Q: Are there any requirements for those who submit programs to APAGS?
A: At least one presenter must be an APAGS member. You also should bring some credibility to the program. For example, helping your friends write their CVs may not be as impressive as having worked as a recruiter or having conducted graduate-level research on CV and resume preparation. If you have done extensive research on a professional development issue, you will bring excellent expertise to a program on that topic.
Q: Do I have to be a member of APAGS to chair an APAGS session?
A: No. Psychologists often chair APAGS programs. However, APAGS highly encourages its members to chair and organize programs, as APAGS is the only group that allows student program chairs.
Q: Do I have to pay registration fees for the convention if I am a presenter?
A: Beginning in 2022, individuals who are APAGS first authors/participants on the in-person convention program will receive a one-time registration fee waiver. The “one time” stipulation means that the exemption will be provided to any individual only once in that person’s tenure as an APAGS member. Individuals who have received a waiver at a past convention will not be eligible for any future exemptions.
Q: What membership option should I select to have my registration waived as first author when I submit my proposal online?
A: Be sure to select APAGS member, not student affiliate, to be eligible for the waiver. Also, make sure that you are an APAGS member. APAGS membership is free to graduate students who are current student affiliates. To check the status of your APA or APAGS membership, please contact the APA Office.
Q: What should I include in my abstract?
A: An abstract should concisely explain the purpose and content of the poster or program. It should be 150-300 words. Abstracts for empirical studies, literature reviews and meta-analyses should include the following sections: Objectives, Method, Results, Conclusions and Implications. Abstracts for case studies, theoretical and methodological studies should include the following sections: Purpose, Description, Assessment and Conclusions.
Q: Should my abstract include citations?
A: Use citations in your abstract where appropriate and include a reference list, in alphabetical order, that includes all in-text citations.
Q: Is submitting a proposal to APAGS the same as submitting a proposal to a division?
A: Each division selects programs that match the specialty interests of the division, based upon their own selection criteria and needs. APAGS operates similarly but is less likely to select programs that appeal to only small subsets of students or specialty areas/topics.
Q: Can I submit the same program to APAGS and to another division for the same convention?
A: You may not submit the same program or poster to another division and to APAGS.
Q: Is it better to submit a proposal to APAGS or to a division?
A: It depends on the audience you want to attract and the message or training you will provide. APAGS is broad-based and student-focused; therefore, program topics that pertain only to students of cognitive psychology, school psychology or any of the other sub-disciplines of psychology are probably better suited to division programming. However, topics that pertain to psychology students across the range of psychology or meet the needs of a large segment of students are more appropriate for APAGS. Also, submitting a program to a division requires sponsorship from a full APA member.
Q: What does APAGS look for in program topics?
A: APAGS aims to provide programming topics that appeal to a wide range of graduate students. A submission that focuses on an area of interest to one or two groups of students is less likely to be selected than a submission that applies to almost all graduate students. What valuable lessons have you learned throughout your graduate school experience that other students might benefit from hearing? Research strategies, CV preparation and dealing with financial issues often have universal appeal. Notice any gaps in your training program? Consider leading a discussion on how to fill those gaps.
Q: What are some tips to increase my chances of getting my proposal accepted?
A:
- Pick a topic that is applicable to as many students as possible. A presentation on burnout in clinical psychology students is less likely to be accepted than one studying burnout in all psychology graduate students.
- Include qualified presenters. It is more likely that a panel on publishing research will be accepted if it includes journal editors and graduate students who have already published than if it includes only first-year graduate students without publication experience.
- Make your abstract concise and informative. Standard abstract length (150-300 words) should allow for adequate communication of your proposal. Make sure to include Objectives, Method, Results, Conclusion and an Implication section for empirical studies, literature reviews and meta-analyses. Purpose, Description, Assessment and Conclusion sections should be included for case studies, theoretical and methodological studies. A proposal with a clear, explanatory abstract is more likely to be accepted than a poorly written one.
- Collaborate with others. APAGS is a national organization. Include unique perspectives, such as students from other schools or psychologists from other organizations. A program with speakers from different schools or institutions is more likely to be accepted than a program with speakers from the same school or institution.
Q: How long are convention presentations?
A: You have the option of a 50 minute or 1 hour and 50 minute timeframe. Due to limited programming hours, APAGS rarely accepts 1 hour and 50 minute programs, so you should try to limit your program to 50 minutes, with no more than four presenters. The division of that 50-minute allotment is at the discretion of the chair and panel presenting. Occasionally, APAGS will accept 1 hour and 50 minute workshops and symposia if the topic is compelling and the proposal is outstanding.
Q: Does APAGS accept research reports?
A: Yes, but only if developed into a symposium, workshop or conversation hour. However, research results that pertain only to a narrow subject area are less likely to attract attention from APAGS’ diverse audience and therefore may fit better in division programming. Research topics that focus on issues important to students across the spectrum of psychology are encouraged and welcomed in APAGS programming.
Q: Is it okay to submit a proposal for a presentation I presented at another conference?
A: Yes, you can submit a proposal for APAGS that has been presented at another conference, as long as it was not presented at a previous APA conference. In some cases, followup proposals have been accepted if they add a substantial amount of new and relevant information.
Q: Can I submit a presentation proposal to APAGS that was accepted last year for a poster session at APA?
A: Yes, if there is compelling new information or additional presenters that extend or add another perspective on the topic.
Q: What is the Emerging Leaders Network?
A: The Emerging Leaders Network is a space located in the Solutions Center (formerly the Exhibit Hall) created for students and ECPs. There is a lounge area and an resource table, along with a section for programming. APAGS hosts approximately 12 substantive sessions in this area to supplement our limited number of programming hours. The schedule for programming in the Emerging Leaders Network is available on the APAGS website and on site.
Q: When will I know if my submission has been accepted?
A: The APAGS Office will inform the program proposal chair of acceptance and rejection decisions by late February. Proposals may be conditionally accepted (conditions will be outlined in the acceptance letter) or your work may be accepted for APAGS Suite Programming or another program format (e.g. poster).
Q: What if a presenter cannot attend or another presenter is added once a program has been accepted?
A: Proposals should be submitted in complete form, with all presenters committed to attending the convention and presenting as indicated on the proposal. Because programs are accepted based on variables including who will be presenting, changes in program presenters are only accepted in unusual circumstances. Any change must be provided in writing and approved through the APAGS office. There is no guarantee that the change will appear in the convention program and other convention publications.
Q: Is it okay to have a faculty member review and provide feedback on my abstract?
A: Yes, a faculty member can suggest ways to improve your proposal. Faculty guidance does not guarantee or preclude acceptance.
Q: Can I contact APAGS for feedback on my program idea?
A: You may contact the APAGS office if you would like to know if your program idea is one that would most likely draw an audience and be accepted. Staff guidance does not guarantee or preclude acceptance.
Please contact the APAGS Central Office via email or at (202) 336-6014 with any questions.