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CAAPID Timeline and Deadlines (2025-2026 Cycle)



"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]

  1. CAAPID 2025-2026 Timeline Overview

  2. When Does CAAPID Open for 2025-2026?

  3. When Are CAAPID Deadlines for 2025-2026?

  4. What is Rolling Admissions and Why Does It Matter?

  5. When Should You Actually Submit Your CAAPID Application?

  6. Month-by-Month CAAPID Timeline (Complete Schedule)

  7. CAAPID Timeline: 12 Months Before Applying

  8. CAAPID Timeline: 6-9 Months Before Applying

  9. CAAPID Timeline: 3-6 Months Before Applying

  10. CAAPID Timeline: Application Period (March-October)

  11. CAAPID Timeline: Interview Season (August-March)

  12. CAAPID Timeline: Decision Period (October-April)

  13. CAAPID Deadlines by School (2025-2026)

  14. Early vs. Late Application: How Timing Affects Your Chances

  15. What Happens After You Submit CAAPID?

  16. How Long Does It Take to Hear Back After Submitting CAAPID?

  17. When Do CAAPID Interview Invitations Come?

  18. When Are CAAPID Decisions Released?

  19. What If You Miss a CAAPID Deadline?

  20. Creating Your Personal CAAPID Timeline

  21. How P2A Consultancy Helps You Stay on Track

  22. 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:

  1. The official ADEA CAAPID website

  2. Each school's individual website

  3. 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:

  1. Don't hold multiple seats past deposit deadlines

  2. Make your decision

  3. Withdraw graciously from schools you won't attend

  4. 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:

  1. Visit the official ADEA CAAPID website

  2. Visit each school's dental admissions page

  3. Email admissions offices directly if unclear

  4. 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:

  1. Submit early (April-June)

  2. Ensure complete application

  3. Strong personal statement

  4. Complete supplementals promptly

  5. Have strong clinical experience

  6. 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

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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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