Selection Criteria

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:

A strong applicant is one who has done well in both professional nutrition courses and general science courses with a minimum DPD GPA of 3.0.  Particular attention is paid to upper division nutrition (advanced nutrition, MNT, nutrition and the lifecycle) and science (anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry) courses. The academic coursework must have been completed within three years from start date of the dietetic internship. 

Applicant's responses to the DICAS Personal Statement and UC Davis Medical Center 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.

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

Interviews with top candidates will be held prior to the deadline for D & D on-line reordering.  Strong interview candidates demonstrate effective communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. 

 The UC Davis Medical Center Dietetic Internship, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and university policy, prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person seeking admission to the dietetic internship on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status or age. The UC Davis Medical Center Dietetic Internship also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran or within the limits imposed by law or university policy, on the basis of citizenship.