My Application Timeline

I’ve literally been preparing for my application since Freshman year of college, because I knew I wanted to serve straight out of college. Some people are like me, and have been preparing for a long, long time. Others decide to apply on a whim fall of their senior year of college and also get invited. But here’s what my process looked like, including tips if you’re thinking about applying.

Preparation

Before 2015: I went on the Peace Corps website. A lot.

I did I a lot of research, probably too much. I read about each country, each sector, and read stories of PCV’s. I looked up blogs, read articles about the organization in general, and started talking to other people about my interest.

2015/2016: I signed up for an event at the Peace Corps regional office and showed my interest and signed up for email newsletters and events in my area.

My first contact with a recruiter (before they changed their entire application and recruiting process) was at an event hosted by the regional office in Manhattan. During this, a recruiter shared every detail about serving, from the application, to benefits after service. I also asked her what skills I would need to develop in the next few years to be an ideal candidate. She emphasized more volunteer experience, tutoring and in classrooms.

Spring 2016: I applied for the Peace Corps Campus Ambassador internship

Fall 2016 – Spring 2018: I was a Peace Corps Campus Ambassador

If you’re interested in learning more about my time as a Campus Ambassador, click here.

Application Process

October – November 2017: Started getting my application ready. Worked on my resume, reached out to references, and drafted my aspiration statement

November 29, 2017: Submitted my application for the January 1st deadline.

December 4, 2017: Submitted my health history form.

December 12, 2017: Was notified that my application was being reviewed for Indonesia.

December 15, 2017: Was contacted to schedule an interview.

January 9, 2018: Had interview.

January 11, 2018: Received invitation! I got the e-mail at like 1am. There were tears.

Also, there was a government shutdown in January for a few days. This scared me a lot, but didn’t affect me other than employees not being in the office for several days.

January – March 2018: SO. MUCH. PAPERWORK. Submitted background check form, got fingerprinted, filled my dental forms health forms, went to the doctor A LOT. Completed medical and legal tasks. Submitted application for new passport.

March 24, 2018: Legal clearance!

April – June 2018: Corresponded with Medical Office nurse, and continued with required paperwork. Was asked to elaborate on cat allergy, and see a specialist for Asthma.

June 25, 2018: Medical and dental clearance!

July – September 2018: Completed forms and required reading for Peace Corps Indonesia office. Submitted visa. Applied for loan deferment.

September 27, 2018: Leave NY for staging in LA!

September 28, 2018: Leave LA for Kediri, Indonesia!

September 30, 2018: ARRIVE IN KEDIRI, INDONESIA FOR TRAINING!

TOTAL TIME: 10 MONTHS

Tips when applying

Get in contact with a recruiter ASAP, keep in contact with her/him and ask questions!
Start gaining experience based on your interests
Consider becoming a Peace Corps Ambassador at your school
APPLY EARLY
Look up Peace Corps interview questions beforehand and prepare! Also, I wish I practiced in person with someone.