This timeline is for people thinking of applying to the Peace Corps and those who are currently going through the Peace Corps application process. For me, it took 8 months after I began my online application to receive my invitation. In general, I think it is a good idea to apply 1 year before you would like to leave for service. Hope this helps! Be patient and good luck! :)
May, 2010:
May, 2010:
20th- Began online application which includes language skills, employment history, relevant volunteer work, and essays about my reasons for wanting to join the Peace Corps and my cross-cultural experiences.
27th- Online application submitted with the names and contact information of 3 recommenders.
June, 2010:
June, 2010:
1st- Recruiter contacts me with descriptions of possible assignments and I fill out a skills addendum for both the education and community development programs, with a preference for community development.
3rd- I emailed an official statement about my financial obligations (student loans).
9th- Funny thing: if you’re a criminal you get your fingerprints done for free but if you’re applying for a competitive U.S. government position you have to pay around $30 per chart. Anyway, after a fun visit with the Coral Gables police department I sent off my fingerprint charts, background check permission form, and transcript and then contacted my recruiter immediately to schedule a webcam interview for the following week.
15th- At the end of the interview my recruiter told me that it went well and went over a couple of programs that she wanted to nominate me for: a literacy program in sub-Saharan Africa and a community development (youth and education) program in sub-Saharan Africa, both leaving in June, 2011. We are still waiting on my final recommender and I need to fill out a romantic involvement questionnaire for my recruiter because I am in a relationship.
22nd-My recruiter calls me as soon as my final recommendation letter is submitted online. She tells me that she is officially nominating me for a community development (youth and education) program in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa with an approximate leave date of early June, 2011!
30th- I receive my medical kit. Getting medical clearance is the most arduous step of the application process and requires a lot of patience.
September, 2010:
21st- I send off my medical kit with all of the completed forms. Peace Corps receives my medical kit about a week later.
October, 2010:
27th- My OMS nurse calls me and asks to fax over some more information for my medical file. I do so about a week later.
November, 2010:
18th- My online toolkit shows that a decision has been reached regarding my medical clearance and to expect a letter in the mail. The Placement Office contacts me the same day asking for an updated resume. About a week later, I receive the official letter stating that I have received medical clearance.
February, 2011:
18th- My placement specialist emails me saying that I have been issued an invitation for my original nomination and it should be arriving via UPS within 5-10 days.
25th- I receive my invitation kit! Girls' education and empowerment in Burkina Faso leaving June, 2011!
