FAQs for Recommenders

Q: What if I did not receive the recommendation email from the applicant?
A: If you do not receive an email from this address, check your spam or junk mail folders. If possible, set your email filters to allow mail from “mfp@apa.org.” If you have an AOL email address, visit AOL Help to make sure that you receive emails from the application system.

Q: I downloaded the PDF form, but am unable to fill it out.
A: You need to have Adobe Reader 8 or higher installed on your computer to fill out the PDF form. If you have Apple Preview, you can open the form, but it will not allow you to fill out the various fields.

Q: How do I know my PDF form has uploaded?
A: You will receive an email notification from "formscentral-receipts@acrobat.com" and a confirmation message when your form has been uploaded. If you do not receive an email from this address, check your spam or junk mail folders. If possible, set your email filters to allow mail with an "@acrobat.com" domain.

Q: Can I send a letter to the office rather than upload it? I am not good with computers.
A: While we understand how frustrating it can sometimes be to use the computer, we nevertheless require that all recommendations be submitted online due to the volume of applications we receive. Also, the entire recommendation form is only available online. If someone in your office is unable to help you through this process, feel free to contact our office at (202) 336-6127, and we'll be happy to help you. *Exceptions are only made occasionally and must be approved by Andrew T. Austin-Dailey, director.

Q: If my student has already had some training experiences in this area — should these be reflected in the plan, or is the plan only for activities that will be undertaken during the next academic year?
A: It is only for activities that will be undertaken during the next academic year.

Q: Can the recommender's assistant print or view the complete recommender's form? 
A: Please contact the office.

Q: How should I be involved if the applicant for whom I wrote the recommendation gets accepted to the fellowship program?
A: If you are the applicant's advisor or sponsor, you should immediately contact the chair of the department and start looking at other ways that your department can support your trainee's academic and career goals via tuition, health insurance and/or contributing more to the trainee's stipend. This support will not only show your department's commitment to underserved communities, but will also facilitate the trainee accomplishing their goals in a timely manner.