This term refers to a structured explanation outlining the specific elements and format expected within a consolidated summary generated by the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). This standardized document provides a comprehensive overview of an applicant’s qualifications, experiences, and credentials, designed to facilitate efficient evaluation by training programs. For example, it stipulates the order and types of informationsuch as training experiences, research involvement, and letters of recommendationthat must be included, ensuring consistency across all applications.
The significance of a clearly articulated standard lies in promoting fairness and streamlining the review process. By providing a uniform template, it minimizes ambiguity and allows training programs to directly compare candidates based on relevant criteria. This, in turn, reduces the burden on reviewers and potentially mitigates biases that may arise from varied presentation styles. Historically, the move toward unified application materials aimed to enhance the efficiency and equity within the selection process, especially in competitive fields such as psychology internships and postdoctoral positions.
