Test Applicants

 As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, you have a wealth of cultural experience that will enhance your academic and career decisions. We are delighted that you are considering the University of Arizona for an advanced graduate degree. Key information for the application process is contained in this section.

PEACE CORPS COVERDELL FELLOW ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Who is eligible to be a Coverdell Fellow?
All Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who satisfactorily complete their service have lifetime eligibility to apply to Coverdell Fellows programs. "Satisfactory completion" means the Peace Corps Volunteer:
  • completed the full two-year tour of Peace Corps service, or the full tour minus up to 90 days if he/she returned home on an emergency leave;
  • was granted "Early Close of Service" or "Interrupted Service" status due to circumstances that were beyond his/her control; or
  • was medically separated as a Volunteer
In addition, returned Peace Corps Response (PCR) Volunteers and Global Heath Service Partnership (GHSP) Volunteers who serve a full 12 months are eligible.
  • This can come through one 12-month tour or a combination of shorter tours.
Who is not eligible?
  • RPCVs who “early terminate” (ET) from Peace Corps for any reason not listed above, including administrative separation and voluntary resignation
  • Peace Corps Response and GHSP Volunteers who have not served 12 months with Peace Corps, regardless of the reason why (presuming that they did not already complete a satisfactory 2-year tour through Peace Corps’ primary program)
  • Individuals who are not Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (even if they completed similar service abroad)
 
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COVERDELL REQUIREMENTS
  • admission to a graduate degree-seeking program
  • annual academic progress
  • service to an underserved population in the U.S. or its territories through an outreach assistantship, internship or other work
  • a total of 450 hours of service, outreach, and collective Fellows' service projects and activities per 12-month period for each of two years

APPLICATION DEADLINES

You must apply for both academic admission and Coverdell Fellows selection. On the UA academic application, do mark Peace Corps Fellows if you are applying to Coverdell Fellows.
Please note the following important deadlines:
  • January 15 - Priority deadline for Coverdell Fellow applications
  • March 1 - Priority deadline for filing the FAFSA and final deadline for submitting Coverdell applications
  • Deadlines for academic applications can be found at Academic Programs. Contact the graduate program coordinator if a deadline has passed for a program that interests you.

Review Criteria

Applications are reviewed by multiple readers and discussed with academic units. You must be admitted to the academic program to be eligible for Coverdell Fellows consideration. Applications are read for:

  • Focus and purpose in academic and professional goals
  • Dedication to service of underserved communities in the region
  • Continued dedication to the Third Goal of Peace Corps
  • Connection and fit with the University of Arizona academic and Coverdell program and opportunities
  • Demonstrated initiative or leadership
  • Cultural and developmental maturity in the face of the challenges of Peace Corps and international or domestic aid work

APPLICATION WEBINAR

Coverdell Fellow application webinars are held periodically during the academic year. Webinars are recorded and may be accessed on the website.

(Please note that webinar times align with Arizona (Mountain Standard) time).

  • The most recent webinar was held on Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 at 9am  You may hear a recording of this webinar by clicking here.
  • Special event- UA Coverdell Fellow Application Workshop- Thursday, January 11th, 2018 at 12pm
    • This event provides a more in-depth review of the application process and helps applicants prepare themselves prior to the January 15th priority application deadline.
    • Shelley Hawthorne Smith, Assistant Director of the Office of Fellowships and Community Engagement, will share writing tips and offer advice on compiling a strong, communicative application.
  • You may register for upcoming webinars and workshops here.
  • Follow this link to the webinar platform on the day of the event.
  • Special event- "Grad School is Calling: Why Arizona?"  An engaging panel discussion with current UA Coverdell Fellows.  The recording of this panel from November 9th, 2017 is available here.

WHO TO CONTACT

For questions about the academic program, research faculty, grades, or GRE scores, or graduate assistantships contact the departmental Graduate Admissions Coordinator.

VISIT

The Coverdell Fellows staff welcomes the opportunity to meet with you by phone, webinar, or in person to discuss your Coverdell Fellows application. A visit during Peace Corps Week  is a great time to see the Southern Arizona Peace Corps community in action. Please join us for our famous Peace Corps Fair and related events. The 2018 Fair will be held on February 20, 2018. Contact us by email to arrange a meeting during your visit.