Application Process Timeline

Navigate Match with NPTC

Explore the step-by-step journey of our application process, designed to guide you seamlessly from initial contact to securing your internship position.

Application and Match Timeline

While you cannot start submitting applications until October each year, the National Psychology Training Consortium’s match preparation begins in May. We begin with an outreach to every school we have received an applicant from. Our first email establishes a timeline for the year regarding communication expectations and events for students. 

The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) provides a list of deadlines on its website, which you can find here. Dates are typically released in August of each year. 

May – July

Summer outreach and program updates

In May and June, NPTC updates our website with information about positions, benefits, and the application process. The first thing to be released is our program brochure, which contains brief information about training with us. In July, our full website pages become available outlining all opportunities.

Is email the only channel to receive information about match?

You can follow NPTC on Facebook and LinkedIn, but match information is primarily shared via email.

Does NPTC provide APPIC news?

Aside from sharing when the portal opens for applications, we do no share APPIC news in our email updates. An APPIC mailing list is available through their website.

August

Virtual open house registration opens

In August, we open registration for our virtual open house events. Virtual open house typically takes place throughout September and consists of hour-long meetings with each of our region’s training directors, site training directors, and some current interns. At the meetings, students can expect to learn about the training opportunities at each site.

What does registration include?

To sign up to attend these free events, we require your name and email address. There is also an option to presubmit a question for the Q&A portion of the meetings.

What if I’m unable to attend live?

The meetings are recorded and made available by request.

September

Virtual open house

In September, we will host one virtual meeting per regional program. Exact dates and times for these meetings won’t be available until a month or two in advance, but they are typically scheduled throughout early to mid September during the week

What happens at open house?

Each of our regional programs hosts a one-hour virtual meeting that consists of an overview of NPTC and introduces each site within that region and the positions available. After a brief overview from each site, there is a Q&A portion for presubmitted questions and live questions from attendees. You are encouraged, but not required, to turn on your camera during the meeting. If you have a question, you can unmute or post in the meeting chat.

Is attendance required if I plan to apply?

No, attending open house has no bearing on your application status. It is merely a resource available if you want to use it.

October – November

Application Portal Open

The APPIC AAPI portal opens in October for applications to all of our regional programs. Applications are typically due the second Sunday in November.

How do I apply to more than one NPTC site?

Because NPTC has multiple regions, each regional application allows you to apply to more than one position at no additional cost. Our how to apply document covers the steps to adding positions to your application.

Does NPTC have application resources?

Yes! We have a page on our website with application resources. This page includes advice from our training directors about what they look for in an application. We also have a page that outlines eligibility and requirements for applications.

What happens after I submit my application?

Within a few days of submitting your application to NPTC, you will receive an email from us confirming we have received your application. Our email also includes information about the opportunity to apply to more sites. 

December – January

Interviews

Notification to interview is made to applicants via the National Match Interview Portal, typically on the first Friday in December. The portal sends invitations per event/site/track, and many of our sites may have more than one event as a part of their interview process. Applicants will receive at least one invitation per site/track they are being interviewed for, per region, and must respond to each invitation they receive.

If I’m invited to interview for more than one position, will there be multiple interviews?

Yes, each position you are considered for will be a separate interview unless you are considered for multiple tracks at the same site. Each site has its own process, so pay close attention to all correspondence you receive.

What is the interview format?

Each of our sites conducts completely virtual interviews. Sites outline their interview process on their individual site pages.

Does NPTC provide interview resources?

Yes, you can review our interview resources page that includes advice from training directors and other resources.

Will there be an opportunity to provide feedback on a site’s interview process?

Yes, after each interview, you will receive a reminder from NPTC to complete a feedback survey. You have the option to download your survey response, which we recommend doing to help you keep track of your interview notes. 

February

Ranking lists, match day, and phase II

Ranking lists for students and sites are to be submitted via the National Match Service in early February.

Match day is typically in late February. Applicants will receive their match results via email from the National Match Service and an email from NPTC with more information.

Phase II is fast-paced as we work to fill any remaining positions. Applications are submitted through the APPIC portal. Phase II applicants can expect to receive follow-up from NPTC about all open positions and resources to help with the process.

Where can I find the match numbers for all of NPTC’s positions?

NPTC will send a complete list of match numbers to students before the ranking deadline for their reference in Phase I and Phase II. All match numbers are also available on the website on each site page.

How soon will I hear from the site I matched with?

Matched interns will receive a phone call from the site they matched with on the morning of match day or in the early afternoon.

March

Phase II interviews, ranking, and match day

Notification to interview is made to applicants via the National Match Interview Portal. 

Phase II rankings are due in mid-March, and one week following, applicants will receive their match results via email from the National Match Service and an email from NPTC with more information.

What is different in Phase II?

The processes of interviewing, ranking, and matching are the same as in Phase I. The main difference is the timeline of Phase II, which is about four weeks, compared to Phase I, which is about five months.

April – May

Matched applicant follow-up and post-match

Post-match positions are advertised immediately following Phase II match day, and applications can be submitted as long as positions are open.

In early April, applicants who matched with NPTC will receive a welcome email outlining what to expect in the weeks leading up to their first day. 

In May, all matched interns will receive emails from NPTC with orientation paperwork and expectations. Sites may also reach out at this time with onboarding paperwork. We also organize an optional virtual pre-internship gathering if interns are interested in connecting with their fellow interns. The internship year for the Cascades and Pacific regions begins in June, and all other regions start in late July/early August.

What does applying during post-match look like?

Applications to post-match vacancies are submitted through the APPIC Post-Match Vacancy Service. There are no deadlines for applying, interview notifications, or ranking, as positions remain open until filled. Applicants will receive all correspondence via email directly from NPTC. 

Subscribe to our applicant newsletter!

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