Venting Steam from the DICAS Deadline Pressure Cooker
With the February 15 DICAS application deadline rapidly approaching, the tension level is palpable among senior dietetics students applying for the internship match. If you have already submitted your application packet – congratulations! If you are still putting the final touches on your application materials, here are some last-minute tips from the former director of a coordinated graduate dietetics program.
This is your opportunity to review all sections one more time.
Take a deep breath, release some pressure and let’s focus on your personal statement. This may be the most important section of your application.
How clearly have you told your story?
Does your passion for a particular area of nutrition and dietetics practice emerge from your statement?
Program directors will be looking for a meaningful connection between your selection of a clinically or community focused internship and why it speaks to you. Over the years I read many personal statements where a student was interested in community nutrition (our coordinated program concentration) because of a meaningful experience during their life. For example, working with a newly resettled refugee community on food access. Whatever your spark was, build on that connection in your statement.
Do your personal and career goals stand out?
Program directors will want to read a clearly written statement of your goals and whether their internship program concentration will be a good match (or not).
Have you written about your unique skills and qualifications that will make you a standout dietetic intern?
These can relate to your work or volunteer experience, academics, or extracurricular activities. Highlight any leadership opportunities that you have undertaken. What will you contribute to their next cohort of interns?
One last content tip. If you have a slightly lower GPA than the stated program standard (typically a minimum of a 3.0), provide details about it. Maybe you took organic chemistry and another lab science during the same semester, and you were carrying a full credit load while working part-time. Life happens; you simply need to explain the circumstances that resulted in a less than desirable GPA.
Finally, read through your entire application one more time.
Did any typos slip through on your last review? Most of us have a hard time seeing our own typos. If that is you, ask someone else to carefully read the document.
Have you used verb tense correctly? Is the grammar appropriate for a soon-to-graduate college student? All these details matter when a program director is reviewing candidate applications.
You’ve got this! Vent the pressure valve. Submit and good luck!
Are you looking for some more personalized support as you finalize your DICAS or graduate school applications? Reach out to schedule a FREE Discovery Call and let’s talk about how I can help you prepare a standout application!