|
I took the FSOT today and it didn't seem too challenging. It also didn't seem like a test one could study for. If you had no background at all (never reads the news, no interest in world events, slept though US history class etc) it would take quite some time to amass the right amount of information. I struggled with some management-related questions; the terminology is pretty unfamiliar to me. Maybe that's something I'd "cram" for on a future attempt, heh. The bio section and the essay, which people always say are hard, was very straightforward and there was sufficient time to write everything. I guess we'll find out in 3-5 weeks. hitension fucked around with this message at 03:22 on Oct 3, 2012 |
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 02:56
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 17, 2024 02:23 |
|
|
I got QEP dumped last year and will be taking the test again tomorrow in Seoul. I think I was too modest on the biographical section last time and will really be emphasizing grad school and all the student leadership work I've been doing. To anyone looking for cram topics, it really helps to know the constitution. Good luck guys! Edit: and now the waiting. Oh the waiting.... tismondo fucked around with this message at 04:24 on Oct 4, 2012 |
|
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 03:29
|
|
|
In my search for interesting things to read about diplomacy and the history of politics while pondering a future career in the State Department, I came across this: Great Negotiations by Fredrik Stanton. The reviews suggest that this was a great choice so I'm glad I snagged it while at the bookstore. Does anyone else have some good suggestions for appropriate reading?
|
|
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 05:17
|
|
|
Diplomacy by Henry Kissinger can get pretty dense if you don't like reading about this stuff but it is also a pretty amazingly comprehensive study on US foreign relations. I've read it once for fun and once for a class and there is no way you'll read that and not come across as a subject area expert to the layperson.
|
|
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 06:00
|
|
|
Do QEP questions/ topics stay pretty static, year to year? Since I got dinged on that this time around, I'm wondering if I should rewrite the ones I submitted this summer to make a few of them suck a bit less for the next time around or would that be a waste of time?
|
|
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 06:27
|
|
|
Azuth0667 posted:How does the FSOT compare to other entrance exams like the GRE/PCAT/MCAT/GMAT? Yes, you can be fat, as long as you can move on your own and not need a Rascal to get around.
|
|
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 10:46
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:Yes, you can be fat, as long as you can move on your own and not need a Rascal to get around.  Is there a way to make an FSO version?
|
|
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 11:07
|
|
|
Good luck to everyone testing this week! Hard to believe it's been a year already since my FSOT.Jacobobb posted:Do QEP questions/ topics stay pretty static, year to year? Since I got dinged on that this time around, I'm wondering if I should rewrite the ones I submitted this summer to make a few of them suck a bit less for the next time around or would that be a waste of time? It would probably not be a waste of time. If nothing else it will get you reacquainted with how freaking short they have to be and working on writing concisely. And if it turns out you can re-use or slightly modify some of your old answers, it will give you more time for the others.
|
|
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 13:09
|
|
|
I took the written test yesterday in Fort Worth. I barely finished the biographical section on time, and only had 2 minutes left to look over my essay after I finished. The practice tests in the official study guide helped a lot, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I agree with everyone saying you can't really study for the test. For some reason, I took a lot of business electives in undergrad (BA in history, 1997), which, combined with Law School, pretty much covered the 'Job Knowledge' section. It's nice when the nonsensical choices I made in college actually help me out now. Fingers crossed for 3-4 weeks . . .
|
|
#
?
Oct 3, 2012 18:53
|
|
|
Skandiaavity posted:Hey, I saw your flag day! What field are you? If you're an IMS, one of your teachers went there for an extended period of time. Thanks! I'm an IMS. Which teacher? I just started tradecraft and I'm going into DOS applied next week. btw, did you go to the joint bbq last weekend?
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 03:17
|
|
|
the_chavi posted:Hey, congrats! I did my first tour out there in 2008-2009, and Zoots was there with me at the same time. What's the gig? Thanks! I'm an IMS. What were you there as?  Zoots posted:Oh yes - PAS in 2010-2011. I hope you can hold your liquor. lol, i used to be able to...I gave up drinking for a while when I quit smoking four years ago (found out it was a "trigger"). I do enjoy a beer or glass of wine every now and then, though. i've got a family now, so i'm rather glad to hear the frat party atmo has fallen off.
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 03:39
|
|
|
haggan posted:Thanks! I'm an IMS. Which teacher? I just started tradecraft and I'm going into DOS applied next week. Yeah, that class will be after Applied Systems. The guy who went to Riydah's is Mr. Timmons and he loves cars. Sadly, nope on the BBQ - wife just gave birth to a baby boy. He was goonin' it up in her womb so they finally got him out today. Can't believe I'm a dad. drat.
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 04:21
|
|
|
High five! Congrats, goondad.
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 04:21
|
|
|
Skandiaavity posted:I'm a dad. Well done! Great news!
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 06:05
|
|
|
 Apparently one of the promo cables included too many MSIs. Emails are going out to individuals pulling back MSIs. I've been fortunate to keep mine so far... TCD fucked around with this message at 22:05 on Oct 4, 2012 |
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 21:49
|
|
|
So I just took the FSOT today, and I was wondering how much of an impact the biographical section has. I felt totally comfortable with every part of the test except that one - I couldn't think of specific examples for a lot of things, so I probably undersold myself.
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 21:49
|
|
|
Econosaurus posted:So I just took the FSOT today, and I was wondering how much of an impact the biographical section has. I felt totally comfortable with every part of the test except that one - I couldn't think of specific examples for a lot of things, so I probably undersold myself. It's what I've been worried most about leading up to my test on Saturday.
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 21:58
|
|
|
Econosaurus posted:So I just took the FSOT today, and I was wondering how much of an impact the biographical section has. I felt totally comfortable with every part of the test except that one - I couldn't think of specific examples for a lot of things, so I probably undersold myself. Yeah that part wrecked me in '08 when I was still an undergrad. The advice I've been given from other people is chances are you already have it, trying to apply past experiences from some BS job into governmentese. I am doing some brief type outs for each of the 13 dimensions, and it kills me that I have more to talk about from my time as a manager in a Papa John's than I do for my first, full-time white collar job.
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 22:18
|
|
|
Econosaurus posted:So I just took the FSOT today, and I was wondering how much of an impact the biographical section has. I felt totally comfortable with every part of the test except that one - I couldn't think of specific examples for a lot of things, so I probably undersold myself. Unless things have changed, the bio section is worth about a third of your score.
|
|
#
?
Oct 4, 2012 23:41
|
|
|
TCD posted:
Fingers crossed we pull through on ours. Though I imagine if you haven't gotten an email yet you should be fine. In other news, I'm using the long weekend to explore Brussels and Bruges. Any good brewery recommendations?
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 06:11
|
|
|
Econosaurus posted:So I just took the FSOT today, and I was wondering how much of an impact the biographical section has. I felt totally comfortable with every part of the test except that one - I couldn't think of specific examples for a lot of things, so I probably undersold myself. The sticker is they apparently look back over your test scores during the QEP, so if they find a weakness there it might come back to bite you.
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 13:09
|
|
|
I'm currently a senior in an officer accession program for the Marine Corps, on track to commission August 2013. However, due to what may be a disqualifying but not disabling medical condition, I'm looking at having to find another way into the service of the United States. The foreign service was one of many options I was considering for after I did my time as a water-walking (Lets be honest, hopelessly lost) Marine lieutenant if I decided not to go on, or even if I did decide to continue towards 20 years. Now that it may not happen, I'm looking very seriously at the foreign service. I'm wondering what I should be doing right now if I think I'd make a kick-rear end PAO/Public Diplomat or political officer - you all sound like good people, I want to work with you. I don't have any internships anywhere, my internship this summer was Officer Candidate School. Red Crown fucked around with this message at 13:50 on Oct 5, 2012 |
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 13:31
|
|
|
Red Crown posted:
You should sign up for the next FSOT. Also, what you are describing is almost exactly what happened to me. In retrospect, I am so thankful I went the FS route instead.
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 14:21
|
|
|
Looks like November A-100 is officially cancelled. Holding on for January. This is agonizing, since I am unemployed.
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 20:07
|
|
|
Who has two thumbs, and wrote Econ@State's cable of the week?
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 20:24
|
|
|
tismondo posted:From what I recall, the general knowledge, English usage, and biographic sections combine for a total score. If your combined score is above the passing threshold, they'll grade your essay as well. Oh, is that how it works? I know I did extremely well in the multiple choice/free answer portions, but I spent way too much time thinking about a proper answer for the essay and only wrote maybe half of what I intended before time was up. I thought I could maybe get a pass if it was all graded at once, but I guess not!
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 20:41
|
|
|
Tyro posted:Looks like November A-100 is officially cancelled. Holding on for January. This is agonizing, since I am unemployed. That sucks...
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 20:53
|
|
|
Welp, think I've studied enough that I'll either be ready tomorrow or not. One question though, the 13 dimensions is mainly used through the oral assessment, right? Or would it be in my interest to stick as many of those in the biographical section as possible?
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 21:41
|
|
|
haggan posted:Thanks! I'm an IMS. What were you there as? Consular noob, as one does. Thank god I got that over and done with. Diplomaticus posted:Who has two thumbs, and wrote Econ@State's cable of the week? Heyooooooo! Congrats, homeslice!
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 22:47
|
|
|
Gravel Gravy posted:Welp, think I've studied enough that I'll either be ready tomorrow or not. One question though, the 13 dimensions is mainly used through the oral assessment, right? Or would it be in my interest to stick as many of those in the biographical section as possible? I was literally going to post almost this same thing. Even though my test is in the evening, I'm planning on going to bed at like 10 so I DEFINITELY get a full night's sleep. As far as the bio stuff, I just wrote down all the things I can't think of that I've done which are cool or show my abilities. I think the knowledge portion could go really great or really bad. I reviewed as much government and history as I can, but unfortunately I've spent most of the last five+ years studying South Asia. I did pretty well on the English portion and I'm confident in my essay writing abilities, so we'll see! I mean, at least I won't be totally torn apart if I don't get it this year. I did just register less than a month ago, and I love my job. No harm no foul, can always start preparing further in advance next year! Maybe I'll be surprised though
|
|
#
?
Oct 5, 2012 23:10
|
|
|
Put examples of the 13 d's in your bio if you can, it's good practice for putting them into words, but don't let it make your bio weaker just to fit one in.
|
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2012 16:17
|
|
|
e: removed
hitension fucked around with this message at 21:11 on Oct 6, 2012 |
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2012 17:21
|
|
|
Well that was fun. Bio section was much easier than before after getting enough experience to justify my responses. Essay was weaker than I would have liked but I think I did OK. Let's see if I make the curve this run.
|
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2012 18:28
|
|
|
I'm doing the evening test, so I'll be leaving in about a half hours. Yes, I'll probably be like an hour early. But that's better than getting lost or stuck in traffic and being late. Time to display some Composure and Written Communication. You know, these 13 D's don't even start with D >:[
|
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2012 19:06
|
|
|
Aaaaand done. I either killed it or I didn't! I feel pretty good though. edit: Funny story. After finishing the test in an hour and a half, I was so keyed up that it took me five minutes to find my sheet up front to sign myself out...after accidentally signing someone else's sheet. I think the lady thought I was crazy. Also, I think they thought I was cheating when I was writing my essay, because I kept looking around as I was gathering my thoughts. Oh god I'm so glad that's over. CherryCola fucked around with this message at 22:55 on Oct 6, 2012 |
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2012 22:32
|
|
|
Just got back from taking my test halfway across the goddamn state. I feel a lot more confident about the biographical section this year. And I feel like I demolished the essay section. We'll see in a couple weeks I guess!
|
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2012 22:38
|
|
|
I also feel pretty good about my performance. There were only one or two multiple-choice questions I was uncertain about, the biographical section asked about a lot of things I've done at my job, and I put together a compact but persuasive essay - I didn't get anywhere near the character limit, but sometimes being able to get to the point in fewer words is a virtue. We shall see, I guess.
|
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2012 23:21
|
|
|
Good job everyone, congrats! I remember last year when I was taking it, thinking I was crazy for going into the hallway to do pushups between sections to psych myself up!
|
|
#
?
Oct 6, 2012 23:22
|
|
|
echopapa posted:I didn't get anywhere near the character limit It must be that the testing system they use requires them to put something there for limit.
|
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2012 02:07
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 17, 2024 02:23 |
|
|
I took the FSOT today as well. I think I did fairly well on the questions. I'm only worried about my essay, I had a good argument but it wasn't very long. edit: By the way has anyone read "From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations since 1776"? It's part of the Oxford history of the U.S. I picked it up on sale at a Borders that was closing a while ago and was wondering what you guys thought of it. Looks like it has good reviews on Amazon. I'm about of a third of the way through the book and I haven't found myself skimming at all, which is surprising considering how huge it is. Every paragraph holds my attention. http://www.amazon.com/From-Colony-S...y+to+superpower Mustang fucked around with this message at 05:14 on Oct 7, 2012 |
|
#
?
Oct 7, 2012 03:23
|
|
