Thoughts on just entering APPIC Phase II?

[1372012]

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[ExecutiveDysfunction]

I am considering participating in the APPIC internship application process for just Phase II (without having participated in Phase I). I did not participate in Phase I this year because I had not yet completed all of my program requirements to be eligible to apply. However, I will be eligible to enter the match process by the time Phase II begins. Any thoughts about the pros or cons of going ahead and applying for Phase II, instead of waiting another year to apply for internship? (Assuming there are sites in phase II that I am interested in, of course!)

Just so you know, there are specific stipulations to participating in phase II. You cannot participate in phase II without having signed up for phase I before a certain date APPIC > Match > FAQs > Applicants > Phase II

 

[1372012]

Thanks so much for responding. Yes, I have been in touch directly with APPIC about the registration deadlines and stipulations for Phase II.

I was just hoping to perhaps get some feedback from others about whether I might be limiting myself by trying to save time and not waiting to go through Phase I next year. Or, alternatively, whether I should jump on the opportunity to potentially match in Phase II and not have to wait a year and go through the full process next year (including the expense of potential on-site interviews next year). Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[Justanothergrad]

I'm not really sure how to offer a lot of meaningful advice without knowing anything about your application, interests, or general competitiveness.

 

[missplum]

I think that if you and your DCT both agree you're ready for internship, then I don't see what you would lose in trying to match in Phase II - especially since there are some really good sites that have historically been a part of Phase II. I think that the people who would know best are your adviser and DCT. There are some general benefits in waiting a year like getting to work on your dissertation, gaining more practicum experience, etc. However, you would have to weigh that against the cost of waiting a year like impact to your finances. This is all going to be specific to you and your situation. I don't think there's a general obvious right or wrong choice. It just really depends on you.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I think that if you and your DCT both agree you're ready for internship, then I don't see what you would lose in trying to match in Phase II - especially since there are some really good sites that have historically been a part of Phase II. I think that the people who would know best are your adviser and DCT. There are some general benefits in waiting a year like getting to work on your dissertation, gaining more practicum experience, etc. However, you would have to weigh that against the cost of waiting a year like impact to your finances. This is all going to be specific to you and your situation. I don't think there's a general obvious right or wrong choice. It just really depends on you.

I would agree 100% with this. It could be worthwhile to participate only in Phase II, depending on what sites are available and what your personal goals and preferences are. The pros of participating in phase II are that you'll have fewer applicants against whom to compete, applications may be a bit easier to complete (e.g., fewer or no supplemental materials, less-personalized cover letters), and sites may be more open in their initial review of applications (e.g., because they want to be sure to interview enough folks to fill their spots, assuming those folks are all qualified). The cons are that you'll have fewer sites participating, the actual ratio of sites to applicants may or may not be advantageous compared to Phase I, and in your case, you won't have had the interviewing experience/practice from Phase I.

 

[WisNeuro]

If you are in a specialty field, Phase II could seriously hamper you, depending on the year. There have definitely been years where I saw very few, if any sites that I would consider quality for neuro. Personally, I would wait for next year. I'd rather take my shot at the best places for the training I need, rather than the ever changing landscape of II.

 

[1372012]

Thank you for all of your responses. I really appreciate the feedback.

Along these same lines, does anyone have thoughts on whether or not there might be any specific advantages or disadvantages to applying for internship this year (versus next year) because of the changes due to the pandemic? My DCT shared that he thought less people may be applying this year (for a number of pandemic-related reasons). Alternatively, I’ve heard other faculty predict that more people may apply to more sites because there are no in-person interviews/less travel expenses. I haven’t seen any stats to back up either assertion, however I did notice that quite a few sites extended their application deadlines, presumably in an attempt to get more applicants. I’d love to hear what others think or have noticed. I know it’s difficult to predict, but I’m wondering if anyone has thoughts on how this might impact Phase II this year. Thanks again!

 

[WisNeuro]

Thank you for all of your responses. I really appreciate the feedback.

Along these same lines, does anyone have thoughts on whether or not there might be any specific advantages or disadvantages to applying for internship this year (versus next year) because of the changes due to the pandemic? My DCT shared that he thought less people may be applying this year (for a number of pandemic-related reasons). Alternatively, I’ve heard other faculty predict that more people may apply to more sites because there are no in-person interviews/less travel expenses. I haven’t seen any stats to back up either assertion, however I did notice that quite a few sites extended their application deadlines, presumably in an attempt to get more applicants. I’d love to hear what others think or have noticed. I know it’s difficult to predict, but I’m wondering if anyone has thoughts on how this might impact Phase II this year. Thanks again!

The sites I'm familiar with did not do it for this reason. As it is, I don't think playing the numbers really changes your chances as long as you are decently competitive. There are more slots than applicants, so the numbers already favor you, I doubt it will be appreciably different next year.

 

[thebalmofhurtminds]

We had more applicants than usual this year. Playing the numbers probably isn't a good bet, best to make a decision based on your qualifications, life circumstances, and readiness.

 

[niceman]

APPIC Phase I stats typically come out in early January. You can read those numbers and decide. As mentioned above, it doesn't quite matter whether certain sites extended their application deadlines. It doesn't mean they will end up in Phase II. Last year, I saw some sites with record number of applications that ended up in Phase II. No matter how many sites each applicant applies to on average, they can only end up at one site. And the number of apps varies across sites (we had a bit less applicants this year) so it is not meaningful. You will get more useful information when the stats come out, probably about how many positions are available this year and how many registered applicants there are.

 

[1372012]

Thank you so much to all who replied. I have been agonizing over the decision...your feedback has definitely been helpful!