The Process

After I decided to apply for the Peace Corps, I started trying to find out as much as possible about the program. In the summer of 2012, I was studying Arabic at the Middlebury Language Schools. When I started with a basic Google Search for "US Peace Corps," I was shocked. That search opened a massive Pandora's Box of government websites, links, blogs, photos, YouTube channels, Facebook pages, campaign pages, and petitions, as well as many others. After three or four days of splashing around in the deep end of my Google results, I found this on the Peace Corps website:

After reading thoroughly through the links included on that page, I started the application.

This is a rough timeline of my personal process. It is different for everyone, and may even have changed since I applied.

July 2012: I decided to apply, and started my research. I emailed a recruiter.
August 2012: I began the application process, and started requesting my references.
September 2012: I submitted my completed application, and got the information to open an account with the Medical Portal.
October 2012: the waiting begins...
November 2012: the anticipation mounts...
December 2012: at the end of the month, I got an email requesting more information, including my references and college transcripts.
January 2013: I had an email exchange requesting and then confirming an interview later in the month. On January 23rd, I had an interview. Over the following weeks I had requests for more information and an updated statement of purpose.
February 2013: at the end of February, I was emailed with a nomination request. I took three days to think about it, and discuss it with my family. By the time I replied with a "YES!" I was informed that the nomination was filled. I spent a few long weeks regretting dragging my feet on the reply.
March 2013: I received a second nomination, and replied with a "YES!" within several minutes. Later that month, I received the official nomination (with an official departure date of October 2013).
April 2013: ...and... more waiting...
May 2013: I was cleared through the medical, legal, suitability, and competitive reviews!
June 2013: I received my invitation, with a departure date of January 2014 for Morocco!
July 2013: As it stands right now, I'm in the midst of completing my medical examinations,  immunizations, and dental checks. If all goes according to plan, I'll be departing in January.
August 2013: I am still jumping through the hoops and being poked and prodded by dentists, doctors and nurses. It's quite unpleasant, but the end result will be worth it!
September 2013: Still slogging though the medical and dental clearance appointments...
October 2013: Well, so far I haven't been able to do much of anything. The government shutdown has disabled the Peace Corps' Medical Applicant Portal... (grumble, grumble, grumble)

November 2013: Final Medical Clearance received!!