The selection committee selects students on a competitive basis, based on the contents of their application. The strongest applicant has demonstrated scholastic achievement, participated in relevant work, volunteer and elective experiences, is an effective communicator, shows an ability to work cooperatively with others, and has some leadership experience.

The following selection criteria are considered and listed in order of importance below:

Academics

A strong applicant is one who has done well in both professional nutrition courses and general science courses with a minimum Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) GPA of 3.0. Particular attention is paid to upper division nutrition (advanced nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition and the lifecycle) and science (anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry) courses.

Essay Questions

Applicant's responses to the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services (DICAS) Personal Statement and UC Davis Health Addendum Questions are reviewed. Strong responses:

  • Address all components of the questions
  • Include specific examples
  • Highlight your skills and suitability for the program, including leadership skills, ability to work with others, problem solve and critically think.

Letters of Recommendation

DICAS requires three letters of recommendation in your application. Your letters of recommendation should be from those who know you well enough to comment on your strengths, your achievements and those qualities that will make you successful. UC Davis Health Dietetic Internship requires at least one letter from a work or volunteer supervisor and at least one letter from an academic reference (professor, academic advisor). The third letter can be either a supervisor or academic reference.

Work and Volunteer Experience

Work experience related to nutrition or foodservice is a plus, but is not mandatory. Valued work experience is that which gives a student responsibility, time management, problem solving, ability to work with others and leadership skills.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities that demonstrate your individual strengths, especially those that highlight time management skills, ability to problem solve and collaborate with others will be considered.

Interviews

Interviews with top candidates will be held in late February prior to the offer deadline. Strong interview candidates demonstrate effective communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

The UC Davis Health Dietetic Internship, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and university policy, prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any individual employed by or seeking employment with the University because of actual or perceived race, religion, color, citizenship, national or ethnic origin (including caste and actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics or citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity) , sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (including having a history of a disability or being regarded as disabled), medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), or predisposing genetic information (including family history), or veteran or military status. This prohibition also applies to discrimination or harassment because of a combination of the foregoing Protected Categories or based on an individual’s association or relationship with an individual or individuals who are, or who are perceived to be, within a Protected Category.