I dedicated January of 2009 to the Foreign Service exam process. Here are the links to the individual posts of my unofficial guide. The Foreign Service is a great career, and the Foreign Service exam is an experience in its own right. Enjoy the unofficial Hegemonist Guide to the Foreign Service Exam.
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You’re the best. THANK YOU
Thanks! :)
This really is an excellent resource.
Thanks for the great insight. I have added a link to your post on my foreign service blog. I’m starting in June. http://limeofsight.blogspot.com/
I love your blog. Read it Religiously for quite a few months now. The exam stuff was extremely helpful and much better written and explained than many sites that claim to do the same but don’t even come close.
Thanks for informing while easing anxiety at the same time. I love your writing and will continue my daily pilgrimages.
Hello!
I’ll be taking the Oral Exam some time in the fall of this year. I’m not sure which day to choose. I was wondering if I should take the exam on a day that falls before a three day holiday weekend or after? Though it probably doesn’t make much of a difference, I am simply hoping that any odds in my favor may be slightly enhanced if I go on a day before a holiday weekend? Thoughts?
Great guide! Thanks for taking the time out to do this.
I need some advice about the FSO. If my questions are rudimentary, I apologize in advance.
I registered for the FSO, and hopefully I will be taking it in October.
Is the FSO simply a pass/fail exam or is it graded on some type of scale?
How many time can one retake the test?
Any other advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
John
I am a senior international business major and am graduating soon. I have applied to the Peace Corps and have been nominated and am waiting on an offical offer for a position.
Although, I am really interested in being a Foreign Service Officer and am wondering if this is a good stepping stone into become a FSO ? Or is it unnecessary?
im not 100% on this but i think the exam is pass/fail but your grade is considered during the final review of applicants.
the test is offered 4 times /year but can only be taken once a year.
im signed up for the October test as well. The website says they will email you 5 weeks before the exam in order to book a seat.
Do you think the Foreign Service is a good job to have for a few years and then return to regular life in the States?
I passed the FSE in June of 2009. Has anyone else who passed the exam and submitted the personal narratives heard about oral exam dates?
I’m still waiting too Greg
Also waiting….check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fsoa
They’ve got a pool going….
I am also taking the October test…. But like Lindsay, I am thinking of joining the Airforce reserve as a stepping stone into Foreign service…would this work??
This is my option if I don’t pass the October 09 test, but is this a wise choice??
Thanks for posting btw… very HELPFUL!!
anyone know if the test scores are weighted?
to Greg, Dan, and Roland:
Were you guys able to answer every question? The english section is 65 questions in 50 minutes. Thats 45 seconds per question. I am doubtful that I will be able to complete every question.
Did you guys feel rushed throughout the test?
If the test is 3 hours: (30 minute essay, 50 minute english, 40 minute knowledge) then where is the remaining 60 minutes. Cant possibly be a 60 minute questionairre. Do they have an experimental section that doesnt count towards the test?
@Bill - I didn’t have any issues with the Grammar section. Have you purchased/ received a copy of the FSWE study guide? The sample questions from the English Expression section are fairly accurate. It’s similar to the LSAT/ SAT/ ACT tests. I used the study guide to find my weaknesses (for instance I’m particularly comma happy).
I did feel a bit rushed through the bio section. Again the FSWE study guide is helpful. The test is on a computer so if you can type fast, you’re good.
The challenge is listing/ putting down how many times you’ve been in charge of planning an important event in the past 5 years. (note: this question’s #3 the ‘06 study guide so no NDA issue here)
I am sponsoring a contest to win a free copy of the books “Realities of Foreign Service Life, Vol. 2″, “Career Diplomacy” or a six-month weekday subscription to the NYT to members of the new forum http://www.FSOTForums.net
All you have to do is join the free forum and begin posting to become eligible.
The Hegemonist is welcome to give it a shot!
I’m taking the FSO test for the second time in February. Any advice? I missed 19 last year but I’m not sure if that’s a large number and they don’t even score your essays if you don’t pass the multiple choice questions. I’m especially nervous because during my test last year the computer crashed. So barring any computer glitches this go round I’m hoping to pass and move onto the orals.
I plan to take the FSOT the end of Feb/beg. of March. What number does one need to get on the multiple choice in order for them to read the essays?
Thanks.
Good guidance,
thanks for your valuable article.
Thanks
I’ve just chosen the date and time for my exam in early March. Just wondering if there’s any advice any of you could offer in terms of how to prepare during the month or weeks leading up to when you sit for the exam.
Thanks!