My life is totally fixated upon the Foreign Service Officers Test

2009-08-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hey!

This is my first blog, so I am really excited about this experience- but also very cautious. I wont tell y'all my real name or any other characteristic that you may be able to identify me with, although I might change my mind about this later.

I live in the Southeastern United States. I am taking the FSOT(foreign service officers test) in October. I have always been proud to be an American, and want to represent the USA in the diplomatic corps.

My family doesn't know that I am doing this whole FSOT thing, so this might be used to get them caught up on my plans someday. My mother is quite a character... once I was thinking about joining ROTC at the university nearby. She asked if I was on crack, and informed me that she would find it!

So the reason for the title- my life really is fixated upon the FSOT. I am certain that it is the perfect job for me. It is going to be the fulcrum, the transformational point, of my life!

So, about the FSOT. The test is given 3 times a year. It is a standardized test which includes a section to describe your biography (work and life exp.), plus multiple choice questions on Job Knowledge, Economy, Management, US history, US culture, English Expression, Math and Science, Computer, Communications, World History and Geography.

After the FSOT, I can take a language test in a Super Critical Needs Language to add about a half point to my score. If I passed the FSOT(the minimum score to pass is a 154) I continue to the Qualifications Evaluation Panel. But first, I have to submit my personal narratives. It is a 3-week deadline from the day I get the email from ACT about my FSOT results.

Only the most qualified candidates pass the QEP. When I get to the QEP, that is where I am gonna start getting nervous. After all, who would want to hire a 21 year old? The fact that I could be smart enough to pass, yet I might not have what it takes to pass when compared to my peers, would really hurt.

The process up to the Oral Assessment takes up to 41 to 49 weeks, according to the 09-10 selection process guide, even though State is trying to gt the process under 6 months. After the Oral Assessment follows a background clearance, a medical clearance, and the final suitability review.

BTW, I don't know how to get my comments section up. oh well!

Musings of an Aspiring FSO

My life is totally fixated upon the Foreign Service Officers Test