Content Comparison

Director:
Nancy Rindfuss, M.A., R.D.N., C.D.N.
554 White Hall
(315) 443-2269
napaul@syr.edu

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• Pay attention to directions! There may be some D.I.s that request a paper application; most do not.
• Refer to this site to access the D.I.C.A.S. (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System) Application. There are fees for each program you apply to.
• Make sure you complete each program’s requirements and application forms according to the directions (i.e. some programs require G.R.E.’s and you also have to apply to their graduate program).
• If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, i.e. grade point average, your chances of being accepted are greatly diminished.
• You will need three letters of recommendation. It is suggested that one be from your D.P.D. program director. Since most students apply at about the same time - ask your references early. Provide a resume and information about the programs you are applying to.
• The “Intent to Complete” is initiated by you and completed by the D.P.D. Program Director.
• Most supervised practice programs use a computerized matching system to select their class. You register with D & D Digital to complete this process. You rank order your preference for the programs to which you are applying. The cost for the computer matching process is ~$55.00. Be sure to follow the D & D Digital time line for the annual match dates. The deadline for the Spring match is typically February 15th of each year. There is a fee for each program you apply to in D.I.C.A.S. and a separate fee that is paid directly to the dietetic internship.
• Remember, there are two opportunities to “match”, April and November. If you find the D.I. Program on the Academy website it will tell which match process they participate with. The most popular is spring.
• Upon program completion, with the Falk College Recorder confirming your degree, a D.P.D. Verification is issued by the D.P.D. Director and mailed to you. This typically takes a few weeks after graduation. You should receive your Verification Statement by the end of July. You submit this to your D.I. director upon starting your program. You also will need to provide them with an official transcript that shows you were awarded a bachelor’s degree.

Interviewing

• Once you have applied, your application is reviewed and:
• If you meet the program’s requirements, an interview might be scheduled. If at all possible, visit the program in person. If this is not possible, ask if a telephone interview can be arranged.
• The interview provides the program the opportunity to meet you and judge how well you would “fit” into the program. It also provides you with an opportunity to see if the program “fits” your needs.
  • You might want to consider the following while reviewing the various programs:
  • How flexible is the program?
  • With what type of learning environment do you best learn? Do you need structure or do you learn better independently?
  • What are your long-term goals? How will the program help you achieve them?
  • What percentage of the students have successfully taken the registration exam?
  • Does the program help you with career placement?
  • The number of positions and the geographic location (i.e. some of the most competitive will be in the major metropolitan areas such as Boston, New York, Atlanta, and Baltimore). Consider your chances of successfully matching with a program that accepts a limited number of students, and is located in a highly desirable metropolitan area.
• If you are granted an interview, be prepared by:
  • Finding out if you are being interviewed by one person, a panel, or rotating through a series of interviews.
  • Ask how long the interview lasts
  • Are there sample questions to help you prepare?
  • Will you have the opportunity to tour the facility?
  • Will you have the opportunity to meet current students?
• On the day of the interview:
  • Arrive early
  • Wear conservative professional attire.
  • Bring your portfolio.
• The actual interview provides you with the opportunity to “sell” yourself.
  • Be clear as to why you want this particular program
  • Explain any low academic grades.
  • Describe work or volunteer experience and how the skills you learned will enhance your performance in the supervised practice.
  • Show your portfolio.
  • Some programs test the academic knowledge of the students before accepting the student.

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Sophomore

Junior

Senior

D.P.D./Nutrition Undergraduate Course Sequence - Fall 2020

Freshmen

Fall

Spring

Sophomore

Fall

Spring

Junior

Fall

Spring

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