Throughout the Peace Corps application process I found it extremely helpful to look at other application timelines to get an idea of where I was in the process and how long I had to wait at certain steps. There's a lot that goes into determining how long the process takes, but it's always helpful to have something to compare to. In the midst of my application process the Peace Corps changed the way they do the medical clearance process. Everything was being put online, and the way an applicant becomes medically qualified completely changed. I now had no other applicant timelines to compare mine to, which was a little frustrating at times. But now that I'm most of the way through everything, I figured I'd put my timeline together in the event that someone happens to stumble upon this blog needing some reassurance that the waiting, while frustrating, is totally worth it.
April 3, 2012: Application submitted online (including all transcripts and letters of recommendation)
April 18, 2012: Received an e-mail from my recruiter in Chicago, requesting more information (skill addendum, vegetarian and relationship questionnaires)
April 27, 2012: Received an e-mail from Peace Corps recruiter requesting an interview
April 30, 2012: Interview! My recruiter told me I'd hear from him within a week or two - I didn't, so I contacted him to check-in. He let me know about the changing application process, and that they were still considering my application for nomination (basically knew by this point that I would be nominated, but didn't know anything more than that).
June 14, 2012: Official nomination! I was also told at this time about new PC medical clearance process; basically I have to wait until mid-August to hear/do anything else - bummer.
July 25, 2012: Notified by e-mail about nomination and changing medical clearance process. Directed to go online to fill out Health History Form (earlier than I expected to hear anything from PC - great surprise!)
August 22, 2012: Medical Pre-Clearance. Based on the information I submitted I am medically pre-qualified, which means I should be being considered for placement soon!
**Received several e-mails from PC during this time about new medical process, online medical portal, next steps, and some correspondence with the placement office about a few questions (specifically asked if I'd be ok with riding a bike several miles a day)
September 28, 2012: Invitation! I received an e-mail from PC (didn't read the subject and therefore didn't realize it was my invitation - just immediately opened it!), and the first thing I saw was 'Thailand' in big bold letters!
October 1 2012: Invitation officially accepted. Now begins the process of getting final medical clearance (dental appointment, physical, immunizations, etc)
November 7 2012: Final Medical Clearance! Now all I have to do is prepare for the biggest change of my life happening in just over two months. I can't wait.
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