Hearing back from AmeriCorps

Once you hear back from AmeriCorp, for the Summer Session starting in August you will most likely hear back in mid May to early June, there will be a process of information that you need to fill out and get back to them.    Contained in the first packet will be an information packet with a FAQ section as well as general information about what your program involves and what you should expect.   Also in the packet will be a fingerprint card and a medical questionnaire.   At this point, you will also get a letter about your approval status either as "conditionally accepted" or as being on the waitlist.   If you have been conditionally accepted, it means that there is a spot at what ever campus (region) is listed however your approval is based on you getting the information back to them within the time period.  This is why I suggest sending the forms back within 2 or 3 days of getting the packet so that it has more than enough time to be shipped.  Also, ask for a proof of shipment when you drop it off at a local UPS store so you can keep it in your records in case any issues arise. 

To complete the fingerprint card, you'll need to get a certified specialist to do the fingerprints on the card that was sent to you.  It is important that the finger prints are on the official card and that all the appropriate information is filled out accurately.   The way I did this was for looking for official fingerprinting services near where I live.  If you live in a bigger city, there will usually be a number of places including passport offices that can do this.   I would suggest doing a google search for "fingerprinting services city, state".  Replace city, state with where you live and making some phone calls can save you a fair amount of money.    I was able to find places that did them from $10 to $20, but if you call around, some places might be less busy and able to do them cheaper. 

For the medical questionnaire, you don't need a doctor to fill it out, but you need to get both the forms filled out and mailed back asap and before 10 days after the date on the top of the packet.   They will also a return UPS package for you to send the forms back in and I highly suggest you to try and send the information back a day or two after receiving the information so that it has plenty of time to get back to AmeriCorps.   

Feel free to comment if you have questions.  More info to come.