Applying to a dietetic internship is a major milestone on your journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The application process offers an opportunity to reflect on your experiences, communicate your goals, and demonstrate your readiness to begin a supervised practice experience.

At Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship, we’ve reviewed hundreds of applications and supported interns across the country. Along the way, we’ve seen what helps an applicant stand out, both on paper and during the interview process.

These twelve tips will help you craft a strong application that makes a lasting impression and highlights your strengths. These tips will help you feel more confident and prepared as you prepare your dietetic internship application. 

1. Be Honest About Your Interests, Even If You’re Still Figuring It Out 

You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out to be a strong applicant. Many interns begin the program still exploring which area of dietetics truly excites them. What’s more important is that you’re open, curious, and genuinely motivated to learn.

Rather than listing every possible area of dietetics to seem well-rounded, take the time to reflect on what’s drawing you to the field right now. Perhaps it’s a personal experience, a mentor, or a growing interest in how nutrition can impact health in various settings. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll ultimately land in clinical, community, wellness, or another specialty, share what excites you about discovering that during your internship.

Internship directors want to see your enthusiasm and authenticity. Whether you have a specific area in mind or you’re drawn to the opportunity to explore during your internship, let that genuine interest shine through in your personal statement, resume, and interviews.

2. Tailor Your Personal Statement to the Program

Customizing your personal statement is a powerful way to show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the program you’re applying to. Take the time to highlight what draws you to each specific program.

For example, if you’re applying to Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship, share your “why.” Is it the corporate wellness emphasis? The flexibility to take initiative and secure your own rotation sites? The supportive distance learning model? A tailored statement shows that you’re not just a strong applicant, but that you also understand how the internship program aligns with your goals. It’s an impactful way to demonstrate both interest and effort.

3. Read Directions and Fill in the Application Completely 

It may sound simple, but incomplete or incorrectly filled-out applications are more common than you might think. One prominent example is skipping entire sections of DICAS, particularly the sections on extracurricular activities and volunteer experience.

Sometimes mid-career applicants assume these sections no longer apply, or prospective interns think their resume covers everything. But DICAS is not just a place to upload your resume. We review each section individually. Skipping sections sends the message that you’re either not paying attention to detail or don’t think those sections matter. Even if a relevant experience is from years ago, it still counts. Yes, we do want to know that you were a D1 varsity athlete, even if it was a long time ago! 

Carefully read all instructions, both in DICAS and on the internship’s website, to ensure you’re meeting every requirement. Pay close attention to deadlines, formatting guidelines, and whether any additional materials (such as the BWS DI Program Plan) need to be uploaded separately.

Attention to detail is a vital skill for any dietetic intern, and it starts with how you complete your application. Taking the time to review everything thoroughly shows professionalism and organization.

Helpful BWS DI resources:

4. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation 

Letters of recommendation carry weight in the application review process, so it’s important to choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths with specific examples. We strongly recommend including at least one academic reference and, if you’ve had a substantive job or volunteer experience, a supervisor. Co-workers and character references, including dietitians who may know you personally but haven’t worked directly with you or seen you in action, are generally less helpful.

Select people who will take the time to write a complete and thoughtful letter, not just someone who will agree to submit one. Reach out to your recommenders early, ideally at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance, and provide them with your updated resume. The more context you give them, the more personalized and impactful their letter will be. A strong recommendation can reinforce the key qualities you’re highlighting throughout your application.

5. Communicate Clearly & Professionally 

From emails to personal statements, how you communicate matters. Use professional language in all interactions, including with program staff, internship directors, potential preceptors, and references. Your writing should be respectful and clear, but it doesn’t need to be overly formal or stiff.

It’s okay to let your personality show through, as long as your tone remains courteous and professional. A touch of warmth, humor, or emotion can still come across appropriately.

Take time to proofread your writing for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Whether you’re sending a quick email or drafting your personal statement, polished communication shows that you’re serious, prepared, and respectful of others’ time. A strong first impression often starts before your application is even submitted.

6. Include Volunteer and Non-Traditional Experience 

Not every experience on your resume needs to be paid or take place in a hospital setting to be relevant. Volunteer roles, retail jobs, mentoring, caregiving, and other non-traditional experiences can all demonstrate valuable skills, such as empathy, time management, leadership, teamwork, and communication.

These types of roles can reflect professional attributes that are relevant to supervised practice. If you’re referencing these experiences in an interview or personal statement, you don’t need to overstate their connection to the field of dietetics. Instead, focus on what you learned and how it prepared you to work well with others, manage responsibilities, and grow as a professional. Thoughtfully reflecting on these experiences, when applicable, can help round out your application and demonstrate that you’re ready to learn in a variety of settings.

7. Start Early (So You Have Plenty of Time) 

Giving yourself plenty of time to complete your application allows you to avoid last-minute stress and submit your strongest work. Starting early gives you the space to reflect on your experiences, carefully write and revise your personal statement, gather your materials, and request letters of recommendation well in advance.

It also allows time to read through all application instructions, troubleshoot technical issues, and double-check that every section is complete. Set internal deadlines a week or two ahead of the actual due dates so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. A calm, organized approach leads to a more thoughtful and standout application. Additionally, starting early gives you ample time to reach out to program faculty and have your questions answered as needed. 

8. Make Your Resume Scan-Friendly 

Your resume should be easy to skim and professionally formatted. Use clear section headers, bullet points, and concise language to highlight your experience. Utilize strong action verbs (e.g., led, developed, implemented) in your bullet points and include measurable outcomes or specific examples when possible.

Use the same font style and size throughout the resume to keep formatting consistent. Avoid long paragraphs or dense blocks of text. A well-organized resume helps reviewers quickly see your qualifications and makes a strong first impression.

9. Highlight Leadership Skills and Experiences 

A formal leadership title isn’t the only way to demonstrate leadership skills and experience. Leadership can show up in many forms. For example, training new team members at work, taking initiative during a group project, organizing a campus or community event, or tutoring peers. 

Use examples that show you’re responsible, proactive, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Programs want to see that you can take initiative, manage tasks effectively, and contribute positively to a team. Even small moments of leadership can help strengthen your application when thoughtfully described.

10. Attend a Virtual Open House

Many programs, including BWS DI, offer virtual open house dates. Attending a virtual open house helps you gain a better understanding of the program’s structure, culture, and application process. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet a member of our faculty and learn what makes BWS DI different. Engaging in these events demonstrates initiative, preparation, and genuine interest. All qualities that strengthen your application.

Prospective applicants are also welcome to schedule office hours with the BWS DI lead faculty. These are one-on-one opportunities to connect, ask questions, and get individualized support as you prepare your application. For quick questions, reaching out via email is also a great option. At BWS DI, our admissions team reads and responds to emails, and yes, we remember those thoughtful interactions as well.

11. Ask Someone to Review Your Application Materials 

A fresh set of eyes can make all the difference. Ask a professor, advisor, mentor, or trusted peer to review your personal statement, resume, and any supplemental materials. They may catch typos, awkward phrasing, or formatting issues you’ve overlooked after reviewing your materials multiple times.

Outside feedback can help ensure your message is clear, your strengths are highlighted, and your materials are professional and well-organized. This final review helps your application look and sound its best before you submit it. 

AI tools, such as grammar checkers or ChatGPT, can also be helpful for refining grammar, clarifying phrasing, or organizing thoughts. Just be sure that any edits still sound like you. Over-editing can sometimes strip away your unique voice, making your writing feel generic.

12. Make Progress on Securing Rotation Sites 

If you’re applying to a distance dietetic internship, one of the best ways to stand out is to make progress in securing rotation sites. While BWS DI doesn’t require a fully confirmed schedule at the time of application, demonstrating progress in securing one or more sites shows initiative and a clear understanding of how distance programs work.

It also provides an opportunity to explore rotation sites that align with your specific interests. Taking early steps in this process reflects your readiness to take ownership of your internship experience and can strengthen your application by demonstrating responsibility and planning.

Helpful BWS DI resources: 

13. Bonus Tip: Be Yourself 

This may be one of the most important tips of all. Your application should reflect who you genuinely are. Internship directors aren’t looking for “perfection.” They’re looking for future interns who are passionate, professional, and eager to learn.

Share your authentic voice, values, and goals throughout your materials. Whether it’s your personal statement, resume, or interviews, let your unique perspective come through. Authenticity resonates, and it’s often what makes an applicant truly memorable.

You Can Be a Standout Applicant

We encourage you to take your time, ask questions, and be intentional with every part of your application. Each step, from your personal statement to your resume to your outreach efforts, is a chance to showcase your strengths and goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about our program, we’d love to connect with you. Attend an upcoming virtual open house or explore our website at bwsdi.com to take the next step.

Wherever your path leads, we’re cheering you on and wishing you the best in your journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.