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.
Is there a minimum GPA required to apply?
Yes, the minimum GPA is a 3.0. In addition, you must have at least a 3.25 Psychology GPS in order to be considered for the program.
Is prior research experience required to attend SSF?
We realize that many students do not have the opportunity to conduct research at their home universities. For this reason, prior research experience is not a requirement to be considered for SSF.
While previous research experience is not a requirement, however, we find it to be very helpful. Since SSF is a research-intensive program, previous research experience – in any subject – is beneficial to the SSF student.
What coursework is required to apply to SSF?
To be considered for the program you must have taken (or be currently enrolled in) courses in Research Methods, Statistics, and Introduction to Psychology. Additional psychology coursework above these requirements is desirable.
My final exam schedule conflicts with the timing of the SSF program. Will I still be eligible to attend if selected?
Probably. We have been able to arrange for students to take proctored final exams with us in the past, so ask your professor if this would work for you. Most US schools will have ended classes and finals by mid-June, and if this is the case for you, there should be no conflicts.
Do transcripts and letters of recommendation have to arrive by February 9th?
Yes, all application materials, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received by February 9th. If you have any concerns about your transcripts reaching our office in time for the deadline, we suggest having your registrar’s office to send us the official transcripts by rush order or fax.
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 SSF. 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 SSF.
What if I can’t be present for the entire 7 weeks? Could I still participate?
This program is meant to give students uninterrupted time in a lab environment, so please apply only if you can commit to seven weeks.
When will you notify applicants of the selection outcome?
We expect to be able to complete our selection of the fellows by March 3rd. All applicants will hear from us by email message.
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).
Will I be notified about the status of my application?
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to confirm receipt of materials. Please do not contact us to inquire about the status of your application.
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 SSF, 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 SSF 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 (including course title and grade), 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. We must have an official transcript of every course you have taken in college and the grade you received in each course. You are responsible for ensuring that we receive this information, so please check with your school’s registrar to see what is reflected on your transcript.
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. This fee is meant to signify your commitment to the SSF program. We understand this is a lot of money, however, please keep in mind that APA is paying a generous stipend as well as living expenses during your stay in the program. We will cover your transportation costs from your US location to your summer fellowship site, your dormitory costs, a food allowance, as well as a stipend.
What are the levels of financial support for students?
Each student will receive a summer salary of $2500 for the 7 week period. APA will pay your housing fees and your travel to and from DC directly, and you will receive funds to cover the cost of your meals.
Where would I live? Would I have to arrange my own housing?
You will live in a dorm at the university where you have your lab assignment. APA will arrange all dorm housing for applicants.
What about travel from my home?
Your travel would be arranged and paid for in advance by APA.
I expect to be living in the Washington, DC area this summer. Could I use the dorm fees to pay my parents or roommates for my share of the rent?
Sorry. Dorm fees are just for dorm use. If you live in the area, we strongly encourage you to live in the dorm with your fellow students. If you choose to live at home or with a friend, we would provide an offset for meals and transportation in place of dorm fees.
Could I continue with my regular evening/weekend job during this program?
No. This experience is meant to be full time. There will be some evening and weekend obligations, so other work obligations would run counter to the program.
Program questions…
Is SSF the same program as the Summer Science Institute?
No, they are different programs. We held the Summer Science Institute (a ten-day long program) from 1996 to 2007. This is a twist on that program, and takes its place again in 2009.
Which labs are available for me to work in?
We currently have labs committed from the University of Maryland and George Mason University. Please refer to the program description for a specific listing of the research areas available for 2009.
Will I get to choose which lab I will be working in?
You will be able to express preferences for areas of research – not the specific labs or faculty members. This is done right on the application form itself. We will match you and your interests with the placements available. We are encouraging students to think broadly, and consider lab assignments in content areas that are unfamiliar to them.
Who are the faculty members participating in SSF for 2009?
We will be sharing that information with students when we make the assignments. Faculty members have been recruited from the University of Maryland and George Mason University. Rest assured that we have lined up some excellent scientists.
When will I know which lab I will be working in?
You will be told which lab you are assigned to once you have committed to the program and paid your registration fee.
Can I contact my assigned faculty advisor before paying the registration fee and making my decision?
No. SSF faculty are generously giving their time to the program, and because of this we do not want students who are not yet committed to the program to contact SSF faculty and take up their time. Once you have committed to the program, we encourage you to be in frequent contact with your faculty advisor. Please keep in mind that the primary purpose of SSF is to provide an opportunity to expand your research horizons. As such, it is more important to commit to the program as a whole rather than to one lab in particular.
What type of work/projects will I be working on during the duration of the program?
We can’t be specific about the assignments, as they will vary from faculty member to faculty member. Most students will be asked to dive right into ongoing research projects of the faculty.
What are the work hours for the SSF?
Your specific work hours will be determined by your faculty mentor and will comply with the requirements of his or her lab. We consider these fellowships to be full-time commitments.
Will I be the only SSF student in my assigned lab or on my campus?
You may be the only SSF student in your lab, but there will be at least two SSF students on any given campus. Some labs will have more than one SSF student.
Will there be anything to do besides lab work?
Yes! Periodically during the seven week session, we will gather you together here in Washington DC for group presentations, 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 a lot about areas of psychological science that may be unfamiliar to you, helping you to further define your future interest areas. You might be able to ask your faculty mentor to write a letter of recommendation for your applications to graduate school. 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.
Please do not contact our office to check on the status of your application. Due to the high number of applicants, we are unable to confirm receipt of materials.
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