Chris... I don't have a clue about the PPA admin process other than my wife went through it many years ago. She's old Haha!!
As you will learn, hopefully sooner rather than later, relationships matter. There is bound to be a councilor you can ask this type of stuff about. More importantly, look into the program and find out who makes those decisions. Probably profs and some you may already know. Go talk to them. Build a relationship.
If they know your name when that app comes across it cannot hurt.
Best of luck.