Frequently Asked Questions

What application should I use?

Please use the application provided on this website. It is slight different than the standard ADA application.

Do I need transcripts from all schools attended?

Yes. Even though many schools do include information from previous schools on their transcripts, you need to include all transcripts.

Do I have to change all courses to semester units?

No. Not all courses need to be listed or converted to semester. But be sure if you have been to both quarter and semester schools, that one format is chosen.

What courses do I list?

Please just list the Professional Science courses. These include Basic Foods and Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Advanced Nutrition, Foodservice Management, Community Nutrition, Nutrition Education, etc. You do not need to list all science classes.

What about work experience?

The form we use does ask for all work experience to be listed for the last five years. We believe that there are many transferable skills that you learned from your other jobs that make you a good candidate to our program. Do not list practicums for which you received course credit or were part of your undergraduate curriculum. Those should be listed under the courses you took.

What is the Authorization for Packet Review?

Since our screening committee is large and composed of a number of individuals, we do require you to sign the Authorization for Packet Review available on this website. This allows release of confidential information (grades, references, etc.) to the Screening Committee. This differs from the form you sign for your recommendations to be confidential. Please don’t forget our Authorization or the Committee cannot evaluate your packet.

Does everything have to be in one packet?

Yes, incomplete packets will not be accepted.

How do I know if my packet is complete?

There is a checklist on the Application page of this website. It should help you in organizing your packet

How should I mail my application?

Do NOT use UPS or regular US mail. UPS does not postmark the packet. US mail may take up to two weeks to arrive. Certified mail does not guarantee arrival unless it is used with Express Mail or Fed Ex. By the time it gets to our program, initial screening may have been completed. Express Mail, Fed Ex or any method that guarantees arrival to us within three to four days past the postmark deadline is best.

How will I know if I am selected for an interview?

Applicants selected will be called during between February 28 and March 3 and will be given an interview time. Because of the large number of applicants we interview for our 15 positions, we only conduct interviews two days, March 28 and 29. I realize that it may be during school or finals, but, hopefully, instructors understand the importance of the interview.

If selected, how would I be assigned to a hospital?

We make every effort to place you close to your home. With the geographic range of the hospitals, this is often difficult. Interns are sometimes asked to commute to their hospitals or to their outside rotations (Public Health, Headstart, Community College, etc.) You may be expected to drive 60 miles, one way for this period of time. While this may be difficult short term, we hope you appreciate the training needed to become an RD.