Understanding Submissions
Track your application progress and understand submission states.
A submission is your application and work for a specific opportunity. This guide explains how submissions work and what each status means.
What Is a Submission?
When you apply to an opportunity, a submission is created. This submission tracks:
- Your application status
- Screening responses
- Completed tasks
- Review decisions
- Payout status
Think of it as a container for all your work on a specific study.
Submission States
Your submission moves through various states as you progress:
INIT
What it means: Your application has started.
What to do: Continue with the application process. You may need to provide basic info or complete initial steps.
SCREENING
What it means: You're currently completing screening questions.
What to do: Answer all screening questions honestly. These determine if you qualify for the full study.
SCREEN_PASSED
What it means: Congratulations! You passed the screening phase.
What to do: Continue to the main tasks of the study.
SCREENED_OUT
What it means: You didn't meet the screening criteria for this study.
What to do: This isn't personal. Researchers have specific requirements. Try other opportunities that better match your background.
IN_PROGRESS
What it means: You're actively working on the study tasks.
What to do: Complete all assigned tasks before any deadlines. Check your submission for task details.
AWAITING_REVIEW
What it means: You've submitted your work and it's being reviewed.
What to do: Wait for the researcher or our quality system to review your submission. This can take a few hours to several days depending on the study.
APPROVED
What it means: Your work was accepted!
What to do: Your earnings have been added to your balance. You can cash out once you meet the minimum threshold.
REJECTED
What it means: Your submission wasn't accepted.
What to do: See the rejection reason if provided. Learn from the feedback and try other opportunities.
COMPLETED
What it means: The entire process is finished, including payout.
What to do: Nothing! This submission is complete.
Other Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ABANDONED | You started but didn't complete the submission |
| TIMED_OUT | The submission exceeded its time limit |
| CANCELLED | The study was cancelled by the researcher |
Tracking Your Submissions
View all your submissions in your dashboard:
- Log in to your Terac account
- Go to your dashboard
- Click on "My Submissions" or "Applications"
Each submission shows its current status and any actions you need to take.
Submission Timeline
Most submissions follow this flow:
Apply → Screening → Tasks → Review → Approval → PayoutThe time from application to payout varies by study. Some complete in a single session; others span multiple days.
FAQ
How long does review take?
Review times vary. Auto-reviewed submissions are processed immediately. Manual reviews can take 1-5 business days depending on the researcher.
Can I edit my submission after submitting?
Generally, no. Once you submit a task, it cannot be edited. Make sure your responses are complete before submitting.
What if I started but can't finish?
If you can't complete a submission, it will eventually be marked as abandoned or timed out. This doesn't significantly affect your account, but try to only apply to studies you can complete.
Why was my submission rejected?
Common reasons include:
- Responses didn't meet quality standards
- Answers contradicted your profile information
- Tasks were incomplete or rushed
- Technical issues prevented proper recording
Can I appeal a rejection?
If you believe your submission was rejected in error, contact support with your submission details.
What's Next?
Learn about completing screeners to improve your pass rate.