself and parents or spouse – if married
• Information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for yourself and your parents or spouse – if married

What is a WHCard?
It is an on-campus account that you set up with the college’s business office.

Where on campus can the WHCard be used?
Everywhere! You can use your WHCard for breakfast and lunch in The Market, for refreshments, pastries and snacks in The Pastry Shop, for the student dinner during Dining Around the World, for dinner in any of the college’s restaurants, for snacks and light meals in Café TRS, for any purchase in The College Store and for any student activity that might require a fee.

Does the WHCard get me a discount?
Yes! You will receive a 10% discount on most purchases in The Market, The Pastry Shop, the college’s restaurants, Dining Around the World, Café TRS, student activities and The College Store. Certain items are not discounted such as books, pre-packaged food and beverages, and pre-discounted movie tickets.

How do I establish a WHCard account?
There is no minimum required amount to open a WHCard account. You can make this payment by major credit card, check or from your financial aid package if funds are available. You can call in your order to Latasha Fletcher in the college’s business office. Ms. Fletcher is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM at 215-222-4200 extension 3025.

Can I add money to my account at any time?
Yes! You can increase your account balance at $50 increments at any time. Simply call Latasha Fletcher in the business office at 215-222-4200 extension 3025.

Is the WHCard safe?
Yes! When you use your WHCard you will be asked to also show your student photo ID or your photo driver’s license.

How much money will I want to place on my WHCard? What are some pricing guidelines?
It will depend on the number of meals you plan on having on campus. Here are some general meal prices:

• Breakfast in The Market - $4.00 to $6.00
• Lunch in The Market - $6.00 to $8.00
• Dinner during Dining Around the World - $7.50 to $9.00
• Café TRS – most items are $5.00 to $7.00

As well you may want to consider refreshments, snacks, school supplies, and student activities.

Can I cancel my WHCard at any time and receive a refund?
Yes! There is a $50.00 administrative fee to cancel an account. To receive a refund all tuition, books, equipment, uniform and housing accounts must be current. Refunds are issued by check payable to the purchaser of the WHCard. Should you have a balance of under $100.00 you will receive a gift certificate good for any purchase in the college’s restaurants, pastry shop, college store and community education classes.

What if I have additional questions?
Please contact Latasha Fletcher at 215-222-4200 extension 3025.