We are excited to share the timeline and several important process updates for the upcoming 2027 practicum application cycle. Please review the dates and changes below and share them with students, sites, and colleagues as appropriate.
2027 Practicum Application Timeline
- Friday, February 19: Students may begin submitting practicum applications.
- Friday, February 26: Students must have applications submitted to sites.
- Friday, March 19: Deadline for sites to communicate interview status to applicants.
- Monday, April 12th: Last day students can withdraw applications to sites.
- Wednesday, April 14 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM: Pre-Notification Day
- Thursday, April 15 | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM: Notification Day
- Tuesday, April 20: The Clearinghouse process will begin.
Important Process Changes
We are also implementing several changes to improve the practicum experience and provide greater clarity for both students and sites:
- Students may accept offers on Pre-Notification Day. Sites will receive updated templates and language clarifying that an offer accepted on Pre-Notification Day is binding, and no additional communication is necessary on Notification Day. Positions may therefore be filled on Pre-Notification Day.
- Students may withdraw their application from a site if they determine it is not a good fit. A template will be provided to support this communication.
- Sites will be required to sign a conduct pledge, similar to the student pledge, including a commitment to notify all applicants on Pre-Notification Day.
- Notification Day will be earlier and shorter: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM. This change is intended to allow students to receive their notifications before arriving at practicum or school. The offer acceptance window will remain one hour.
- Students will be strongly encouraged to acknowledge receipt of an offer within 15 minutes. A communication template will be provided.
- Additional guidance will be provided regarding early-offer sites, currently limited to VA and university medical centers. Students should no longer need to drop out of the practicum process solely because they accepted an early offer.
- Sites will be prohibited from requiring official transcripts as part of the application process.
These updates are intended to create a more transparent, consistent, and student-centered practicum process while ensuring that sites have clear expectations throughout the cycle.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us make the 2027 practicum process a positive experience for everyone involved. Please keep these dates and updates in mind as you prepare for the upcoming cycle.
Best,
ACEPT
