Admission

Admission Requirements and Application Procedure

To be eligible to apply, an applicant must:

• Earn a verification statement from an accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) before the start of the program.
• Earn a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 in DPD coursework.
• Earn a graduate degree or have a plan to complete a graduate degree before the end of the internship.
• Have paid or unpaid work experience in a food and/or nutrition practice setting.
• Applicants must provide results of "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) that meet UMD required English Proficiency scores for any applicant “if English is not your native language, regardless of your citizenship” as described at:  https://www.admissions.umd.edu/apply/admission-requirements/international-applicant-requirements/english-language-proficiency.
  • While a passing TOEFL/IELTS score is the only absolute way a student can meet the English proficiency requirement, we may consider waiving the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if a student has completed one of the following – see site for full list. https://www.admissions.umd.edu/apply/admission-requirements/international-applicant-requirements/english-language-proficiency

Steps for Applying:

1. Complete DICAS online application:

• This program uses the on-line centralized internship application, DICAS. The DICAS application is now open to allow applicants to begin their application for the Spring 2023 match. The online application must be completed for our program by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15, 2023. The DICAS application fee for the first designation is $50 and $25 for each additional designation.
• When completing the online application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for each reference. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of a reference form.  Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
• Your transcripts must clearly indicate that you have either earned a graduate degree or are in the process of earning your graduate degree. If you are in the process of earning your graduate degree, you should have completed most of your degree before entering the dietetic internship. You will need to be able to demonstrate a plan for completing the graduate degree during or soon after completion of the dietetic internship. The plan should indicate how many courses you have left to complete and your timeline for completion.
• Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to:

                                          DICAS-Transcript Dept.
                                               P.O. Box 9118
                                          Watertown, MA 02472

• Applicants who apply to internships using DICAS will be asked to complete a personal statement in 1,000 words or less. Questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:

1. Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
2. What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?

• Answer two additional personal statement questions in the online DICAS supplemental section:  

1. How has your education and experience prepared you for THIS internship, i.e. Why are you applying to THIS program?
2. Provide a description of your existing information management/ computer technology skills?

• Spring 2023 match timeline details can be reviewed at the AND's Computer Matching Calendar.

2. Submit the Supplemental Application Form and application fee to the University of Maryland as described below. This form must be postmarked by February 15, 2023.

• Additional form for International Students described in application forms section of this website.
• A $40 check, made out to "University of Maryland," covering the application fee must be received by midnight on February 15, 2023 for applicant consideration. Please consider mailing this information via registered mail to assure it is received. The application fee and a self-addressed stamped post card (to notify applicant fee has been received) should be mailed to:

                                         Anyea Lovette
                                         Internship Director
                                         Department of Nutrition and Food Science
                                         University of Maryland
                                         Suite 0112 Skinner Building
                                         College Park, MD 20742

• TAKE a picture of the check before posting to the mail. Email this picture to alovette@umd.edu with the subject line of "UMD applicant - [your last name, your first name]. It is recommended that you mail your application and check no later than February 1 since mail service has recently been delayed.

3. Registering for Computer Matching

Applicants must also register online for computer matching and select dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15, 2023. There is a $65.00 computer matching fee. Please see the D&D Digital website for information.

4. Applicant Interviews

Be available, if selected, for an online interview during late February and early March.