Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility and Application | Money | The Program | Other
Eligibility and Application questions…
Will I be considered if I am not a psychology major?
Yes, but you should have a clearly demonstrated interest in psychological science, perhaps through a minor or an interdisciplinary studies major that features psychology.
What is a "rising senior"?
If you are graduating from college between December 2009 and August 2010, you are considered a rising senior and are eligible to apply for ASTP. In addition, students need to be enrolled full-time for at least one semester during the 2009-2010 academic year. If you are graduating from college before December 2009 or after August 2010, you are NOT eligible for ASTP.
What are the exact dates?
The program begins on late afternoon of Saturday, July 11 with orientation and welcoming dinner. The meat of the program runs from Sunday, July 12 through Saturday, July 18. Sunday, July 19 is the departure day.
When will you notify applicants of the selection outcome?
We expect to be able to complete our selection of the participants by March 20th. All applicants will hear from us.
What should I do if I studied abroad last semester and have not yet received my fall grades?
You should submit your official transcript with all the grades you have available at this point and separately send a letter explaining your situation and listing the courses that you took abroad. As soon as you receive your study abroad grades, please send them to us as soon as possible (even if it's an unofficial copy).
Is it ok if transcripts or letters of recommendation arrive after the application deadline?
In order to be eligible for the program, your transcripts and letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline. It can take several weeks for us to receive transcripts from your registrar’s office, so please plan accordingly. Please also make sure you give your letter writers enough notice to meet the application deadline.
May I select someone other than a psychology professor for my letters of recommendation?
At least one letter from a psychology professor is required to be considered for ASTP, although we strongly recommend that you get both letters from psychology professors. If necessary, we will accept one letter from a faculty member in a science other than psychology (e.g., chemistry, biology). Since ASTP takes place in an academic setting, we would prefer that you not submit letters from employers, internship supervisors, or faculty from non-science disciplines.
May I submit sealed, official transcripts myself, or must they be submitted by the registrar’s office at my university?
While we would prefer to receive transcripts mailed directly to our office from your institution’s registrar, we will accept official transcripts from applicants if they are still unopened and in sealed envelopes. We only require one official transcript.
I have attended more than one college. Do I need to submit transcripts from each school?
If coursework from your previous institution is listed on the transcript from your current institution, you only need to submit a transcript from your current college or university. If your transcript at your current institution does not reflect previous coursework, you must submit a separate transcript from your previous institution.
Money questions…
Will I be responsible for any fees during the course of the program?
There will be a $200 registration fee due only after students are accepted in the program. In addition, students are expected to pay for their own travel to the University of Maryland. We can waive the registration fee and provide travel support for students with a demonstrated financial need. For all students we will cover your room and board at the University, all instruction and computer lab fees, and some social events.
What do you mean by "demonstrated financial need?"
Students receiving significant financial aid to attend school may be eligible for a registration fee waiver and travel support from ASTP. In order to demonstrate financial need, please submit a copy of your financial aid statement or tuition statement for the current academic year. Please submit this information
via email.
Where would I stay? Would I have to arrange my own housing?
You will live in a dorm at the University of Maryland, where ASTP will be held. APA will arrange and pay for all dorm housing.
What about travel from my home?
Participants will pay for their own travel, unless they are able to demonstrate financial need. In such cases, APA will arrange and pay in advance for travel.
Program questions…
What kind of preparation in statistics do I need before ASTP?
You should have completed successfully at least one course in statistics. Keep in mind this is not a course for those who want or need remediation; if you are uncertain about your knowledge level and whether you would be a good fit for this program, just send us an
email and we can help guide you.
What, specifically, will I be learning?
A few of the topics on the schedule will be: Statistics and the Scientific Method, Linear Correlation, Analyzing and Interpreting Nominal Data, Repeated Measures Design, and Mediation and Path Analysis.
What are the days like at ASTP?
Every day will be a little different, but each day will have the following activities: instruction time, with ample time for questions and answers; hands-on statistics experiences; opportunities to talk about graduate school; and free time. There will also be opportunities to see Washington, DC!
Will there be anything to do besides statistics?
Yes! Sprinkled in throughout the session will be discussions about graduate school, various research careers in psychological science, and some social time as well.
Will attending this program help me prepare for graduate school?
Absolutely. You will be able to show prospective graduate programs that you have a significant interest in psychological science. You will learn more about statistics. And last, you will learn practical information from the program leaders about life as a graduate student and how to put your best foot forward in your applications.
Other questions…
What if I have other questions? Is there someone I can contact?
Always feel free to contact the APA Science Directorate staff for help with particular questions! You can reach us via
email or phone: 202-336-6000.
|
