The Dish on DICAS

Starting with the September 2010 application round, online Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services (DICAS) (http://portal.dicas.org) will be implemented for the majority of DI programs. This is very exciting for applicants because now most application materials can conveniently be uploaded online and submitted, taking away the stress of running to the post office right before it closes! Keep in mind the following:

• It is still your responsibility to figure out if the program is or is not participating in DICAS and what supplemental information the program requests.
• There will be a $40 fee for the first application and $20 for each additional application
• This application will be similar to the standard ADA application, and will also calculate your DPD GPA and Science GPA when you enter in grades.
• Transcripts will be sent to the DICAS company, Liaison, to be scanned into your online application. You will still have to mail the hard copy to the internship you are matched to.
• You can request your Declaration of Intent or Verification Statement via DICAS to your DPD director and then add your electronic signature so that it can be included in your application. A hard copy still needs to be sent after matched to a program.
• Not all programs have to participate in DICAS.
• DICAS and Computer Matching are two separate processes. You still need to register with D&D Digital if the program you are applying to participates in computer matching.

DICAS References

Three references will be submitted online by the reference. Two references will be from faculty members and one from an employer. Of course, the DI program may request something different, so always check with the program’s website and director if you are confused.

Once you confirm your references, an email is sent to them and you will be notified when the recommendation is complete. Once you receive recommendations, your application is complete and you can submit your applications through DICAS to your desired internship programs! Of note, if your reference is late, you can still submit your completed application before the deadline, and submit the late recommendation after. Phew!

DICAS Personal Statement

On the DICAS application, the personal statement should address the following four questions:

1. Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?

2. Discuss experiences that have helped prepare you for your career.

3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

4. What are your strengths or weaknesses or areas needing improvement?

There will be a 1000 word limit to this letter as well. This is approximately 1.5-2 pages, single-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font. Consider Application Letter Brainstorm coaching from All Access Internships for answering these tough questions and creating a strong letter!