Peace Corps Application Timeline

Many people have asked about my timeline for the application process. Obviously no two experiences will be alike. Hope my information sheds some light on the process for anyone interested.

Some times during the process you feel like you are on cloud nine and other times you feel as you are pulling teeth to get to the next step. Maybe it is my pesky American optimism that makes my brain act this way, but I do not really fret much about all of the work I did to get to this point. However, at this point I tend to focus on all of the high points along the application process.

This chart is pretty self explanatory, but if you have any questions feel free to ask. The third column should be considered as a more relative time span rather than exact times. Also, I'm sure I have left some things out and some things have not happened yet, so consider this more of a rough estimate of my experience.

This information was gathered using my email account and past blog posts. Thank you Google.

2005		Spent lots of time filling out the application and then waiting, debating with myself on whether or not this was something I really wanted to do.
June	Told parents I was interested in the Peace Corps
2006
June 19	Went to an interest meeting
November 26	Submitted Application
November 27	Sumbitted Health Status Review
1st or 2nd Week of December	Received relevant skills addenda, background check request, information on student loans, finger print card, (maybe more, but that’s all I can remember)
December 22	Mailed above information packet
2007
January 25	Went for interview in Atlanta
January 29	Received nomination via phone for Community Development in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa leaving in July
March 5	Received nomination packet	Sent dozens of emails and made countless numbers of phone calls to OMS and the Placement Office. Being proactive is very helpful. I was told on more than one occasion it showed commitment and determination. Thanks to all of the people that had gone before me and had wonderful advice. It is only because of them and the support of my friends and family that I made it through this section so quickly and in such high spirits.
April 12	Sent off paperwork for personal passport
April 16	Received medical packet
April 30	Mailed completed medical packet
May 2	Dentally cleared
May 11	Office of Medical Services (OMS) request additional information
May 11	Faxed additional information to OMS
May 23	Medically cleared
May 23	Made contact with Africa Placement Office
May 23	Received request for an additional reference and resume
May 24	Submitted additional reference and resume
June 7	Talked with my Placement Officer for first time, he tells me I’m being invited
June 11	Receive Invitation to Niger as a Municipal and Community Development Volunteer
June 12	Accepted my invitation
June 14	Submitted information for Peace Corps No-fee Passport and Visa
June 29	Received Staging Packet
July 24	Staging in Philadelphia
July 27	Begin Training in Niger