--VPCAT Application FAQs--

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Is there a document detailing the program components, scholar/mentor responsibilities and expectations, and participation benefits?

• Yes. The Overview of Formal Participation in the VPCAT Program document provides an overview of participation in the VPCAT program and the formal agreement that all parties adhere to, including guidelines for service obligations, responsibilities, fixed costs, and potential benefits of participation.

Is there a handbook that outlines the program’s purpose, scholar/ mentor requirements, development and resource support, policies, and pre-award and grant management mentorship?

• Absolutely! The VPCAT Scholar Handbook is a great resource for all things VPCAT!

Approximately how many scholar positions are available each year?

• The VPCAT Program typically accepts 18-20 new scholars each year.

 

ELIGIBILITY

What are the eligibility criteria for applying to the VPCAT Program?

• You can find the Applicant Eligibility Criteria and Program Requirements in the VPCAT Scholar Cohort Request for Application (RFA) Instructions. Please review this information before starting your application.

Can I apply for the VPCAT Program if I’m not on the Tenure track?

• Absolutely! We accept applicants from clinical, research, and tenure tracks.

Can I apply for the VPCAT Program if I plan to submit an R-series type award during the program, rather than a career development type award?

• Definitely! We accept applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and are seeking support to achieve their career and research goals, regardless of the grant type.
• If you have additional questions, you can email us at vpcat@utah.edu. 

Can I apply if I am new to the University of Utah?

• Yes. As long as you have a faculty position by January of the cohort year, you are eligible to apply. Typically, accepted scholars have been at the University of Utah long enough to establish a strong relationship with their mentor(s).
• If you have additional questions, you can email us at vpcat@utah.edu. 

 

FORMATTING

Should I include headers/footers (i.e., name, date, title, etc.) in my documents?

• No.

How is it best to save and submit my application?

• We require that your application documents be saved as a single PDF, with all the documents as outlined in the VPCAT Scholar Cohort Request for Application (RFA) Instructions.

What is the page limit for this application?

• There is a 5-page limit for the Application Narrative. This limit does not include the Cover Letter, Applicant CV, References, Addressing Prior Submission, Plan for Transitioning into a Funded Principal Investigator, Mentor(s) Letter of Support, Institutional Letter of Commitment, Mentor(s) NIH Biosketch, and Mentor(s) Current and Pending (Other) Support Form.

The Application Narrative, Section F, requires a timeline. How would you like this timeline formatted? What information should it outline?

• This timeline should be formatted as a Gantt chart or table that provides a visual summary of your stated career and research activities, publications, and grant submissions during the program. You should consider designating time periods (e.g., quarters, months) and include start and completion periods for activities. Activities could include:
  • Career goals and objectives (including those related to VPCAT-required activities, as appropriate)
  • Mentor meetings (including VPCAT mentor meetings, as appropriate)
  • Manuscript preparation
  • Conference presentations
  • Grant preparation

Can I see an example of a successful application?

• Yes. We provide examples of funded VPCAT applications and summary statements on the How to Apply website. Additionally, we highly encourage applicants to attend the VPCAT Application Workshop on Wedesday, September 2, 2026, at 12:00 pm to ask questions and gain insights into what reviewers are looking for.
• If you have additional questions, you can email us at vpcat@utah.edu. 

 

DUE DATES

When does the application become available?

• The application usually becomes available on Competition Space from the first to the second week of June.

When is the application due?

• Applications are due no later than 5:00 pm on the last Friday of September.
• You will need to submit your application via Competition Space.
   

REVIEW PROCESS

How are VPCAT Scholar applications scored?

• Our review panel consists of VPCAT senior mentors and VPCAT Alumni Advisory Board members, and we will assign your application a primary, secondary, and tertiary reviewer.
• We will identify any conflicts of interest prior to assignment to ensure impartiality, fairness, and integrity. 
• Our reviewers will independently evaluate and rate your application using the criteria outlined in the VPCAT Scholar Cohort Request for Application (RFA) Instructions, providing comments on each criterion.
• Reviewers will also provide two overall evaluations: an Overall Impact score and a Program Readiness rating.
• You can review the complete Reviewer Instructions, Scoring Guide, and Review Criteria document for additional details.

What does it mean to be ready for the VPCAT program?

• Because VPCAT is an intensive two-year career development program, readiness means you are at a stage where you can capitalize on the program's mentoring, training, and resources over your time in the program.
• In general, an applicant who has a well-developed, strong research question that will address an important gap, as well as quality preliminary data and work that supports a realistic future grant submission timeline, we consider ready.
• Being ready also means you have a strong relationship with your scientific mentor(s) and commitment from your institutional leaders.
• You can learn more about Program Readiness in the VPCAT Scholar Cohort Request for Application (RFA) Instructions.

If I am reapplying to VPCAT, is there a section to discuss changes since my last application?

• Yes! If you are reapplying, there is an optional section, Addressing Prior Submission, where you can update the reviewers on your current readiness for the program.

Will I receive reviewer feedback?

• We will send your Summary Statements containing all reviewer feedback with your notification announcement.

Will I be able to find out who my reviewers were?

• No. Summary Statements are anonymized.

 

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE

When will I receive notification of my acceptance?

• The review process will take place throughout the month of October.
• It is anticipated that notifications will be sent no later than early November.

If I am not accepted this year, can I apply again next year?

• Yes, absolutely! We strongly encourage applicants who were not accepted to apply the following year.
• We also encourage applicants to schedule a meeting to discuss their feedback with the VPCAT Director after they review their summary statement with their mentors.
• If you have additional questions or want to schedule a meeting with our program director, you can email us at vpcat@utah.edu.