Application Insider

Episode 29: Thinking About Second Round

IN THIS EPISODE

It’s important to know what your options are if you don’t get a match on Match Day. Second Round is the first option you’ll have available to you, and things can happen fast. So today I’m going to talk about Second Round: timelines, the process, and tips in case that’s something you get to do.

Here are some things I cover in this episode:

1. Your options if you do not get a Match

2. The timelines for Second Round

3. What to include in your Second Round application and strategy

YOUR ACTION STEP

Get the calendar for your match and make note of these dates and times. Make a preliminary decision right now of what you think you’ll do if you don’t get an algorithm match. You can certainly always change your mind in a couple of weeks when the Match results are official. But if you take time to think through the potential pros and cons of each option now – second round or waiting, or whatever – you’ll be better prepared to make the official decision if that time comes. As part of that, start looking at program websites to get an idea of what an update to your application might look like and what it will take to make those changes.

With this Insider insight, your application is sure to stand out!

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 29 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep29

Get your #myDImatch cards to celebrate your Match results!

Get the replay of my Matching + Algorithm Webinar: https://mailchi.mp/8e2ec94ef4fc/xjixe3nyki

Second Round Q&A on IGTV: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMiljq-KdDV/

Get the calendar for your Match: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/dietetic-internship-match-students

Schedule a Second-Round Ask Me Anything Call: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/ask-me-anything

Get a review of your Second Round Personal Statement: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/spotlight-personal-statement

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Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

Schedule your FREE 20-minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://applicationinsider.co/brainstorm-call

Episode 28: I Matched! What’s Next?

IN THIS EPISODE

I want you to feel just as prepared for your match results to come out as you did when you hit submit to send your DICAS application on its way. Is it strange to “prepare” to get your Match results? Maybe. But when you get a match, don’t you want to know what you’ll need to do first as a brand new dietetic intern? Of course, you do, especially because it will help you start your internship on the right foot!

It’s important to know a little of what to expect, and I’m hoping to give you a heads up with this episode.

Here are some things I cover in this episode:

1. What you’ll need to do on Match day and the day after

2. Example of how internships can offer spots after the match, and before second round

3. Some things you can expect to be asked for from your new dietetic internship

YOUR ACTION STEP

Get the calendar for your match and make note of what you need to do and by when after you get your match results. Then, check out the show notes to get the link for the Matching + Algorithm webinar so you can be ready to rank programs, and to get your #myDImatch card so you’ll be ready to share.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 28 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep28

Get your #myDImatch cards to celebrate your Match results!: https://applicationinsider.co/cards

Get the replay of my Matching + Algorithm Webinar: https://mailchi.mp/8e2ec94ef4fc/xjixe3nyki

Get the calendar for your Match: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/dietetic-internship-match-students

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Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at https://applicationinsider.co/

Follow along on Instagram https://instagram.com/applicationinsider

Schedule your FREE 20-minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://applicationinsider.co/brainstorm-call

Episode 27: What Happens After You Hit Submit?

IN THIS EPISODE

We’re just a few days away from the Spring 2021 Match application deadline. Some of you have already hit submit, others are rapidly polishing your applications and getting ready to send them off. Either way, you’re looking ahead at a few weeks of waiting … just waiting … for the Match results to come out in early April. And you might be wondering: what is happening on the other side of DICAS and D&D Digital??

Well, I’ve been there. For 6 years, I was on the other side, and I’m going to tell you everything that is going on over at the programs that have received your applications.

Here are some things I cover in this episode:

1. The timeframe you have between hitting submit and getting your Match results

2. What’s happening on the internship side

3. How you can fill the time while you’re waiting for Match Day

YOUR ACTION STEP

First off, finish up your application and hit submit to send it off. Then, be sure to see if any programs you applied to have anything going on between the application deadline and the match, such as interviews. Finally, keep doing what you’re doing, so when you get your match results, you will be ready for what’s coming, with continued experience and involvement in your courses. It’s all part of you getting to the next step in your dietetics career.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 27 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep27

Get your #DICAScomplete cards to celebrate when you hit submit!

Share your own DICAS Application Experience in this survey: https://applicationinsider.co/post-submission-survey

Watch the video of What Directors See in DICAS: https://youtu.be/Y_9W-amAws0

Prepare your Interview Answers (free download!): https://applicationinsider.co/blog/prepare-interview-answers

Watch the video explanation of the Matching Algorithm: https://youtu.be/awK7w9zgMG0

Get the calendar for your Match: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/dietetic-internship-match-students

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Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at https://applicationinsider.co/

Follow along on Instagram https://instagram.com/applicationinsider

Schedule your FREE 20-minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://applicationinsider.co/brainstorm-call

Episode 26: Personal Statement Word Count Tips

IN THIS EPISODE

With the Spring 2021 Match deadline now less than 2 weeks away, I’m sharing some tips you can use as you’re whittling down your personal statement to keep it within the 1000 word limit. I have personally used all of these techniques as I have worked with students to make their personal statements stand out. This doesn’t mean that every personal statement needs every one of these tips, but it does mean that if you’re worried about word count, some of these are bound to be helpful.

Here are the tips that can help you cut down on some words covered in this Q&A:

1. Narrow down which experiences you share

2. Cut out details that aren’t absolutely necessary for the story

3. Look for sentences you can shorten and combine

4. Be sure to follow up general sentences with specific sentences

5. Check for short words or phrases you might not need after all

YOUR ACTION STEP

Check what your personal statement word count is right now If you are already at 1000 words or less, kudos! Double check that you’ve got full responses to all the questions and get ready to submit. If you’re over 1000, take note of how many words you need to remove. Then read it again with each of these categories in mind. Read it for details to see if you might have some extra you can take out. Then read it slowly, 2-3 sentences at a time, checking for options to shorten and combine. Finally, use that ctrl + F function to pick out words or phrases that you might be able to revise.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 26 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep26

Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

Schedule your FREE 20-minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://applicationinsider.co/brainstorm-call

Watch the video of What Directors See in DICAS: https://youtu.be/Y_9W-amAws0

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Get the Personal Statement Self-Guided Course: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/personal-statement-course

Download the Personal Statement Sample Pack: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/personal-statement-sample-pack

Schedule a 40-Minute Ask Me Anything Call with Nicole: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/ask-me-anything

Episode 25: What is YOUR DICAS Deadline? [replay]

IN THIS EPISODE

The Application deadlines for the Fall and Spring Match are always set ahead of time: Sept 25 for Fall Match, and February 15 for Spring Match. When you’re working on your application, that deadline can feel pretty daunting as it gets closer. My suggestion is that you actually set your OWN application deadline, and make it even earlier.

In this episode, we’re talking about why setting your own deadline makes sense, even thought that means shortening even by just a day or two, the amount of time you have to work on your application. Here are some important things we’ll discuss:

1. Making sure you know what else is going on around the same time as the application deadline.

2. What absolutely must be complete for you to be able to hit submit – and what you actually don’t need to wait for.

3. How to meet your own deadline and rest easy that your DICAS application is on its way.

YOUR ACTION STEP

Set a reminder in your phone or write into your calendar that your own application deadline is now at least 2 days ahead! Plan to get everything completed by then. Know that when that day comes around, you will be ready to hit submit – or still have a bit of a buffer to make up time if you really do need it.

__________

Schedule your Ask Me Anything call: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/ask-me-anything

Application Match Calendars: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/dietetic-internship-match-students

__________

Episode 25 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep25

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/jdisW_FsYlg

Episode 24: Post-Webinar Q&A

IN THIS EPISODE

At the end of Episode 22, when I shared the webinar I did with the Dominican University SNDA, I left a little cliffhanger about a Q&A … and here it is! This is the live Q&A I did with those students. They had some really great questions and we talked about a lot of things. I hope you find something that will help you in your dietetics journey.

Here are the topics covered in this Q&A:

1. Finding mentors, for grad school or in general

2. Writing about weaknesses in your personal statement

3. A few things about ISPP programs

4. Questions you can ask directors

5. Qualities of stand-out dietetic interns

YOUR ACTION STEP

If anything in this episode was useful to you, act on it! Whether that’s finding a mentor, joining a Facebook group to find support and add to your network, or sending a brief email to a director, get it done. By taking that step, you’ll be that much closer to your goal of being a strong intern, your dietetics career, and the people who can help you succeed.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 24 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep24

Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/Z7nvRSLfozU

Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

Schedule your free 20-Minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://applicationinsider.co/brainstorm-call

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Schedule a webinar for your student nutrition group:

https://applicationinsider.co/webinar

The Application Insider Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ApplicationInsider/

The Registered Dietitians and Future RD's Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/registereddietitians/

The RD & RD2BE Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3135143713192598/

Application Insider Tools: https://applicationinsider.co/diy-tools

Application Insider One-on-One Guidance: https://applicationinsider.co/spotlight-assistance

Episode 23: Find and Prepare Your References

IN THIS EPISODE

References are a big part of your application, but you definitely need help to get this part done! Programs are likely to give you details about the type of number of references they way to see with your application. Make sure you know who you can ask, how to help them help you, and what they’ll need to be aware of as far as getting their part of your application done.

Here are a few things we’ll talk about in this episode:

1. Understand the type of references programs are looking for

2. Give them information they can include in their letter

3. Let them know what to expect in DICAS

YOUR ACTION STEP

If you haven’t already, now is the time to check on programs’ reference requirements, and then to reach out to those who might be willing to help you. Let them know why you’re asking them to be a reference, and what excites you about the programs you’re applying to. Let them know when you will be hitting submit so they can plan to do their part before then. The Application Prep Workbook can help you narrow down who to ask, and even includes conversation templates to make it that much easier to send and email with your request and follow up with them if needed.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 23 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep23

View screenshots of what references see: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep23

6 People to Ask for a Recommendation: https://applicationinsider.co/blog/6-people-to-ask-for-a-recommendation

Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

Schedule your free 20-Minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://applicationinsider.co/brainstorm-call

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Get the Application Prep Workbook: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/workbook

Episode 22: My RD Story

IN THIS EPISODE

Today I’m sharing a bit about my own reason for becoming a dietitian, and what my career has looked like so far. I originally shared this as a webinar with the Dominican University SNDA. They asked to hear about my dietetics journey, and share some info to help them as they prepared their applications.

Here are a few things you’ll learn about me in this episode:

1. My own education and internship experiences, plus my career path so far

2. How I set up my work week here at Application Insider

3. Some keys to success and things I wish I’d known a little earlier

YOUR ACTION STEP

I hope some of what I shared is helpful to you as you’re continuing in your dietetics education and career. Keep working on your goals and finding tools and mentors who will help you get where you want to go. Find those who support you and can share from their own experiences in ways that are meaningful for you.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 22 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep22

Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/ozUWdMxpOjY

Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at https://applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

Schedule your free 20-Minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://applicationinsider.co/brainstorm-call

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Schedule a webinar for your student nutrition group:

https://applicationinsider.co/webinar

The ULTIMATE DICAS Checklist: https://applicationinsider.co/blog/ultimate-dicas-checklist

The DPD GPA Calculator: https://applicationinsider.co/blog/gpas-of-dietetics

Application Insider Tools: https://applicationinsider.co/diy-tools

Application Insider One-on-One Guidance: https://applicationinsider.co/spotlight-assistance

Episode 21: 5 MORE DICAS Mistakes to Avoid

IN THIS EPISODE

Today’s topic is a companion to episode 18. I’m talking about 5 MORE DICAS mistakes and how to avoid them. These are mistakes I have actually seen on applications. Not all of these mistakes mean that you’ll immediately be disqualified or out of the running for a match, but you still don’t want to make these errors. Seeing these errors on applications show that the applicant missed important information, didn’t pay attention to necessary details, or isn’t fully interested in this program.

Avoid making these mistakes on your own DICAS application:

1. Not understanding the program emphasis

2. Email address is not easy to read

3. Personal statement is too long or too short

4. Including too many references

5. Missing program-specific instructions

YOUR ACTION STEP

Consider if one of these errors might be more likely for you than the others, and make a plan to prevent it at all costs. If any programs you are interested in have admission requirements you need to meet, write them all down and make sure you meet them, or note the questions you need to ask them about. If deadlines always sneak up on you, put benchmark alarms in your phone or on your calendar to help keep you moving.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 21 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep21

Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

Schedule your free 20-Minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=10706422&owner=17978244

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Download the Application Prep Workbook: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/workbook

Register for the Personal Statement Workshop: https://applicationinsider.co/personal-statement-workshop

Get one-on-one guidance with the Full DICAS Application Review: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/spotlight-full-dicas

Register for the Personal Statement Self-Guided Course: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/personal-statement-course

Episode 20: Entering Your Experience in DICAS

IN THIS EPISODE

Today's topic was submitted by a listening Insider: The exact question was, “I was wondering if you could cover the topic of how to present your volunteer, extracurricular activities, etc., in that portion of DICAS.” So, let’s talk about this part of your DICAS application!

In this episode, I’m sharing insights on what to include in the “Awards, Experience & Volunteer Activities” section of DICAS. You’ll find there are quite a few things you can add to this section. We’re talking about:

1. Understanding what goes where

2. How to organize the info and details you enter

3. Making each entry clear and confident

YOUR ACTION STEP

Open this section of DICAS and read the instructions. Get the Application Prep Workbook to keep track of all the details you need to add. Or, make your own list of awards, certifications, conferences, memberships, and all the work, volunteer, and academic credit positions you’ve held.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep20

Submit your questions to be answered on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

Schedule your free 20-Minute Brainstorm Call with Nicole: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=10706422&owner=17978244

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Get on the Personal Statement Workshop Waitlist: https://applicationinsider.co/personal-statement-workshop

Download the Application Prep Workbook: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/workbook

Get One-on-One Guidance on your Resume + Experience: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/spotlight-resume-experience