So when I was first getting ready to apply for internships I had NO clue what DICAS even looked like! It's not that confusing luckily!
- The 'Tools' section allows you to change your account info such as passwords and what have you. It also lets you view the unformatted version of your application (what the internship directors see!). It's NOT perfect however since it is not in final format. This section also alerts you of New Messages. These include when a reference has been submitted or a transcript.
- The 'Application Checklist' allows you to go into each section and edit the information. When completed It will go from a white box to a yellow one. You can always go back and change information. As you can see mine are all complete except for the 'Tests" section since I did not take the GRE.
- DPD Courses are basically your core dietetic classes. This does NOT include math, electives or university requirements. Your science, nutrition classes, psych, management and computer courses are included. DICAS will calculate your DPD grade, which is what most internships look at. So depending on how well you did on these vs the non DPD can change your GPA! Mine went up around .05 only. The head of dietetics at your school should give you a list of your DPD courses to upload on to DICAS.
- References! My best advice is to ask in ADVANCE! I asked before winter break back in December and got my last one in last week. This part was very nerve racking for me, but I was assured that your department WANTS you to get an internship! If you have good grades, some extra circulars you will be golden. You must prepare a packet for them including your resume, skills checklist, and DICAS reference form. They should complete before the deadline, but make sure to stress this those such as employers whom are not familiar with the process.
- Personal Statement was the part I struggled with the most. I have never been a great writer and had to proof read it over and over! You should switch up your statement and cater it to the internship you are applying to as well. This shows them that you want their internship and aren't just sending out a generic personal statement. Start this early and work on it till its perfection! Get together with other peers and read over each others. The hardest part is keeping it within 1000 characters! The DICAS form does not allow 1001! I had to cut down so much so be careful!
- The 'Status' section allows you to view the statuses of references, and transcripts. When I first made my account nothing was complete! I just recieved my last reference a week ago so it's nice seeing 3 complete!