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.

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Preparation

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

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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

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

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

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Application Process

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

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

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December 4, 2017: Submitted my health history form.

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

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

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January 9, 2018: Had interview.

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

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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.

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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.

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March 24, 2018: Legal clearance!

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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.

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June 25, 2018: Medical and dental clearance!

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

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

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

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

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TOTAL TIME: 10 MONTHS

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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.