DICAS applications can be tricky and full of mistakes. Follow our guidelines so you can submit your best application and land the DI of your dreams.
It’s getting real now. It is time to dominate DICAS…
It’s Week 5 (of 6) of the DICAS Challenge!
HERE IS THE DICAS CHALLENGE CALENDAR
Today- Supplemental Forms
Complete any additional paperwork such as a different essay, preceptor agreements, application agreement from the program, or a link to your portfolio. These are either mailed, or we will upload these when completing the Program Designations section of DICAS. The program’s website will tell you exactly how to handle these.
Then, write and send checks with a form (depending on the program) or a cover letter. Include a cover letter if no other materials are required. Note that some programs allow you to pay online.
Here is a sample cover letter for when you are sending application fees.
If you are nervous that your fees will not get there, you can send by priority mail and get tracking to ensure they received it. Otherwise, set a reminder to check your bank account and see when the check is cashed.
You do not need to wait to send these—send them ASAP, assuming you are applying there! You don’t have to wait until you e-submit.
Saturday- Program Designations
In the Program Designation section, add each program by searching the database and finding the right program to add to your portal. If you need to apply to one program because of an early deadline, only add one program. You can go back and add others later.
Within the program designations section, for each program, there is a spot for:
- Supplemental Info
- Add/Edit Personal Statement
- Add/Edit References
For Supplemental Info, you will upload any additional requirements that the program is asking for. You mustn’t add anything that was not explicitly requested. For example, I know some applicants who sent photos, sample recipes, and more, even though this was not a part of the application process. It is best only to give them what they ask for. Otherwise, it will look like you are not following instructions.
For Add/Edit Personal Statement, assign the corresponding personal statement. Because you named them with the program name as you were adding them, this should be pretty simple!
For Add/Edit References, for each program, assign the references according to your reference game plan and the program’s requirements. Remember that you can use up to 4 but only assign the requested ones by the program. Many applicants will ask if they should do a 4th one just for “extra” help, but I think directors can misinterpret that as not following directions, so I don’t suggest you do that.
Sunday- DICAS completed!
By Sunday, DICAS should be complete, but don’t e-submit yet!
With no distractions, meticulously review your DICAS application online. Then, print out the formatted version of the application (found under Program Designations) and view this form. Just by changing the landscape and format, your eyeballs may catch errors they didn’t see before!
As you start to fill out DICAS, use this checklist to avoid the common mistakes:
If you have questions, schedule your free call with Jenny!
Jenny
P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Join Get Matched Coaching for personalized advice that will help you gain confidence and clarity to land the dietetic internship of your dreams!
