Work hard in high school. To get into an accredited university, you will need to make satisfactory grades. Universities generally calculate your grade point average on a 4.0 scale, in which anything over 3.0 should be just fine. Many universities will accept people in the 2.0 range as well.
Take high school courses that will prepare you for a career in nutrition. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these include biology, chemistry, mathematics, health and communications courses. If you find that you do not like these courses or if they are difficult for you, you may want to rethink your career path.
Take standardized tests. The tests that most universities in the United States look at are the SAT and the ACT. When you take these tests, you can get some grasp of how good your raw score is by looking at the percentile rating that comes with it. This rating shows how you did relative to others who took the same test. Take each test during the first semester of your senior year. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can prepare more thoroughly by purchasing an ACT or SAT preparation booklet. These are available at most book stores.
Apply to at least three universities with nutrition programs. A U.S. Department of Agriculture list of universities and colleges with nutrition programs is available online. If you plan on getting a graduate degree in nutrition, don't be disappointed if you don't get accepted to the university with the best graduate program right now. Once you get your bachelor's degree, you can apply to a school with the graduate program that you prefer. Remember that some of these schools may use different language to describe similar programs. "Dietetics," "foods and nutrition" and "food service systems management" are all programs that can start you down your career path as a nutritionist.
When you choose your classes, focus on the general education requirements first. That way, if you decide to change majors after a year or two of university study, you will not need to start all over again. Gradually shift into your more major-specific courses later in your college career.
Find out what your state's specific requirements are regarding licensure, registration and certification for nutritionists. The best way to do this is by inquiring through your college's advisement center.