Increasing the chances of being a successful applicant to a Dietetic Internship begins in the first year of college by working to obtain and maintain the best possible GPA, acquiring extensive volunteer experience, being active in student organizations and working closely with dietetics faculty. Professional behavior is a must.

The first step in the actual process of applying to dietetic internships is to carefully review the current edition of the Directory of Dietetics Programs-Accredited and Approved. The Directory is updated and published each year by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). A copy can be found outside of the Dietetic Program Director's office in room 200 of LS Dougherty and a copy is also listed in full text on the ADA website (see link above).

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How Do I Apply to Dietetic Internships?
There are two components to the application process.

First, you must request and complete application form and packages for each Dietetic Internship (DI) or Pre-professional Practice Program (AP4) for which you plan to seek admission.
The second component is the computer matching process. By mid-Novemeber Dietetics Program Directors receive computer matching information from D&D Digital Systems, the company that handles the computer matching process for ADA: you must obtain this information from your Program Director, complete, and return it to D&D. (D&D Digital Systems, Suite 301, 304 Main Street, Ames, Iowa 50010-6148, phone: 515-292-0490).
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What Is Computer Matching?
Computer matching is a matching program that serves as a clearinghouse to help applicants obtain Dietetic Internship positions of their choice and to help Dietetic Internships obtain applicants of their choice. It eliminates unfair pressures and premature decisions on and by programs to accept or reject applicants, and it eliminates unfair pressures on applicants to accept or reject an appointment into a Dietetic Internship. ADA has contracted with D & D Digital Systems to facilitate matching through a computerized process.

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How Many Programs Can I apply To?
Students may apply to as many programs as they wish. They will need to rank all programs they apply to in order of preference on a computer card they then will submit to D & D Digital. The card includes information about you, such as, name and social security number, as well as your order of preference of Dietetic Internships. The computer "reads" the information on the card and uses this information to match applicants and programs.

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Who Decides Which Individuals Are Accepted to the Program?
Each Dietetic Internship reviews its own applications and, like students, submits a priority listing of applicants to D & D Digital Systems, along with the number of positions they have to be filled. Computer matching does not change the applicant's or program's selection process, so you will not be matched to a program whose name does not appear on your priority listing.

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What Process is Used for Matching?
Before matching begins, the applicant priority lists and the Dietetic Internships lists are "cleaned." If a program does not rank an applicant, that program will be removed from the applicant's list. If an applicant does not rank a program, the applicant is removed from the program's list. Then, the matching process takes place using the applicant's prioritized list and the programs' prioritized list until all possible matches are complete. The process is explained in detail in the "Instructions to Applicants" booklet provided by D & D Digital Systems to directors of dietetics programs.

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Will I Receive More Than One Match?
No. Only one match can be given.

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If I Change My Plans, What Should I Do?
You must notify D & D Digital Systems in writing or by fax prior to the drop deadline of your decision to withdraw from the matching process. The fee will not be refunded.

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Who Pays for Computer Matching?
All costs are borne by the applicant. Applicants must pay a fee when submitting their rank order lists to the D & D Digital Systems.

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Will the Applicants or Programs Know How They Have Been Ranked by the Other?
No. All information submitted to D & D Digital Systems is kept confidential. Each applicant is given the final result of the matching. Each program is provided with the names of applicants it obtains in the match. Programs and applicants are not told how they were ranked by each other.

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Who is Responsible for Acceptance and Rejection Letters Sent to Applicants?
D & D Digital Systems sends handwritten notification of placement or lack of placement to each applicant. It also provides each program director with a list of applicants matched to its program. Applicants who receive a match are required to notify the program they have been matched with, in writing by the required date, that they accept or reject the appointment.

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What If I Do Not Get a Match?
D & D Digital Systems sends a listing of unmatched applicants who have agreed to release their names to each program following the matching. Programs may contact unmatched applicants or return to their applicant pool to fill positions after the appointment is occurred.

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How Do I Improve My Chances?
If you want to improve your chances of receiving a Dietetic Internship appointment, consider the following suggestions.

1. Select programs that are in less popular geographic regions.

Historically locations on both coasts receive proportionately more applicants than others. It can be beneficial if you apply to locations other than New York and New England.

2. Select programs that do not provide stipends and choose programs that charge fees.

Everyone would like to receive a large stipend while completing an experience program. Therefore, those that offer stipends are very competitive.

3. Select programs where you will be the only ASU graduate applying.

Compare notes with your friends, Dietetic Internships are strengthened by students from a variety of college and university settings. When you and your best friend apply to the same place, you are competing against each other. Rarely does a program accept two students from the same school for the same class of interns.

After you have identified programs you wish to consider, write a brief letter to the program director requesting current application materials. You may apply to as many supervised practice programs as you wish, but preparing each application takes considerable time and involves expenses.
a) Fees for copies of transcripts
b) Nonrefundable application fees
c) Fees to take exams such as the graduate record exam (GRE)
d) Duplication costs
e) Postage for registered mail to notify you when applications are received.

Recent experience has shown that you should expect to spend at least $125 for every three applications.

As soon as you receive application materials,

Read all parts very carefully.
Identify everything that must be done and when it must be accomplished.
Allow yourself and others ample time to do a totally professional job in preparing the application. These materials are usually your only opportunity to sell yourself.
Follow all directions carefully. If a program does not specify complete directions (for example, whether the letter of application is to be typed or handwritten), you are expected to make a decision. You may call the program director for clarification but usually type all materials.
Give careful thought to your letter of application and/or resume (Link to resume writing). Discuss your interests in dietetics, goals, and what you have gained from courses, work experience, community campus involvement, etc. Add to rather than just duplicate information the reviewers will read in your application.
Answer all questions and include all information requested in appropriate detail.
The content of the letter of application is to be your work. Do not ask anyone else to write it for you. The best letter is one you introduce yourself in your own way. The letter must be well organized, informative, grammatically correct and professional in content and appearance. All applicants should seek assistance from the ASU Writing Center.

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Letters of Recommendation
Ask faculty, supervisors, advisors, and employers for recommendations as directed in each application packet. Be sure you communicate fully and personally with those you ask to write a recommendation for you. If there are forms to be completed, envelopes required, waivers to be signed, or if specific points are to be addressed, be sure to indicate these facts to the person writing the recommendation. Do not leave faculty to guess what it is that you want and need from them.

Letters should be requested well in advance of the time they are needed. All letters for fall internships that are requested from ASU faculty must be requested before the second week in December. Otherwise, faculty will likely be unable to give the attention needed to such an important document. Also, faculty usually need a copy of your resume for use in writing recommendations. Some faculty will require additional information. Prepare envelopes, headings, forms, etc. very neatly and carefully. Be sure titles are correct and names spelled properly. Remember: All materials you submit represent you. Remember to thank those who have been kind enough to assist you in this process with a thank you card. In the event that you decide not to apply to any program after receiving a faculty letter of recommendation, promptly return the unopened letter to its author.

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Transcripts
You will need a complete set of official transcripts from every college you have attended for each Dietetic Internship to which you apply. Allow at least eight weeks to receive these, especially if you are requesting transcripts from other colleges. Transcripts must be official. It is a good idea to request two or three official transcripts in addition to those that you know you must have. This allows for last minute changes or additional applications to graduate schools, scholarships, or other unanticipated needs.

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Physical Exam
A few Dietetic Internships require a physical exam before final acceptance. If one is requested, make arrangements with your physician. Most programs will require a physical after your acceptance or when you arrive for the program. Personal health enables you to do your best and to profit from your internship experiences. It is best to be straightforward about health problems or concerns that you may have. Because of the required physical exam, it is usually impossible to conceal problems.

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Interviews
Internship directors vary in their desire for a personal interview. Some directors discourage interviews but encourage group tours or attendance at open houses. Some directors feel that on-site interviews are an unnecessary expense. Others believe that some prospective students should not be greeted in person unless all can be. On the other hand, some directors encourage or even require in person or telephone interviews of finalists. Follow the lead given in the application packet. Do not insist on an interview if it seems the director is hesitant to provide this opportunity. Do take advantage of interviews, open houses or tours if permitted or invited to do so. Should you go to an open house, dress professionally and be knowledgeable concerning the program.

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Intent to Complete and Verification Forms
Currently enrolled undergraduate students applying for Dietetic Internships must obtain an Intent to Complete Form indicating the courses they will need to complete before graduating. These forms are available from the Dietetics Director. Students who already have graduated need to obtain a completed Verification Statement from the DPD Director. The DPD Director will complete required statements for you after you request the number of forms required. You will need one form for each Dietetic Internship.

Making Sure The Application Is Complete
Again, these applications are completed at an extremely busy time of year. It is important to plan ahead so that you may complete your materials in a timely fashion. Applications should be mailed at least two weeks before the deadline. First class postage is a must and registered mail is recommended. As a safeguard, make a copy of each completed packet before mailing. This allows you to quickly assemble a packet should one be lost in the mail or should you need to reapply to a program for any reason.

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Notification
Students will receive notification of their appointment status from the D&D Digital via internet site http://www.dnddigital.com on April 18th (Spring appointments) or November 14th (Fall appointments). To insure individual privacy and security, a personal login and password will be mailed to each applicant approximately two weeks before “notification day”. Notification will be either that a student was or was not matched with one Dietetic Internship. If you are matched, you must finalize acceptance to that program, via telephone or fax to the program, on or before 5:00 p.m. the day after notification (April 19th and November 15th, respectively). If you are not matched with a program, with your prior permission, your name can be given to all internship directors who have not filled their classes.

The matching/selection process is not prefect, but it is the fairest system. Nevertheless, well qualified capable students may not receive a match with a dietetic internship on their initial application. Students who are not recipients of an appointment are encouraged to reapply for the next appointment date, if they so desire. In many cases re-application indicates your sincere desire to become a Registered Dietitian, and it is looked at as strength rather than a weakness.

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Dietetic Internship Check-sheet
The following are the basic steps that need to be followed when applying for a Dietetic Internship. You are responsible for applying to internships. Failure to do so in a timely manner will prevent you from being matched. If you are planning on entering an internship, you need to begin doing these things at least 12 months before the application due dates.

    •I have obtained current application material from at least FOUR DI/AP4 programs 10 months prior to my desired     appointment date (April for Fall entry and November for Spring).

    •I have obtained information regarding the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and have applied to take the     examination. Computer based testing offers year round testing. Scores are reported immediately and sent to designated     programs within 2 weeks of test.

    •I have obtained my Deceleration of Intent to Complete or Verification Statement (Verification Statements are only     completed for individuals who have graduated) from Dr. Lisa McAnulty. This is a standardized form that is to be     completed by the DPD Director and submitted with DI/AP4 application materials.

    •I have requested references from advisor/faculty and official transcripts from ASU registrar to be sent to the programs I     will be submitting applications.

    •I have completed each application according to directions given by DI/AP4 packets and submitted each completed     application to the appropriate program Director by the program's required date. It is recommended that all applications     be sent by receipt mail for proof of mailing and delivery. Include a self-addressed stamped postcard if you want to be     notified of receipt of application by the program.

    •I have supplied telephone numbers where I can be reached on the Appointment Date (April and November).
    
    •I have obtained the D & D Digital information and mark/sense card from my DPD Director.

    •I have submitted the completed mark/sense card with my prioritized list of Internships/AP4's and matching fee ($50.00)     to D & D Digital Systems, Suite 301, 304 Main Street, Ames, Iowa 50010-6148. This has a postmark deadline of mid     February for fall entrance and late September for spring (check D & D Digital materials for exact dates) and must be     sent by Certified mail (return receipt requested); no notification of receipt will be sent by D & D. DI/AP4 priorities     should be selected carefully; no changes will be accepted. (Contact D & D Digital if certified mail receipt is not returned     within three weeks). Applicants who receive a computer match are responsible for accepting or rejecting match by     telephone fax on the appointment date (April or November).

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