Application Insider

Episode 19: 3 Answers to YOUR Personal Statement Questions

IN THIS EPISODE

Today I’m talking about the personal statement. Specifically, I’m going to share my answers to questions you – or dietetics students just like you – have actually asked me. I’ve got some clips of Q&A sessions from some of the Live Personal Statement Workshops I’ve held. On this episode’s release date, we are 68 days away from the Spring 2021 Match Deadline. January is the last time this Workshop will be offered before then.

In the live Workshops, I give dietetics students the guidance they need to write their personal statement in as little as 4 weeks. I only have a few live Workshops during the year, and the next one is going to be January 4-29, 2021. So, in preparation for that, I thought I’d share a little of what it’s like to be in the Workshop.

Workshop members also get to work directly with me. We have live Q&A sessions each week so you can ask the questions that come up during your own writing process. That way, you can get customized guidance that is specific to your situation, and what you want to share with directors. On this episode’s release date, we are 68 days away from the Spring 2021 Match Deadline. January is the last time this Workshop will be offered before then.

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 questions I’ve answered in the Workshop:

1. Why shouldn't I use lack of clinical experience as a weakness?

2. Which responses do I change to make it specific to different programs?

3. Can I use the program's RD exam pass rate as a reason I chose to apply there?

YOUR ACTION STEP

First of all, use this information while you’re writing your own personal statement! Whether or not you join the Workshop, this info likely applies in some way to what you’re putting together for your application.

Second, if you’re not sure about the Workshop being a good fit for you, add your name to the waitlist so you can read through all the info about it when registration opens. That way, you’re giving yourself every opportunity to find guidance you can use.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode Show Notes + Q&A video: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep19

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

Episode 18: 5 DICAS Mistakes to Avoid

IN THIS EPISODE

Today's topic was submitted by a listening Insider: Common DICAS mistakes and how to avoid them! As this episode comes out, DICAS has just opened for the Spring 2021 Match, so it’s a great time to not only get started on your application, but to make sure you don’t make any of these mistakes as you got through it. Seeing errors like these on applications show that the applicant missed important information, didn’t pay attention to necessary details, or isn’t fully interested in this program.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 mistakes I have actually seen on DICAS applications and how you avoid making these same errors:

1. Not meeting a program’s minimum admission requirements

2. Mis-entering your coursework details

3. Leaving stuff out of your work/volunteer section

4. Personal statement isn’t tailored to the program

5. Submitting your application late

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 18 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep18

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

Get the GPA + Coursework Review: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/spotlight-gpa-coursework

Get one-on-one guidance with the Resume + Experience Review: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/spotlight-resume-experience

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

Episode 17: Montana State Dietetic Internship

IN THIS EPISODE

I got to talk to the entire team at the Montana State Dietetic Internship and it was such a great conversation. Montana State has a lot to offer in the way of paving the way as the first program with a sustainability emphasis, using two states to provide hands-on learning for their interns, and providing an online master’s program.

On this episode, we have Coleen Kaiser, director; Anna Diffenderfer, assistant director and sustainable food systems lead; Kelan Sarnoff, assistant director and online MS program coordinator; Tracee Hume, administrative coordinator; and Riley O’Connor, internship alumna and current online MS student.

In this episode, we’re talking about how the Montana Dietetic internship creates a setting that is a good fit for interns, and how you can prepare a stand-out application whether you submit to them, or another program:

1. How the MDI’s emphasis of sustainable food systems is helping them produce leaders in the dietetics field

2. The importance of learning as much as you can about a program as you prepare to apply

3. Tips on how you can show the program you are a good fit for them

YOUR ACTION STEP(S)

• Find out about the program(s) you want to apply to

• Learn about the emphasis to make sure you’re interested

• Consider a combined MS + DI program to save time and money

• Attend the open house!

• Start your application early

Episode 16: Let’s Talk GPA

IN THIS EPISODE

Who knew that a small handful of numbers – your DPD GPAs – might be the source of so many questions when it comes to your dietetic internship application? Like all parts of your application, this is important. Your GPA is something programs will be looking at and comparing to criteria as they review your application.

In this episode, we’re talking about how your GPA might be considered as a part of the whole. I’m sharing my director’s perspective about how you can get ahead of the game with your GPA if you have any concerns

1. Is the focus on GPA warranted? (spoiler alert: Nicole gets on a soapbox…)

2. Do I have to talk about my GPA in my personal statement?

3. If I have a 4.0 GPA, what else do I need?

YOUR ACTION STEP

Check out the links in the show notes. Get the Application Insider DPD GPA Calculator (for free!) to make sure you know your GPA, even before you enter all your grades and coursework into DICAS. Then, if you have concerns, start a conversation with directors to get their input on how you can best prepare a stand out application to send their way.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 16 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep16

Get your FREE DPD GPA Calculator: https://mailchi.mp/026bb7ee3a56/dpd-gpa-calculator

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

Episode 15: Debra Wein, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Internship Director

IN THIS EPISODE

What a treat to talk with Debra Wein, the director of the Wellness Workdays Dietetic internship. Wellness Workdays has a strong commitment to their interns and their alumni, which I really loved hearing Debra talk about. That is definitely the type of support I know many future dietetic interns are looking for. Wellness Workdays is all about providing what their interns need to be successful.

In this episode, we’re talking about how the Wellness Workdays Dietetic internship supports their interns and alumni, and how you can prepare a stand-out application whether you submit to WWDI, or another program:

1. How WWDI came to be and created a space as an independent internship

2. Tips for finding preceptors if you apply to WWDI, since it’s a distance program

3. The WWDI network that includes both interns and alumni

YOUR ACTION STEP

Debra’s advice for Insiders is to narrow down the internships you’re interested in, then dive deep into those organizations. Understand their philosophy and how it aligns with your own. Find out how their rotations breakdown and if it goes along with your goals. Solidify your alignment with the programs you want to align to so you can increase your chances of matching.

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 15 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep15

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

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Wellness Workdays Dietetic Internship: https://www.wellnessworkdays.com/wwdi

WWDI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessworkdays/

WWDI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/wwdi/

WWDI on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wllnswrkdys

WWDI on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellnessWorkdays/

Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/NaDcoY4tkBE

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

Episode 14: Dianne Killebrew, Director, and Dana DeVore, Intern, Vanderbilt Dietetic Internship

IN THIS EPISODE

This is one of the most requested director interviews! Dianne Killebrew is the director of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Dietetic Internship, located in Nashville, Tennessee. Also, with us is Dana DeVore, a current Vanderbilt intern, who used some Application Insider tools when she applied in the Spring 2020 Match.

In this episode, we’re talking about what Vanderbilt has to offer interns, and how you can prepare yourself for your internship, whether or not you apply to Vanderbilt:

1. Some great tips for preparing your references

2. How innovation and creativity play a role in your own career

3. The importance of “flexing on the fly”

YOUR ACTION STEP

Dianne’s advice is to keep an open mind to the possibilities your dietetics career has to offer, and what you can do to create a fulfilling pathway for yourself. Dana’s advice is to find the takeaways from any opportunity you’ve had, whether or not it’s specifically nutrition-related.”

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SHOW NOTES

Episode 14 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep14

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

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Vanderbilt Dietetic Internship: https://www.vumc.org/DieteticInternship/

Dana DeVore on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dana.d.213/

Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/TTG9cgO2pCM

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

Episode 13: What if You Don’t Match?

IN THIS EPISODE

With a Match rate of 65%, there is some very real anxiety going into the match for a dietetic internship. Every match cycle is going to leave some applicants without an internship placement. Knowing what the process looks like, the timeline for things going on, and the options available to choose from if you don’t get a match, can be really helpful in what could be a stressful situation.

In this episode, I’m covering 3 important elements that applicants who don’t get a match will want to include in their considerations:

1. The timeline of events for the days after the Match

2. Details about second round applications, ISPP options, and waiting to reapply

3. Actions you can take to be ready for whatever alternative application step will be right for you

YOUR ACTION STEP

Prepare yourself for any outcome. Think through, if you don’t get a match, whether or not you want to be involved in Second Round or look into ISPPs, or if waiting for a future match cycle would be a better fit. There’s not right answer to that, each person will be different, but thinking through options before the moment they come up can lead to more confidence in your decision simply by being aware of what each choice would mean for you.

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Episode 13 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep13

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

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Full DICAS Application Review: https://applicationinsider.co/application-services-all/spotlight-full-dicas

Free 20-Minute Brainstorm Call: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=10706422&owner=17978244

Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/TTG9cgO2pCM

Fall 2020 Matching Calendar: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/program-directors/dietetic-internship-match-program-directors

Accredited Programs List: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/accredited-programs-directory

Matching Statistics: https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/acend/program-directors/dietetic-internship-match-for-directors/1993-2019-comptr-mtchg-stats-chart.pdf?la=en&hash=52F5CEB4C8E450409E41FDF4CF9E7E67DB98CDE7

Episode 12: Changes for the Spring 2021 Match

IN THIS EPISODE

Recently some information came through the NDEP Listserv about updates that will be made for the Spring 2021 Match. I’m passing on that information in case anyone misses hearing it from their DPD director or another source.

In this episode, I’m covering 3 updates that will be in place for the Spring 2021 Match:

1. Reminder of COVID-19 related adjustments for entering coursework

2. Information about an increase in DICAS application fees

3. Notification day moving from Sunday to Monday

YOUR ACTION STEP

Plan accordingly for your Match. Download the calendar and put reminders in your phone. Plan ahead for those DICAS and other application fees so you’re less likely to be surprised by something that comes up. Pass this info on to someone else who can benefit from it!

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Episode 12 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep12

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

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Episode 06: COVID-19 Updates for Entering Courses: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep06

Spring 2021 Matching Calendar: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/program-directors/dietetic-internship-match-program-directors

The Days After the Dietetic Internship Match [video]: https://youtu.be/TTG9cgO2pCM

Episode 11: Instagram Live Q&A Replay

IN THIS EPISODE

This is a replay of a Live Q&A I hosted on Instagram a few weeks ago, just before the Fall 2020 application deadline. We covered several parts of the application, a bit about the match, and some of the numbers to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to apply

In this episode, there’s no one application topic, but a lot of tidbits to help you submit an application that will stand out:

1. How to document things like membership, attending conferences, and other experience items on your application

2. What career changers can highlight as they apply to an internship

3. A discussion about “how many programs should I apply to?”

YOUR ACTION STEP

Keep asking questions! I’ll continue to host live Q&A sessions on Instagram, so stay tuned so you can attend the next one.

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Episode 11 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep11

Watch the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/IFfHlHVknTY

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

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The Matching Algorithm Explained: https://youtu.be/awK7w9zgMG0

Episode 3: Programs vs. Spots: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/ep03

Schedule your FREE 20-minute Brainstorm Call: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=10706422&owner=17978244

Episode 10: Interview with Leslie Ballard, North Oaks Medical Center Dietetic Internship Director

IN THIS EPISODE

This is the first in a series of DI director interviews. Leslie Ballard is the director of the North Oaks Medical Center Dietetic Internship, located in Hammond, Louisiana. I contacted her for an interview after one of the students I worked with in Spring 2020 Matched to North Oaks, which was her #1 choice!

In this episode, we’re talking about what makes North Oaks unique from other internships, and how you can create a strong application – whether you apply to North Oaks or another program.

1. How reaching out to directors can help you stand out in a good way

2. What to highlight on your application – without feeling like you’re “bragging”

3. A reminder of all the people in your corner, rooting for your success

YOUR ACTION STEP

Leslie’s advice to students is to relax, and always put your best foot forward. You have people around you to help every step of the way, and you’re more prepared than you think you are for this phase of your education, and a good attitude can also smooth your transition into your dietetics career.

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Episode 10 Show Notes: applicationinsider.co/podcast-source/10

Submit your questions to be answered or a DI Director Interview you’d like to hear on the Application Insider Podcast: https://applicationinsider.co/podcast

Find more dietetics tips and guidance at applicationinsider.co

Follow along on Instagram @applicationinsider

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North Oaks Medical Center Dietetic Internship + contact Leslie: https://www.northoaks.org/your-health-system/join-our-team/dietetic-internships/

This episode is also a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/y-vHPaLMQkM

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