Timeline

Most Peace Corps applicants keep records of their timeline. It helps others going through the process know a little about what to expect, although each situation is unique. My time count: 280 days from application to invitation, 426 days to departure.

• April 2, 2010: Submitted application online 
• April 12, 2010: Contacted by my recruiter for an interview 
• April 29, 2010: Interview and ... nomination, for business advising in francophone Africa leaving Jan/Feb 2011! 
• May 8, 2010: Received medical and dental paperwork in the mail. Began making doctor’s appointments 
• July 17, 2010: Sent in medical and dental paperwork 
• July 28, 2010: Received dental clearance 
• August 25, 2010: Received toolkit update indicating that my file was currently under review. Knowing that I couldn’t be medically cleared until my 3 month post-LASIK check-up, I hoped this meant they’d let me know in the meantime if I was missing anything 
• October 14, 2010: Sent in 3 month post-LASIK appointment paperwork 
• October 18, 2010: Received toolkit update that “a decision has been reached regarding your medical review” 
• October 19, 2010: Confirmed medical clearance because I received an email asking for an updated resume, final transcript and update on my French progress. Requested documents were sent the same day 
• December 21, 2010: Received email from PO stating that all Q2 business spots were filled and I should hear in 2-3 weeks from the business desk 
• December 29, 2010: Received email saying that my invite was in the mail! 
• January 7, 2011: The infamous Big Blue Packet came in the mail and invited me to serve in Togo as a SED volunteer! 
• June 2, 2011: Leave for staging 
• August 4, 2011: Swear in as volunteer 
• August 4, 2013: COS