Beginning the Application Process for DI's

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I know it seems like it's a little early to start your DI application via DICAS, but it’s never too early to start thinking about it and planning for it. The portal opens on December 1^st so I’m trying to get everything in order to make this process as easy as possible.  I’ve been talking with people who are either in their internship right now or have been through this process recently. Here are some tips that they’ve told me:

•  Get transcript requests sent right away. It may take a while for some schools to send them, and if you’re a transfer student like me, you’ll have to make requests for multiple transcripts. Not only does DICAS need them, but you also have to input all the courses you’ve taken so that they can calculate various GPAs. You might want to do this part first since it’s the most tedious.

•  Ask people to write your recommendation letters as soon as possible. Hopefully they’ll all say that they’d love to write them for you, but you may come across some problems—they might be too busy, etc. Also ask them what they need to write the letter. You may need to send them your personal statement, past homework assignments or you may need to sit and talk with them about what your goals are.

• If you are applying to more than one internship, make sure you know what each internship’s focus is. You are going to have to write a different personal statement for each one you apply to. I believe that this is going to be the most time consuming part for me—even more so than deciding which internships I am going to apply to. Once they are written, have everyone you know read them! The more eyes that see them, the more feedback you can get before you submit your application.

• Contact the program directors. Either talk with them in person or over the phone. If there is an open house for the internship you’re interested in, GO!!! Meet the people you could be working with! When they get your application they’ll be able to put a face to the name.

•  Most importantly, be yourself. Be genuine about what your goals and interests are. 

This whole application process can be so daunting. Make it easy for yourself and DO NOT procrastinate!

By: Allison Richards