> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://participanthelp.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://participanthelp.dscout.com/getting-started/dscout-overview/applying-to-studies.md).

# Applying to studies

To be eligible to participate in a study, you’ll first need to submit an application to see if you’re a good fit. In this article you'll learn about:

## How do I get selected for studies?

When applying for studies, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting selected.

* Answer the questions thoughtfully and creatively.
* Follow the directions. Each opportunity is different! Double check that you're staying on target.
* Be a good camera operator. When taking video, make sure we can see & hear you well, and keep your phone as steady as you can. Be yourself, put your best foot forward, and let your excitement shine through!
* Relax! You won't be a good fit for every study. Instead of completing every single opportunity that pops up, go for ones that really speak to your interests and knock those applications out of the park.

## How to apply to studies

Browse the **Explore tab** on your mobile app to see what studies are available. Once you find an opportunity that looks interesting to you, tap on the opportunity to read more about the application and incentive!

<img src="https://2127414252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWDOo5BT5iAW9nWsfYLgS%2Fuploads%2F2FN6JymIOHfBz1g9YaRG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=16d416c0-eb96-4d2f-b3a3-8f705f3741bd" alt="" width="563">

To submit an application to a study, complete the following steps:

1. Tap on each individual study card to read through the details.
2. If you’re interested and think you’ll be a good fit for the study, tap **Start Application** at the bottom of the screen.
3. Read and answer each question thoughtfully and truthfully before hitting the **Next Question** button.

   <div data-gb-custom-block data-tag="hint" data-style="info" class="hint hint-info"><p><strong>Note:</strong> Once you answer a question in your application, you will not be able to go back. Make sure everything is correct before you tap <strong>Next Question</strong>.</p></div>
4. When you come across a picture or video question, you can choose to use Dscout’s camera to answer the question or upload a file from your phone’s media storage.
5. Once you’ve answered all the questions, you’ll see a screen that tells you that you’ve completed your application (check out this screen below).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** You can’t view past applications in the app yet.
{% endhint %}

<img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/WDOo5BT5iAW9nWsfYLgS/blobs/aMiPp33XP1Xd81RotoQi/35668107013268" alt="" width="563">

## Why do I have to apply to studies?

Each study is looking to research and understand a very specific topic, which often requires scouts that meet very specific criteria. Applying to a study helps us ensure that we’re finding the best scouts for each study.

Please remember that if you don’t get selected this time around, it doesn’t necessarily mean your application was lacking. It just means that we were looking for something else.

## The application review process + timeline

The person in charge of the study (or study leader) reviews every application that comes through. Since every application is reviewed manually, the review process can take anywhere from **a few days to a few weeks.**

Each study has its own timeline. As a result, we can’t truly say how long the application review process is for each study because it is never the same.

## The selection process

Once the review process is complete, scouts are selected to participate in the study and notified. If you are selected to participate in a study, your study leader will send you an invitation in the app. You'll receive an email from Dscout as well as a push notification (if you have them enabled!) letting you know that you've been invited.

At this time we do not notify you if you haven't been selected, so if it's been a week or two and you haven't heard back, chances are you weren't picked this time around!

<img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/WDOo5BT5iAW9nWsfYLgS/blobs/KAze1e4PZOtjeBKgTfbX/35668153638548" alt="" width="563">

## Who chooses if I get into studies?

It depends! Sometimes a study leader from Dscout reviews your application, and other times a study leader from a company working with Dscout reviews it. But in either case, the person who reviews your application is looking for authenticity, creativity, attention to detail, and good camera work.

Click to learn more about what to expect after you've been invited to a [Diary study](/diary-studies/participate-in-diary-studies.md) or an [Interview study](/interview-studies/participate-in-interview-studies/participating-in-interview-studies.md)!


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