CAAPID Timeline and Deadlines (2025-2026 Cycle)
- Dr Dev Prajapati

- Jan 24
- 17 min read
"When should I submit my CAAPID application?"
This is one of the most common questions international dentists ask — and one of the most misunderstood.
Most applicants focus on the deadline. "The deadline is October, so I'll submit in September."
That's a mistake that costs people acceptances every year.
CAAPID operates on rolling admissions. Schools review applications as they arrive. Interview invitations go out continuously. Seats fill throughout the cycle.
By the time you submit in September, the applicant who submitted in April already has three interview invitations. By the time you're scheduling interviews in November, half the seats may already be filled.
Timing matters. This guide gives you the complete CAAPID timeline for 2025-2026 — not just deadlines, but when to actually submit to maximize your chances.
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CAAPID Timeline 2025-2026: The CAAPID application opens in March 2025. Most school deadlines fall between July and October 2025. However, due to rolling admissions, early submission (April-June) significantly improves acceptance chances. Interview invitations are sent August-January, interviews occur September-March, and decisions are released October-April on a rolling basis. Classes begin Summer 2026.
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]
CAAPID 2025-2026 Timeline Overview
When Does CAAPID Open for 2025-2026?
When Are CAAPID Deadlines for 2025-2026?
What is Rolling Admissions and Why Does It Matter?
When Should You Actually Submit Your CAAPID Application?
Month-by-Month CAAPID Timeline (Complete Schedule)
CAAPID Timeline: 12 Months Before Applying
CAAPID Timeline: 6-9 Months Before Applying
CAAPID Timeline: 3-6 Months Before Applying
CAAPID Timeline: Application Period (March-October)
CAAPID Timeline: Interview Season (August-March)
CAAPID Timeline: Decision Period (October-April)
CAAPID Deadlines by School (2025-2026)
Early vs. Late Application: How Timing Affects Your Chances
What Happens After You Submit CAAPID?
How Long Does It Take to Hear Back After Submitting CAAPID?
When Do CAAPID Interview Invitations Come?
When Are CAAPID Decisions Released?
What If You Miss a CAAPID Deadline?
Creating Your Personal CAAPID Timeline
How P2A Consultancy Helps You Stay on Track
Frequently Asked Questions About CAAPID Timeline
1. CAAPID 2025-2026 Timeline Overview
The CAAPID 2025-2026 cycle begins in March 2025 and concludes with classes starting in Summer 2026.
Quick overview:
Phase | Timeline |
Application opens | March 2025 |
Best time to submit | April - June 2025 |
Most deadlines | July - October 2025 |
Interview invitations | August 2025 - January 2026 |
Interview season | September 2025 - March 2026 |
Decision releases | October 2025 - April 2026 |
Waitlist movement | April - June 2026 |
Classes begin | July - August 2026 |
The key insight:
The CAAPID timeline is NOT about deadlines. It's about rolling admissions.
Schools start reviewing applications as soon as they open. Early applicants get reviewed first, interviewed first, and accepted first.
By the time deadline approaches, many seats are already filled.
2. When Does CAAPID Open for 2025-2026?
The CAAPID application for the 2025-2026 cycle opens in March 2025.
What "opening" means:
What You Can Do | When |
Create CAAPID account | Before March (anytime) |
Start filling application | March 2025 |
Submit completed application | March 2025 onwards |
Schools begin reviewing | As applications arrive |
Before CAAPID opens:
You can (and should) prepare everything in advance:
Pass INBDE
Take TOEFL
Start credential evaluation (ECE/WES)
Request letters of recommendation
Write personal statement draft
Prepare CV
Research schools and create list
The goal: Be ready to submit within the first few weeks of CAAPID opening.
3. When Are CAAPID Deadlines for 2025-2026?
CAAPID deadlines vary by school, with most falling between July and October 2025.
Important clarification:
There is no single CAAPID deadline. Each school sets its own deadline.
General deadline patterns:
Deadline Period | Schools |
Early (June-July) | Some competitive programs |
Mid-cycle (August-September) | Many programs |
Late (October-November) | Some programs |
Rolling/No fixed deadline | Some programs accept until filled |
Sample deadline ranges (verify on official websites):
School | Typical Deadline Range |
NYU | July - August |
USC | August |
UCLA | August - September |
UPenn | August |
Columbia | August - September |
Rutgers | September |
Buffalo | September - October |
Tufts | October |
Critical warning:
Deadlines change every year. Always verify current deadlines on:
The official ADEA CAAPID website
Each school's individual website
Direct communication with admissions
Never rely on last year's deadlines or information from forums.
4. What is Rolling Admissions and Why Does It Matter?
Rolling admissions means schools review applications continuously as they arrive, rather than waiting until after a deadline to review all applications together.
How rolling admissions works:
Traditional Admissions | Rolling Admissions |
All applications reviewed after deadline | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
All interviews scheduled at once | Interviews scheduled continuously |
All decisions released together | Decisions released throughout cycle |
Timing doesn't affect chances | Early submission = better chances |
Why rolling admissions matters for YOU:
If You Submit Early | If You Submit Late |
Application reviewed immediately | Application joins large queue |
Fewer applicants competing | More applicants already reviewed |
More seats available | Seats already filling |
More interview slots | Fewer interview slots |
Higher acceptance rate | Lower acceptance rate |
The math is simple:
If a school accepts 20 international students and receives 500 applications:
First 100 applications reviewed → 8 seats filled
Next 100 applications → 6 seats filled
Next 100 applications → 4 seats filled
Next 100 applications → 2 seats filled
Final 100 applications → 0 seats remaining
This is why timing matters more than most applicants realize.
5. When Should You Actually Submit Your CAAPID Application?
For maximum chances, submit your complete CAAPID application in April-June 2025 — not close to deadlines.
Optimal submission timing:
Timing | Recommendation | Why |
April - May | ⭐ Excellent | First wave reviewed, most seats available |
June | ⭐ Very good | Still early, strong chances |
July | Good | Competitive but more applicants now |
August | Acceptable | Getting crowded |
September | Late | Many seats filled, fewer opportunities |
October | Very late | Limited remaining spots |
The golden rule:
Submit as early as possible with a COMPLETE application.
An incomplete application submitted early is worse than a complete application submitted later. But a complete application submitted early is the best of both worlds.
What "complete" means:
Component | Must Be Done Before Submitting |
INBDE | Passed (or scheduled with score coming soon) |
TOEFL | Score received by CAAPID |
Credential evaluation | Received by CAAPID |
Letters of recommendation | All submitted |
Personal statement | Finalized |
CV | Complete and polished |
Application | All sections filled |
Payment | Fees paid |
6. Month-by-Month CAAPID Timeline (Complete Schedule)
Here is the complete month-by-month CAAPID timeline for the 2025-2026 cycle:
MARCH 2024 - FEBRUARY 2025: PREPARATION PHASE
March - May 2024 (12+ months before applying)
Begin INBDE preparation
Research CAAPID process and requirements
Start saving for application costs
June - August 2024 (10-12 months before applying)
Continue INBDE preparation
Take INBDE exam (if ready)
Plan for U.S. clinical experience
September - November 2024 (7-9 months before applying)
Take INBDE (if not done)
Take TOEFL (aim for strong score)
Begin credential evaluation process
Complete U.S. clinical experience
December 2024 - February 2025 (4-6 months before applying)
Ensure INBDE passed
Ensure TOEFL score meets requirements
Credential evaluation in process or complete
Identify letter writers
Begin personal statement drafting
Research schools, build initial list
Work on CV
MARCH 2025: APPLICATION OPENS
Week 1-2:
CAAPID application opens
Create account and start application
Input basic information
Week 3-4:
Request letters of recommendation through CAAPID
Upload CV
Finalize personal statement
Verify all scores sent to CAAPID
APRIL 2025: EARLY SUBMISSION WINDOW
Target: Submit complete application
This month:
Finalize all application components
Verify letters submitted
Verify scores received (INBDE, TOEFL)
Verify credential evaluation received
Select schools
Pay fees
SUBMIT
Why April matters: You're among the first reviewed. Maximum seats available.
MAY 2025: CONTINUED EARLY WINDOW
If not submitted in April:
Submit complete application immediately
Still early, strong position
If already submitted:
Monitor application status
Complete supplemental applications as they arrive
Respond quickly to any school communications
JUNE 2025: LAST "EARLY" MONTH
This month:
Last chance for "early" submission advantage
Supplemental applications arriving for early submitters
Some schools beginning reviews
If not submitted:
You're moving from "early" to "on-time"
Still acceptable but losing competitive edge
JULY 2025: FIRST DEADLINES APPROACHING
This month:
Some early school deadlines
Interview invitations may begin for earliest applicants
Complete all supplementals promptly
Activity picks up:
Schools actively reviewing
Competition increasing
Seats beginning to fill
AUGUST 2025: MAJOR DEADLINE MONTH
This month:
Many school deadlines
Interview invitations increasing
Strong applicants receiving multiple invites
If not submitted:
Submit immediately for any schools with later deadlines
Chances decreasing but not gone
SEPTEMBER 2025: INTERVIEW SEASON BEGINS
This month:
More deadlines
Interview season in full swing
Some applicants already receiving acceptances
Your activities:
Attend interviews (if invited)
Continue completing supplementals
Respond immediately to all communications
OCTOBER 2025: FINAL DEADLINES
This month:
Last major deadlines
Heavy interview activity
Rolling acceptances continuing
If applying to schools with October deadlines:
Submit before deadline (not on deadline)
Be prepared for quick interview turnaround
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2025: MID-CYCLE
This period:
Interviews continue
Acceptances continue rolling out
Waitlist activity may begin
Your activities:
Complete remaining interviews
Send thank you notes/updates
Consider letters of intent to top choice schools
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2026: LATE CYCLE
This period:
Final interviews
More decisions released
Waitlist movement beginning
Your activities:
Follow up with schools if no decision
Maintain contact with schools you're interested in
Prepare for potential waitlist
MARCH - APRIL 2026: DECISION CRUNCH
This period:
Final decisions released
Waitlist movement increases
Deposit deadlines approaching
Your activities:
Make final decisions
Submit deposits to secure seat
Withdraw from other schools (be courteous)
MAY - JUNE 2026: FINAL PREPARATIONS
This period:
Waitlist final movement
Visa processing (if needed)
Housing arrangements
Pre-enrollment requirements
JULY - AUGUST 2026: CLASSES BEGIN
You made it!
Orientation
Classes begin
Your journey as a U.S. dental student starts
7. CAAPID Timeline: 12 Months Before Applying
Starting 12 months before the cycle opens gives you adequate time to prepare all requirements without rushing.
12-Month Preparation Checklist:
Month | Priority Tasks |
Month 12 | Begin INBDE preparation; research CAAPID process |
Month 11 | Continue INBDE prep; start saving for costs |
Month 10 | Continue INBDE prep; plan clinical experience |
Month 9 | Take INBDE (if ready); schedule TOEFL |
Month 8 | Take TOEFL; begin credential evaluation |
Month 7 | Complete clinical experience; verify INBDE passed |
Month 6 | Confirm TOEFL score; credential evaluation in progress |
Month 5 | Identify letter writers; begin PS draft |
Month 4 | Request letters; continue PS drafting |
Month 3 | Finalize PS; finalize CV; finalize school list |
Month 2 | CAAPID opens; begin application |
Month 1 | Complete and submit application |
Why 12 months?
Task | Time Required |
INBDE preparation | 2-6 months |
INBDE scheduling and results | 1-2 months |
TOEFL preparation and exam | 1-2 months |
Credential evaluation | 2-3 months |
Clinical experience | 1-2 months |
Personal statement | 2-4 weeks |
Building school list | 2-4 weeks |
Letter collection | 4-6 weeks |
These tasks overlap, but having 12 months gives you buffer time for delays and retakes.
8. CAAPID Timeline: 6-9 Months Before Applying
At 6-9 months out, you should be completing major requirements and beginning application preparation.
6-9 Month Checklist:
Status | Task |
☐ | INBDE passed (or scheduled soon) |
☐ | TOEFL taken with acceptable score |
☐ | Credential evaluation submitted |
☐ | Clinical experience completed or scheduled |
☐ | School research underway |
☐ | Letter writers identified |
☐ | Savings plan for application costs |
If you're behind:
Missing | Action |
INBDE not passed | Prioritize preparation, schedule exam |
TOEFL not taken | Schedule immediately |
No clinical experience | Look for programs (P2A Preceptorship) |
Haven't researched schools | Start now |
Warning signs at 6-9 months:
Haven't started INBDE prep → Major time pressure
No plan for clinical experience → Limited options
Haven't thought about schools → Need to catch up
9. CAAPID Timeline: 3-6 Months Before Applying
At 3-6 months out, focus shifts from requirements to application preparation.
3-6 Month Checklist:
Status | Task |
☐ | INBDE passed ✓ |
☐ | TOEFL score received ✓ |
☐ | Credential evaluation received or arriving soon |
☐ | Letter writers confirmed |
☐ | Personal statement draft in progress |
☐ | CV updated and polished |
☐ | School list finalized (reach/match/safety) |
☐ | Budget confirmed |
Key activities this period:
Months 5-6:
Confirm all requirements are met or in progress
Begin personal statement writing seriously
Finalize school list
Months 3-4:
Polish personal statement (multiple drafts)
Request letters of recommendation
Finalize CV
Prepare for CAAPID opening
If you're behind:
Missing | Urgency |
INBDE not passed | Critical — may need to delay cycle |
TOEFL score too low | Retake immediately |
No credential evaluation started | Rush process (additional fees) |
No letters identified | Find recommenders now |
10. CAAPID Timeline: Application Period (March-October)
The application period from March to October is when you submit, complete supplementals, and prepare for interviews.
Application Period Timeline:
Month | Activity | Priority |
March | CAAPID opens; start application | High |
April | Submit complete application | Critical |
May | Monitor status; begin supplementals | High |
June | Complete supplementals; prepare for interviews | High |
July | First deadlines; early interviews possible | High |
August | Major deadlines; interviews increasing | High |
September | More deadlines; interview season active | High |
October | Final deadlines; continue interviews | Medium |
Weekly activities during application period:
Week | Tasks |
Every week | Check CAAPID for status updates |
Every week | Check email for school communications |
Every week | Complete supplementals as they arrive |
As needed | Schedule and attend interviews |
As needed | Send updates to schools |
Response time expectations:
Communication | Respond Within |
Supplemental application request | 1-2 weeks |
Interview invitation | 24-48 hours |
Document requests | 1 week |
Any school communication | 48 hours |
Fast responses show interest and organization. Slow responses suggest you don't care.
11. CAAPID Timeline: Interview Season (August-March)
Interview season runs from approximately August through March, with peak activity September-December.
Interview Timeline:
Period | Activity Level |
August | Early interviews begin |
September | Interview activity increases |
October | Peak interview season begins |
November | Heavy interview activity |
December | Continues heavily |
January | Still active |
February | Winding down |
March | Final interviews |
Interview statistics:
Milestone | Typical Timeline |
First interview invitations | August-September |
Most invitations sent | September-November |
Interview scheduling | 2-4 weeks after invitation |
Interview format | In-person or virtual (varies by school) |
Post-interview decision | 2-8 weeks |
What to expect:
Stage | Experience |
Invitation | Email from school scheduling interview |
Preparation | 1-3 weeks to prepare |
Interview day | 2-6 hours depending on format |
After interview | Thank you note within 24 hours |
Waiting | 2-8 weeks for decision |
Interview preparation during this time:
Research each school before interview
Practice common questions
Prepare questions to ask them
Plan travel/logistics for in-person interviews
Have professional attire ready
12. CAAPID Timeline: Decision Period (October-April)
Decisions are released on a rolling basis from October through April, with some waitlist movement continuing into summer.
Decision Timeline:
Period | Activity |
October - November | Early acceptances for early applicants |
December - January | Continued acceptances; some waitlists |
February - March | More decisions; waitlist activity |
April | Final decisions; deposit deadlines |
May - June | Waitlist final movement |
Decision types:
Decision | What It Means | Your Action |
Acceptance | You're in! | Celebrate, then decide |
Waitlist | Not rejected, not accepted | Send letter of continued interest |
Rejection | Not accepted | Focus on other schools |
After receiving acceptance:
Step | Timeline |
Review offer carefully | Immediately |
Compare with other offers | 1-2 weeks |
Submit deposit to hold seat | By deadline (varies) |
Withdraw from other schools | After committing |
Deposit deadlines:
Most schools require deposits within 2-4 weeks of acceptance. Deposits typically range from $500-$2,000 and are usually non-refundable.
Multiple acceptances:
If you receive multiple acceptances:
Don't hold multiple seats past deposit deadlines
Make your decision
Withdraw graciously from schools you won't attend
This frees seats for waitlisted students
13. CAAPID Deadlines by School (2025-2026)
CAAPID deadlines vary by school. Below are typical deadline ranges — always verify on official websites.
Important disclaimer: Deadlines change annually. This information is for general planning. ALWAYS verify current deadlines on official school websites and the ADEA CAAPID website.
Typical Deadline Ranges by School:
School | Typical Deadline Range | Program Length |
Boston University | August - September | 3 years |
Case Western Reserve | September | 2-3 years |
Columbia University | August - September | 3 years |
Harvard University | August | 2 years |
Indiana University | September | 2-3 years |
Loma Linda University | September | 3 years |
Louisiana State University | September | 3 years |
Marquette University | September | 2.5 years |
New York University | July - August | 3 years |
Ohio State University | September | 2-3 years |
Rutgers University | September | 3 years |
Stony Brook University | September | 3 years |
Temple University | September | 2.5 years |
Tufts University | October | 2 years |
UCLA | August - September | 2 years |
UCSF | August - September | 2 years |
University at Buffalo | September - October | 3 years |
University of Colorado | September | 2 years |
University of Connecticut | September | 3 years |
University of Florida | September | 3 years |
University of Illinois Chicago | September | 2.5 years |
University of Louisville | September | 2 years |
University of Maryland | September | 3 years |
University of Michigan | August - September | 2 years |
University of North Carolina | August - September | 2 years |
University of Pennsylvania | August | 2 years |
University of Southern California | August | 3 years |
Virginia Commonwealth University | September | 3 years |
How to verify current deadlines:
Visit the official ADEA CAAPID website
Visit each school's dental admissions page
Email admissions offices directly if unclear
Check for deadline updates throughout the cycle
14. Early vs. Late Application: How Timing Affects Your Chances
Early application significantly improves your chances due to rolling admissions, while late application puts you at a competitive disadvantage.
Early Application (April-June):
Advantage | Impact |
First to be reviewed | Your application gets full attention |
Maximum seats available | Not competing for remaining spots |
More interview slots | Flexible scheduling |
Better impression | Shows organization and commitment |
Time to address issues | Can fix problems if they arise |
Late Application (September-October):
Disadvantage | Impact |
Large queue of applications | Yours may get less attention |
Seats already filling | Competing for fewer spots |
Limited interview slots | Less scheduling flexibility |
Rushing impression | May seem disorganized |
No time to fix issues | Problems become critical |
Statistical reality:
While exact numbers aren't published, the pattern is clear:
Submission Time | Estimated Interview Rate | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
Early (April-June) | Higher | Higher |
On-time (July-August) | Average | Average |
Late (September-October) | Lower | Lower |
The calculation:
If a school receives 400 applications for 20 seats:
5% overall acceptance rate
But early applicants may have 8-10% rate
Late applicants may have 2-3% rate
Same credentials, different timing = different outcomes.
15. What Happens After You Submit CAAPID?
After submitting your CAAPID application, schools review your materials, request supplementals, and decide whether to invite you for interviews.
Post-submission timeline:
Step | Timeline After Submission |
Application marked "complete" | 1-2 weeks |
Schools receive your application | Immediately |
Supplemental requests sent | 1-4 weeks |
Initial review by schools | 2-8 weeks |
Interview invitations (if selected) | 4-12 weeks |
Rejections (if not selected) | Varies widely |
What schools do with your application:
Stage | What Happens |
Verification | CAAPID confirms all materials received |
Distribution | Application sent to schools you selected |
Initial screening | Schools check minimum requirements |
Full review | Qualified applications reviewed in detail |
Decision | Interview invitation, waitlist, or rejection |
Your responsibilities after submission:
Task | When |
Monitor CAAPID status | Weekly |
Check email constantly | Daily |
Complete supplementals promptly | Within 1-2 weeks of request |
Respond to communications quickly | Within 48 hours |
Update schools on achievements | As they occur |
16. How Long Does It Take to Hear Back After Submitting CAAPID?
Response times vary by school, but expect 4-12 weeks for interview invitations and longer for final decisions.
Typical response timeline:
Response Type | Timeline |
Application complete confirmation | 1-2 weeks |
Supplemental request | 1-4 weeks |
Interview invitation | 4-12 weeks |
Post-interview decision | 2-8 weeks |
Rejection (if applicable) | Varies (weeks to months) |
Factors affecting response time:
Factor | Impact |
When you submitted | Earlier = faster response |
School's review process | Some schools faster than others |
Your application strength | Strong applicants often hear sooner |
Time of year | Responses faster during peak season |
Completeness | Incomplete applications delayed |
What "no response" might mean:
Weeks Without Response | Possible Meaning |
2-4 weeks | Normal — still in queue |
4-8 weeks | Being reviewed or on hold |
8-12 weeks | May be waitlisted or slow school |
12+ weeks | Should follow up politely |
Following up:
After 8-10 weeks with no response, it's acceptable to send a polite email inquiring about your application status.
17. When Do CAAPID Interview Invitations Come?
CAAPID interview invitations are sent on a rolling basis from August through January, with peak activity in September-November.
Interview invitation timeline:
Period | Activity Level |
August | Early invitations begin |
September | Invitations increase significantly |
October | Peak invitation period |
November | Heavy invitation activity |
December | Continues but slowing |
January | Final invitations |
February-March | Rare late invitations |
What to expect with invitations:
Element | Details |
Format | Email from school |
Content | Interview date options, format, logistics |
Response expected | Within 24-72 hours |
Scheduling | Online system or email |
If you haven't received invitations:
Timeline | Action |
Applied early, no invite by October | Follow up with schools |
Applied late, no invite by November | May not receive invites |
No invites by December | Focus on schools still reviewing |
No invites by January | Consider reapplying next cycle |
Maximizing invitation chances:
Submit early (April-June)
Ensure complete application
Strong personal statement
Complete supplementals promptly
Have strong clinical experience
Meet all school requirements
18. When Are CAAPID Decisions Released?
CAAPID decisions are released on a rolling basis from October through April, with some waitlist movement continuing into summer.
Decision release timeline:
Period | Decision Activity |
October | Early acceptances begin |
November | Acceptances continue |
December | Heavy decision activity |
January | Continued decisions |
February | More decisions released |
March | Final major decisions |
April | Last decisions, deposit deadlines |
May-June | Waitlist final movement |
Decision types and timing:
Decision | Typical Timeline After Interview |
Acceptance | 2-8 weeks |
Waitlist | 4-12 weeks |
Rejection | Varies widely |
After receiving a decision:
Decision | Immediate Actions |
Acceptance | Review offer, note deposit deadline, celebrate |
Waitlist | Send letter of interest, update on achievements |
Rejection | Focus on other schools, analyze for improvement |
19. What If You Miss a CAAPID Deadline?
If you miss a CAAPID deadline for a specific school, that school is typically no longer an option for that cycle.
Options if you miss a deadline:
Situation | Options |
Missed one school's deadline | Apply to other schools with later deadlines |
Missed multiple deadlines | Focus on remaining schools |
Missed all deadlines | Apply next cycle |
Can you ask for an extension?
Approach | Likelihood of Success |
Contact admissions explaining circumstances | Very low |
Ask for exception | Almost never granted |
Apply late anyway | Application likely not reviewed |
Schools rarely grant extensions because:
It's unfair to applicants who met deadlines
Their review schedule is set
They have enough applicants already
Prevention is key:
Create a deadline tracker at the start of the cycle:
School | Deadline | Reminder (2 weeks before) | Submitted |
School A | July 15 | July 1 | ☐ |
School B | August 1 | July 18 | ☐ |
School C | September 15 | September 1 | ☐ |
20. Creating Your Personal CAAPID Timeline
Create a personalized timeline based on your current status and target submission date.
Step 1: Assess your current status
Requirement | Status | If Not Done, Time Needed |
INBDE | ☐ Done / ☐ In Progress | 2-6 months |
TOEFL | ☐ Done / ☐ In Progress | 1-2 months |
Credential Evaluation | ☐ Done / ☐ In Progress | 2-3 months |
Clinical Experience | ☐ Done / ☐ In Progress | 1-6 months |
Letters Identified | ☐ Done / ☐ In Progress | 4-6 weeks |
Personal Statement | ☐ Done / ☐ In Progress | 2-4 weeks |
School List | ☐ Done / ☐ In Progress | 2-4 weeks |
Step 2: Set your target submission date
Target | Required Preparation Start |
April 2025 (ideal) | October 2024 |
May 2025 (excellent) | November 2024 |
June 2025 (very good) | December 2024 |
July 2025 (good) | January 2025 |
August 2025 (acceptable) | February 2025 |
Step 3: Work backward to create milestones
Example for April 2025 submission:
Date | Milestone |
October 2024 | INBDE passed |
November 2024 | TOEFL completed, credential evaluation submitted |
December 2024 | Clinical experience completed |
January 2025 | Letter writers confirmed |
February 2025 | Personal statement drafted |
March 2025 | CAAPID opens, begin application |
April 2025 | Submit complete application |
Step 4: Build buffer time
Add 2-4 weeks buffer for:
Unexpected delays
Score retakes
Processing times
Life circumstances
21. How P2A Consultancy Helps You Stay on Track
P2A provides structured guidance to ensure you meet all CAAPID deadlines and submit a competitive application on time.
Where applicants struggle with timing:
Challenge | Consequence |
Started INBDE prep too late | Delayed entire application |
Didn't plan for credential evaluation time | Missed early submission window |
Personal statement took too long | Rushed submission |
Supplementals completed slowly | Signals disorganization |
Interview prep insufficient | Weak performance |
How P2A helps:
INBDE Preparation Dr. Dev passed INBDE in 10 weeks. We help students pass efficiently so they're not delayed by exam struggles.
Clinical Experience Our preceptorship programs have set dates throughout the year. We help you plan when to complete this requirement.
Application Preparation We work on personal statements with 48-hour turnaround. No months of back-and-forth delaying your submission.
Strategic Planning We help you build a realistic timeline based on YOUR current status, not generic advice.
Accountability Regular check-ins keep you on track. We don't let you fall behind.
Our results:
Students submitting in the optimal April-June window
Complete applications with no missing components
90%+ interview rate for mentorship students
[Book Your Free Strategy Call]
22. Frequently Asked Questions About CAAPID Timeline
When does CAAPID open for 2025-2026?
CAAPID opens in March 2025 for the 2025-2026 application cycle.
When are CAAPID deadlines?
Deadlines vary by school, with most falling between July and October 2025. Always verify on official school websites.
What is the best time to submit CAAPID?
Submit in April-June 2025 for best chances. Due to rolling admissions, early submission significantly improves your odds.
How does rolling admissions affect my application?
Schools review applications as they arrive. Early applicants are reviewed first when more seats are available. Late applicants compete for fewer remaining spots.
How long does it take to hear back from CAAPID schools?
Expect 4-12 weeks for interview invitations after submitting a complete application. Times vary by school and when you applied.
When do CAAPID interview invitations come?
Interview invitations are sent from August through January, with peak activity September-November.
When are CAAPID decisions released?
Decisions are released on a rolling basis from October through April. Waitlist movement may continue into summer.
What if I miss a CAAPID deadline?
That school is typically no longer an option for that cycle. Focus on schools with remaining deadlines or apply next cycle.
How early should I start preparing for CAAPID?
Start 12 months before you plan to apply. This gives time for INBDE, TOEFL, credential evaluation, clinical experience, and application preparation.
Can I submit CAAPID without INBDE results?
Some schools accept applications while awaiting INBDE results, but having a passing score significantly strengthens your application and is required by most schools.
When should I take TOEFL for CAAPID?
Take TOEFL 6-9 months before you plan to submit, allowing time for a retake if needed. Scores are valid for 2 years.
How long does credential evaluation take?
ECE and WES typically take 4-8 weeks. Start this process early as it's often the longest requirement.
When do supplemental applications come?
Supplementals are requested 1-4 weeks after you submit your CAAPID application to schools requiring them.
When do classes start for admitted students?
Classes typically begin in July or August 2026 for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Is there a CAAPID early decision option?
CAAPID doesn't have formal early decision, but rolling admissions means early submission functions similarly — earlier applicants get decisions sooner and have better chances.
Your Timeline Starts Now
Every day you wait is a day your competitors are preparing. Every week you delay is a week closer to deadlines.
The CAAPID timeline isn't forgiving. Rolling admissions rewards early, prepared applicants and punishes procrastination.
Where are you in your timeline?
If you're ahead of schedule — great. Stay on track.
If you're behind — you need to catch up now. Not next week. Now.
P2A Consultancy helps international dentists stay on track and submit competitive applications in the optimal early window.
Book a free strategy call. We'll assess where you are, what you still need, and create a realistic timeline to get you there.
About the Author
Dr. Dev Prajapati Co-Founder, P2A Consultancy
Dr. Dev navigated the CAAPID timeline himself and matched into Howard University's AEGD Residency Program. He understands that timing isn't just about meeting deadlines — it's about maximizing your chances through strategic early submission.
He passed INBDE in 10 weeks because he had a plan. He submitted early because he was prepared. Now he helps international dentists do the same.



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