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 2008 and August 2009, 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 2008-2009 academic year. If you are graduating from college before December 2008 or after August 2009, you are NOT eligible for ASTP.
What are the exact dates?
The program begins on late afternoon of Saturday, July 12 with orientation and welcoming dinner. The meat of the program runs from Sunday, July 13 through Saturday, July 19. Sunday, July 20 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 the end of April. 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).
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.
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.
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