Selection Criteria
The intern selection criteria is based upon the factors listed below. Our goal is to select the best students from the applicant pool who have strong academic backgrounds, effective communication skills, and success in cooperative work with others. The Selection Committee uses the following criteria when reviewing applications:
- Academics
- Work Experience
- Extra Curricular Activities
- College and Work References
- Personal Statement Essays
- Phone Interview
- Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination
Academics
Applicants will have a 3.0 minimum DPD GPA and have done well in their nutrition and general science courses. Good grades in these areas are beneficial due to the strong clinical nutrition concentration and experiences.
Work Experience
Work experience related to nutrition or food service is a benefit but is not mandatory. We value employment that demonstrates responsibility, dependability, time management, cooperation, and leadership.
Extra Curricular Activities
We will consider involvement in activities that demonstrate an ability to problem solve and collaborate with others.
College and Work References
References should include comment on personal strengths of the applicant. These include important qualities such as:
- Leadership
- Academics
- Self motivation
- Time management
- Communication
- Cooperation skills
Personal Statement Essays
The personal statement essays will address applicants' professional goals, independence, ability to collaborate, leadership skills, organizational planning and writing ability.
Phone Interview
Top ranked applicants will participate by phone interview with the Selection Committee. Applicants will be
notified mid-March for a phone interview date.
Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination
The UC San Diego Medical Center Dietetic Internship does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or age in any of our policies, procedures, or practices; nor do we discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.
International Students
International students wishing to apply must follow procedures set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for international students (“International Fact Sheet” for additional information).