APPA CAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs

What is APPA CAS?

The APPIC Psychology Postdoctoral Application Centralized Application Service (APPA CAS) simplifies the process of applying to psychology postdoctoral programs. You start by selecting the programs you wish to apply to, then you submit one application that includes all necessary materials. Once received by APPA CAS, your application and materials go through a verification process before being transmitted to all of your selected programs.

Start your APPA CAS application.

How long does the application process take?

It's important you apply as early as possible since completing your application can be a lengthy process, and since application processing times vary throughout the cycle. Below is a suggested timeline that includes key actions to keep the application process on track. This timeline may need to be adjusted based on your programs' deadlines and requirements.

Timeline	Key Actions
Prior to the Start of the Application Process	Research programs you wish to apply to. Pay special attention to: Cycle dates and deadline requirements. Application fees. Recommendation requirements. Minimum requirements, including prerequisites, supplemental applications, foreign evaluations, etc. Begin contacting potential recommenders to confirm their participation. Review the instructions in this Help Center.
At Least 3 Months Prior to Deadline	Create your account. Complete the Colleges Attended section. Complete the Recommendations section.
At Least 10-12 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Ask your schools to send official transcripts directly to APPA CAS. If there are any holds on your account at a school, resolve them now to avoid delays in sending transcripts. Check in with your recommenders to confirm that they received the recommendation request via email.
At Least 6-8 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Complete and submit your application. Monitor your application for receipt of transcripts and letters of recommendation and follow up on any missing items.
At Least 4-6 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Continue monitoring your application until your status is Verified.
After Deadline	Download a copy of your application for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Coursework, Transcripts, and GPAs	Programs and Statuses
Do I need to send transcripts? Yes, you must submit official transcripts to APPA CAS for each institution where you earned or plan to earn the following degrees: Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines on each type of transcript. Where do I find the Transcript ID Form? The Transcript ID Form is found in the Colleges Attended section, after you submit a college or university entry. Should I send my high school transcripts? No. My transfer credits are listed on my primary transcript. Do I still need to send all transcripts? You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines.	How do I remove a program? Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Add Program tab or click the trash icon on the Submit Application tab. Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application? Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open. Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on transcripts, and/or recommendations? Yes. You can submit your application before your transcripts and/or recommendations are received by APPA CAS. Will APPA CAS update me on the status of my application? Your application status for each program is listed in the Check Status section of the application. APPA CAS will notify you when official transcripts and recommendations are received, and when your application is verified. When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!? You must reach out to your program(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.

Coursework, Transcripts, and GPAs

Programs and Statuses

Do I need to send transcripts?: Yes, you must submit official transcripts to APPA CAS for each institution where you earned or plan to earn the following degrees: Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines on each type of transcript.

Where do I find the Transcript ID Form?: The Transcript ID Form is found in the Colleges Attended section, after you submit a college or university entry.

Should I send my high school transcripts?: No.

My transfer credits are listed on my primary transcript. Do I still need to send all transcripts?: You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines.

How do I remove a program?: Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Add Program tab or click the trash icon on the Submit Application tab.

Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application?: Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open.

Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on transcripts, and/or recommendations?: Yes. You can submit your application before your transcripts and/or recommendations are received by APPA CAS.

Will APPA CAS update me on the status of my application?: Your application status for each program is listed in the Check Status section of the application. APPA CAS will notify you when official transcripts and recommendations are received, and when your application is verified.

When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!?: You must reach out to your program(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.