Update for Applicants to the 2008-09 Class of Fellows

March 14, 2008

We have stopped taking applications for Fall 08 starts and are completing the last few reviews. We have begun making some offers, but we expect to make others. Our offers are continent upon acceptance by the academic unit, so please keep us informed as to your admission status. Offers may be made as late as May.

If you have missed the deadline for Fall 08, you may wish to apply for Spring 09 start. We normally take several Fellows in January.

Offers will be submitted electronically with a letter explaining the award and a Committment Form which can be viewed under Current Fellows/Forms. In the meantime, please be sure to file the FAFSA form if you haven't already.

Incoming Fellows are asked to arrive in Tucson no later than Aug. 18 and orientation is scheduled for Aug. 19 and the Internship Fair is Aug. 20. 

We appreciate your patience in this process.

When to Apply

We suggest that you apply to the Fellows program 9-12 months before you plan to begin your academic program. If you have not yet served in Peace Corps, it is helpful to conduct your research on schools before you go, but you will submit your application from the field or upon your return.

For Fall starts, we accept Fellows applications through March 1. For Spring, we accept applications through October 1. Occasionally, we accept late applications, so you may contact us if either deadline has passed.

Keep in mind that the academic application is a separate process. Each academic unit sets their own deadlines, so look on the departmental page for current information or check with the department. A few departments have rolling deadlines, but most are set in the Dec. to Feb. time frame for Fall. The Graduate College will accept applications through May, but the academic department deadline takes precedence. There is an advantage to applying earlier rather than later.

Let Us Hear From You

Let the academic department and the UA Fellows program know that you are applying for admission and wish to be considered for the UA Peace Corps Fellows Program. Please submit a Peace Corps Fellows Application Form, a copy of your Peace Corps Description of Service, and a resume. Once you are admitted to the academic unit, your application to the Fellows program will be evaluated. We encourage you to visit. If possible, Peace Corps Week is a great time to see how our program works.

1. Academic Application

You must be recommended for admission by the academic unit and admitted by the Graduate College in order to be considered for a Peace Corps Fellowship.

You first need to apply for admittance to the UA. Submit the Graduate College academic application, preferably using the online application, and sending one set of transcripts to the department as early as possible. MPH students should apply through SOPHAS.org . If you cannot access the forms electronically, let the academic department know, and the department will forward a packet to you. Most departmental deadlines are between Dec. 1 and Feb. 1. We recommend that you file by early December for the following fall. If you are preparing an application from a remote location, please allow plenty of time to facilitate letters of reference.

Do contact the departmental admissions coordinator directly for questions on departmental policies and procedures for admission. Program Descriptions and the Graduate Catalogue are concise sources of information about each department including contacts and information about departmental standards. Let the departmental advisor or coordinator know that you are applying to the Peace Corps Fellows program.

Some persons inquire if they can apply before departure to Peace Corps service, deferring admission. It may be possible to defer admission up to one year, depending on the academic unit. Please discuss the matter with the academic unit.

Please note that academic departments set their own application deadlines. Check with the department to confirm deadlines. Please note that early application is recommended for all programs. Occasionally, changes are made that do not immediately show up in the website.

GRE/GMAT

If you need to take the GRE or GMAT while in the field, the Educational Testing Service website contains information on locations in other countries where the test is administered. Please plan ahead, as the test is not administered as frequently as in the U.S. and the cost may be higher. If you are just departing for your tour of service, consider taking the test in the U.S. before you go. If you have been out of school for many years, discuss your situation with the department to which you are applying. The UA Graduate College will accept scores up to five years old.

2. Peace Corps Fellows/USA Application

We encourage you to apply to become a Peace Corps Fellow/USA by filling out the online application. If this is not possible, download the Word application linked at the bottom of this page.

Please submit a copy of your Description of Service (DOS) and a 1-2 page resume to rpcf@grad.arizona.edu. If you are still in the field, include a detailed description of your service and forward the official DOS at the conclusion of your service. Please include your name and PC Fellows in the subject line.

We recommend that you submit Fellows' applications by Dec. 31 for the following fall even though you may not know if you are admitted academically. Applications received after March 1 will be wait listed.

Mailing Address:

If you cannot file online or by email, we will accept mailed or faxed materials. Please forward the materials electronically when you do obtain access to email.

Peace Corps Fellows/USA
Graduate College
Administration Building 322D
PO 210066
Tucson, AZ 85721-0066

FAX: 520-621-4101

3. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

As a graduate student you are automatically considered financially independent. We strongly recommend that you file the FAFSA on January 1 or as soon as possible thereafter whether you know you are admitted or not!

By filing and establishing your financial need you will establish eligibility for some UA scholarships, loans and Work Study Public Service support. This is critical to getting the most beneficial financial aid package and work study allocation which supports many Fellows' internships. Even if you do not have your wage statements, you may estimate your income for the year and adjust your application later when you receive your tax statements.

If you are working and will stop working to return to school, you should still file. You may request a reevaluation of your resources or your cost of education through the UA Financial Aid Office after you stop working. A reevaluation is warranted when your financial or cost of education situation changes. It is most important to file the FAFSA as early as possible! Many students who file early receive supplemental need or merit based grants. File each year you are in school!

Fellows are encouraged to work closely with the Office of Financial Aid and should plan to visit the office when touring campus to speak with the graduate financial aid representatives.

4. Residence Life/On Campus Housing

If you are interested in housing support, you may apply to be a Hall Director or RA. Fellows have served as Hall Directors or Resident Assistants. The position includes a graduate assistantship with benefits and free housing in an apartment within the residential unit. La Aldea graduate student housing consists of about 30% international students. At Residence Life, click on Jobs for information.

Most UA graduate students live off-campus, but you may wish to apply to La Aldea . Applications for housing generally open October 1 for the following fall. La Aldea was filled by July. Apply early.

Equal Opportunities and Reasonable Accommodations

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, in its programs and activities.

ADA/504 Compliance:
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, no qualified person will be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of, any program or activity operated by the University because of disability. The University will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment practices and activities, including, but not limited to, application procedures, hiring, tenure, promotion, advancement, termination, training, compensation and benefits. The University will not discriminate against a qualified individual because of the known disability of another individual with whom the qualified individual is known to have a relationship or association.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, Section 504:

Sue Kroeger
ADA/504 Compliance Officer
Director, Disability Resources
1224 E. Lowell St.
Phone (520) 626-7674

For additional information please visit Disability Resources.

 

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