Computer Matching Question & Answers
What does the computer matching program do?
A matching program serves as a clearinghouse to help applicants obtain a supervised practice positions from their choices and to help Dietetic Internships (DI) obtain applicants from their choices. It eliminates unfair pressures and premature decisions in appointments by programs and acceptance or rejection of appointments by applicants. The ADA has contracted with D&D Digital to facilitate the computer matching process.
Who screens applications and decides which candidates are acceptable to a particular program?
Each DI program screens their own applications and submits a priority listing of acceptable applicants to D&D Digital, along with the number of openings to be filled by the matching process.
Computer matching does not change the program's or applicant's selection process. A program will not be matched to an applicant whose name does not appear on the program's priority listing. An applicant will not be matched to a program whose name does not appear on the applicant's priority listing.
Will the applicants or programs know how they have been ranked by the other?
No. All information submitted to D&D Digital is kept confidential. Each applicant is given the final result of their matching. Each program is provided with the names of their matched applicants. Programs and applicants are not told by D&D Digital how they were ranked by each other.
What do I need to do to be considered for an appointment to a Dietetic Internship ?
There are two components.
First, you must request and complete an application from each Dietetic Internship for which you seek admission.
Second, you must register online at the D&D Digital website or download, print, and submit a Preference and Release Sheet from the D&D Digital website on or before the appropriate Spring or Fall submission deadline. Programs that do not participate in the matching process accept applications only from students employed by the sponsoring institution. These applicants should not be participating in computer matching.
Can I apply to both the full-time and part-time option of the same DI program?
Yes. DI programs with both full and part-time options may have two computer matching codes, one for each option. Applicants must apply to and rank both full-time and part-time options to be considered for both options in the matching process.
Is there a limit to the number of programs that one can apply to and rank for computer matching?
No. However, you must submit an application to each program, and rank each program in your Internship Choices for matching at D&D Digital.
What process is used for the matching?
The matching process matches program's highest possible ranked applicants with applicant's highest possible ranked programs until all possible matches are completed.
If I register for the computerized match process, but change my plans, how should this be handled?
Prior to the withdraw deadline, you must notify D&D Digital in writing or by FAX of your decision to withdraw from the matching process. Applicant withdraw deadline dates can be found on the Spring and Fall Timeline links. The matching process fee will not be refunded.
Do some applicants receive matches to more than one Dietetic Internship?
No. Applicants are provided at most one match, the highest possible priority internship choice on their list for which a program match occurs.
What happens if I do not receive a match?
Dietetic Internships with Openings that chose to have their name released will appear on D&D Digital website links, beginning on dates shown on links for Spring and Fall Timelines. Applicants who did not match and Dietetic Internship Directors with openings may contact each other. Your Didactic Program Advisor can be helpful in evaluating this information and exploring options.
What does releasing my matching results mean?
Choosing to give permission to D & D Digital to release your matching results means, if a match occurs, your name will be included in a list that is sent to all ADA Dietetic Internships and Didactic Programs. If no match occurs, your name, address, email address and college or university where your verification statement was or will be granted will be included on another list that the programs also receive. If a program has a vacancy they can then make contact with any unmatched applicants.
Should I release my results if I cannot relocate?
Yes. If you do not match and a vacancy occurs in a program in your area, this is the only way Internship Directors and Didactic Program Directors will know of your possible availability.