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.
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 June 20, and if this is the case for you, there should be no conflicts.
Do transcripts have to arrive by March 3rd?
Yes, all application materials, including official transcripts, must be received by March 3rd. 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 2008 and August 2009, 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 2008-2009 academic year. If you are graduating from college before December 2008 or after August 2009, you are NOT eligible for SSF.
What if I can’t be present for the entire 6 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 six weeks.
What are the exact dates?
The precise dates will depend on the schedule of your faculty mentor. It will be a full six weeks between late June and early August, so we want to schedule your fellowship to take full advantage of your faculty member’s availability.
When will you notify applicants of the selection outcome?
We expect to be able to complete our selection of the fellows by the end of March. 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. We can waive the registration fee for students with a demonstrated financial need. 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 6 week period. This will be taxable income. Your dorm fees, meal swipe card, and travel to and from the site will be paid directly by APA, and are not considered taxable.
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 for 2008.
Which labs are available for me to work in?
We currently have labs committed from The Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, and George Mason University. The subject areas of interest range from cognitive science, to developmental psychology, to applied experimental psychology.
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 that I will be working with?
We will be sharing that information with students when we make the assignments. Faculty members have been recruited from The Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, and George Mason University. Rest assured that we have lined up some excellent scientists.
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.
Will there be anything to do besides lab work?
Yes! Periodically during the six 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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| Did you know? |
| The Summer Science Fellowship has taken the place of the Summer Science Institute (SSI). For information about previous SSI programs click here. |
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