Pre-Dietetics

Extracurricular preparation will allow you to develop both professional competence and personal attributes essential to a career in dietetics. In addition to academic excellence, dietetic programs seek applicants who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, ethical behavior, service-oriented leadership, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others. Through extracurricular experiences, you can strengthen communication, empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while preparing to use your knowledge and abilities in service to individuals, families, and communities.

Shadowing, volunteering and community service

Shadowing, volunteering, and community service will allow you to explore the dietetics profession while developing essential interpersonal and professional skills. These experiences may take place in healthcare, community, or food- and nutrition-related settings and provide exposure to patient care, food service management, teamwork, and professional expectations.

Through these activities, you can strengthen your communication, compassion, cultural awareness, and professionalism. Many shadowing, volunteering, and community service experiences may also contribute to required observation or experience hours for dietetic program and supervised practice applications, when properly documented. These opportunities reflect BYU-Idaho’s emphasis on using professional preparation to serve others and meet real community needs.

Begin looking for these opportunities early in your education. It would be helpful to start a portfolio where you can place a record of the activities you engage in and the hours spent during your undergraduate work.

Leadership experience

Leadership experiences will help you develop confidence, responsibility, and the ability to work effectively with others. You can gain leadership experience through student organizations, nutrition or health-related clubs, campus employment, academic teams, mentoring, tutoring, church callings or community programs. These experiences build skills such as teamwork, ethical decision-making, time management, and conflict resolution. Leadership will help you to positively influence others and serve with integrity in future professional and community roles.

Research experience

Getting involved in research can help you build critical thinking and analytical skills that are important for evidence-based dietetics practice. While research experience isn’t required to get into a dietetics program, having some exposure to the research process can be helpful in many master’s programs and is often viewed positively by employers. As an undergraduate student, you may find opportunities through class projects, by assisting faculty with research, or by participating in nutrition, food science, or health-related studies. If these opportunities come up, consider taking advantage of them—they can be a great way to strengthen your skills and better prepare for graduate study and future careers.

Patient exposure

Patient exposure helps you develop empathy, professionalism, and effective communication skills in healthcare settings. Experiences that involve interacting with patients or clients—such as volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or community health programs—give you a clearer understanding of patient needs and the importance of compassionate, respectful care. These experiences can also help you feel more confident in clinical or counseling environments and better prepare you for supervised practice in dietetics.

Hobbies

While dietetics schools do not have requirements for hobbies, they are interested in well-rounded students who know how to balance work with recreation. Hobbies and interests can make your application unique to you. Some hobbies and personal interests can support preparation for a career in dietetics when they demonstrate a commitment to health, service, and lifelong learning. Activities such as cooking, physical activity, gardening, wellness advocacy, or cultural food exploration can enhance valuable skills associated with your professional interest.

A master’s degree is required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), but many dietetics programs are dropping the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement, making it increasingly optional. Be sure to check with your schools of interest to see if the GRE is required to complete the master’s degree and Internship.

Applying for Dietetics Programs: What Students Need to Know

Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) requires completing an ACEND-accredited dietetics program. Depending on your pathway, you may apply to a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), a master’s program with a supervised practice component, or a coordinated program/internship. Requirements will vary depending on the school and the type of program you are applying to.

Applications are competitive and typically require academic preparation, careful program selection, and submission of materials such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Starting early and staying organized are key to success.

Dietetic supervised practice programs use DICAS (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service) to submit materials to multiple programs with one application. Be sure to register early and understand the platform requirements.

Learn about RDN's

1. General Application Guidelines

• Confirm you meet eligibility requirements, including GPA minimums (typically a 3.0) and completion (or planned completion) of a DPD
• Many supervised practice programs use DICAS, a centralized application system
• Most programs have application deadlines early in the calendar year for fall admission. While many schools accept applications only once per year, some programs offer additional application cycles or entry points
• Carefully follow each program’s instructions and submit materials on time
• Meet regularly with your academic advisor throughout the process
• Application Resource

2. Choosing the Right Program

When comparing programs, consider:

• Accreditation (must be ACEND-accredited) 
• Program type (DPD, master’s + internship, coordinated program) 
• Program focus (clinical, community, foodservice, research) and how that fits with your personal goals 
• Location, cost, and housing considerations. Consider any type of financial support that might be available (tuition breaks, TA positions, scholarships etc..) 
• Program outcomes (match rates, exam pass rates) 
• Overall fit with your academic, professional, and personal goals.  It is always advantageous to visit school and meet faculty to get a feel for the program and people you would be working with  

3. Common Application Components

Dietetics applications may ask for some or all of the following:

• Application form (via DICAS or institution website) 
• Official transcripts 
• Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent showing completion of necessary coursework 
• Resume or CV 
• Personal statement or essays 
• 2–3 letters of recommendation from supervisors, faculty or RDN’s that can speak to your qualifications (know you well)- Letters are more commonly required for internship or masters applications 
• Some programs may also require interviews, supplemental essays, or video responses 

4. Writing a Strong Personal Statement

• Clearly explain why you want to become a dietitian, and what experiences have prepared you for this path 
• Outline strengths and weaknesses you would bring to the field if asked.  Address weaknesses thoughtfully, for example if you choose to address a dip in GPA or other challenge, frame it with insight and growth rather than excuse
• Highlight relevant academic, work, volunteer, and leadership experiences 
• Be authentic and specific. Avoid vague phrases like “I want to help others” without support; instead explain specific interests or experiences that drew you to dietetics 
• Share concrete examples demonstrating leadership, initiative, teamwork, or clinical exposure  
• Connect your goals to the specific program 
• Be honest, reflective, and professional 
• Proofread carefully and seek feedback from advisors or faculty 

Final Advice for Students

Successful applicants plan ahead, apply thoughtfully, and seek guidance early. Start preparing at least a year in advance and use advising resources to stay on track.

Guidance for International Students Applying to U.S. Dietetics Programs

International students interested in dietetics programs in the United States should plan carefully, as requirements may differ from those for U.S. citizens. Early preparation and program-specific research are essential.

Accreditation and Eligibility

• Ensure the program is ACEND-accredited, which is required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in the U.S. 
• Confirm that the program accepts international students, as not all supervised practice programs do. 
• Identify your status in regards to the completion of prerequisite courses  

Visa and Legal Considerations

• Verify that the institution can support the appropriate student visa. 
• Ask whether supervised practice rotations are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or other required authorizations. 
• Understand post-graduation work options and limitations, including OPT and employment sponsorship requirements. 

Academic Credentials

• International transcripts often require a credential evaluation from an approved agency.   
• Coursework must be equivalent to U.S. prerequisites, especially in science and nutrition. 
• Some programs may require additional coursework before admission. 

English Language Proficiency

• Most programs require proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS), unless waived. 
• Strong written and spoken English skills are especially important for clinical rotations, patient counseling, and teamwork. 

Application Components

• Expect the same core materials as U.S. applicants (transcripts, resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation). 
• Letters of recommendation should ideally come from faculty or supervisors familiar with U.S. academic or professional standards. 
• Personal statements should clearly address career goals, motivation for studying in the U.S., and program fit. 

Financial Planning

• Many programs require proof of financial support. 
• Scholarships, assistantships, and paid internships may be limited for international students. 
• Consider total cost, including tuition, fees, housing, health insurance, and cost of living. 

Advising Tip for International Students

International applicants are strongly encouraged to contact programs directly to confirm eligibility, visa support, and supervised practice requirements before applying. Please contact the BYUI international students office if they can help.

See these resources for additional information:

• General Information for Foreign Students
• Facts for Individuals with Foreign Degrees 
• Becoming a Registered Dietitian in the United States