Psychological Science Grant FAQs

I am currently writing my psychology PhD abroad and was wondering if I could apply for this grant even if my PhD program is not based in the U.S. and I am not a U.S. citizen.

Yes and yes — as long as you are an APAGS member (not an international affiliate), you are eligible to apply.

I previously received this award. Am I eligible to apply again?

Previous recipients of each grant/award are not eligible to apply again for a period of five years.

I am a member of APAGS, but I am pursuing a doctoral degree in public policy. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, you are eligible to apply.

I am graduating soon. Am I still eligible to apply?

You are only eligible to apply if the project will be completed while you are still a graduate student. If you are graduating soon (i.e., within the next 1-2 years), please be clear in the proposal about the project timeline and your graduation timeline.

Do I have to be enrolled in an APA accredited program to apply?

No, the Psychological Science Research grant is open to all graduate students in regionally accredited psychology, neuroscience and related programs (e.g., experimental, social, developmental, cognitive).

I conduct qualitative research. Can I still apply for this grant?

APAGS encourages qualitative researchers to apply for the Psychological Science Research Grant.

I’m already underway on my research project, but I could still benefit from this grant. Am I eligible to apply?

You can still apply for the grant if your project is underway but will not be completed within the next year. Be sure to specify how the grant will help you complete your research.

Are current APAGS committee members eligible to apply for this grant?

Members of the full APAGS Committee — nine elected positions, and five subcommittee chairs, cannot apply for any APAGS grants/scholarships. Additionally, former APAGS Committee members, subcommittee chairs and task force chairs are not eligible to apply. Furthermore, former APAGS subcommittee members or ad hoc reviewers who have previously reviewed this grant are not eligible.

My grant application was not awarded. May I reapply?

Yes, you may revise your application and resubmit in the next funding round. If you are resubmitting we recommend that you draft a cover letter (not to exceed one page) that addresses how you have modified and improved your proposal. Please note, revising your submission according to feedback received previously is not a guarantee of award.

Are collaborative proposals allowed with two graduate student PIs?

Yes — as long as both applicants meet the eligibility requirements (e.g., APAGS members, has not previously won the award), collaborative proposals are allowed. These proposals should clarify the roles/responsibilities of each applicant. If awarded, both applicants will be named in the announcement and will each receive 50% of the total award amount (i.e., $500 each).

Do I have to fit my references in the three page research proposal page limit?

The reference section does not have to fit into the research proposal section; it can go on a separate page. You should ensure that you follow APA guidelines regarding font size and margins; if any questions arise, please consult with the APAGS Science Subcommittee chair.

What happens if I exceed 3 page limit (not including references), do not use 12 pt font etc.?

Applications that do not follow the specified formatting requirements will not be reviewed.

Can I submit two separate applications for two separate projects?

As long as the two applications are complete and do not overlap in any way (e.g., one cannot be the continuation or pilot project of the other) it is acceptable to submit applications for the two projects. As a caveat, the reviewing committee won’t award both grants.

Does the application require institutional signatures or need to be submitted by a university’s grants office?

The application does not require any institutional paperwork or official signatures. The student should submit the application themselves as a PDF file uploaded directly on the website.

How is the Psychological Science Research Grant reviewed?

Grant applications are assigned to two to three independent reviewers who have general experience in psychological research (identified using your title-page keywords) but without a conflict of interest. The reviewers generate scores based upon the strength of components of the research proposal. If the composite score (based upon multiple reviews) is very high then the proposal will be read and evaluated by the entire review committee. The review committee discusses the finalists and votes on the best grant applications.

Who reviews the Psychological Science Research Grant?

Members of the APAGS Science Committee, Committee for the Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Diversity, Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and the APAGS Executive Committee may review the grants. The APAGS Science Committee chair may appoint additional ad hoc reviewers. APAGS reviewers consist of doctoral candidates who have published in premier scientific journals and received the most competitive science fellowships including the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship and the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award.

What criteria do reviews use when evaluating grant applications?

Grants are primarily reviewed/scored based upon the strengths of the following components: background literature, significance, project motivation/rationale, proposed methodology and theoretical implications/overall merit. Other components of the application — cover letter (if resubmitting) — may be weighted less heavily than the research proposal but are still important. For grants being considered for diversity-focused funding, the project’s applications and implications as they pertain to diversity (as stated in the Diversity supplement) will also be assessed.

How can I become a reviewer for the APAGS Psychological Science Grant?

Apply to become a member of the APAGS Science Committee. Being a member of the APAGS Science Committee is an excellent career development opportunity and gives you a chance to learn skills (such as grant reviewing) for which you may not otherwise gain experience during graduate school. Reviewing Psychological Science Research Grants is one of our primary activities and we are always looking for energetic psychological scientists to join our group. If you are interested in serving on the APAGS Science Committee, please email for more information. Applications for committee positions are typically due in September.

Will I receive any feedback on my application?

Applicants who do not receive an award may request feedback on their application after the funding decisions have been announced. Details about how to request feedback will be sent with the decision you receive about your application.

When can I expect to hear a decision regarding the status of my application?

You can expect a decision within 8-10 weeks after the deadline.

How may I use the grant funds?

The funds can only be used to defray the direct costs of research. Typical direct costs include participant payment, pertinent software or equipment, research quantitative/qualitative trainings, and books or instruction manuals critical to one's line of research. The funds cannot be used for personal computers, classroom books, or conference travel. If you have a question as to whether an item in your proposed budget is acceptable or unacceptable, make sure to ask, via email, before submitting your application.

If awarded, how is the grant issued? What is the APA policy for Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs on this type of funding?

It is at the student’s discretion how he/she would like to receive the funds. The majority elect to receive the check directly. Some students can request the university administer the check on his/her behalf. APA does not have rules about F&A. If the check goes to the university to be administered then it is between the university and the student as to what they spend it on. If the check goes to the student, he/she should speak with a tax advisor. If they use the money for school/research expenses (as is required for the grant), it shouldn’t be taxable.

Other Questions?

If you have any questions about the submission process or technical issues, please email the APAGS office.