Ouch

I got my score breakdown for the Foreign Service Officer Test. The passing score was 154. And my score was....

151.6

From what I can tell, if I had gotten one more right answer, I would have passed.

But that's just for the multiple choice. As I mentioned before, I froze on the essay portion, so I'm pretty sure I would have failed anyway.

While it's painful to have missed it by such a small amount, it's also encouraging. As I mentioned before, only about 15% of test-takers pass.
I've got 10 more months to study before I can test again and I think my own personal odds will be pretty good.

Also, please forgive the delayed continuation of the Blog-o-Rama. I promise to finish it!

I failed the test

I'm not really surprised. A little sad and disappointed, but not surprised. I knew that my essay was incredibly short. I spent so much time studying for the rest of the test and totally neglected the essay portion. I planned to write some practice essays, but ultimately decided that it wasn't important because I can write well. But I don't write quickly and the essay was timed.

At this point, I don't actually know if that is where I failed. I've requested a breakdown of my scores and I will let you know when I know more.

It's really not that big of a deal that I failed. I mean, it is, but it isn't.

On the one hand, I spent the better part of a year studying for this test and I really, really, REALLY, want this job.

On the other hand, I am fully aware of my odds - which are not good.

There are a lot of positive things about me failing this test. The next few months will probably be a bit stressful (but exciting!), and if I had passed this test, it would actually just add to the stress.

I'm moving on December 14th. I'm packing up all of my stuff and going to DC with my family (minus my dad) for a few days, then the fam is going to help me get all my junk back home. There is a possibility that I will not be coming back here for a week and a half in January, as we originally planned. If that's the case, then I will be training the new nanny during my last week here. That will mean that I have to have my stuff all packed up a week earlier, and I will be living out of my suitcase for the last week here. If I had passed this test, I would be taking the Oral Assessment on December 17th in DC, which would mean that I would be trying to prepare for that at the same time!

Also, I have to make a one year commitment to teach English in Korea. I've been a little concerned about what would happen if I managed to pass everything the first time around. I didn't feel good about committing to a year if I wasn't confident that I would stay the whole year. But I can now confidently make that commitment.

Lots of people take these tests for years before being hired. I feel like just taking the test has been a learning experience and I'll be better prepared to take it next year.

So, as much as I wanted to pass this test, in some ways, it is a relief that I failed. I'll try again next September...in Seoul, South Korea!

Your world. Your America. Your opportunity to make a difference.

"The United States is facing unprecedented challenges requiring the expert knowledge and vision of individuals like you. This is why there has never been a better time to transform your professional skills, education, cultural background and unique perspectives into a high-profile career working overseas.

You have the ability to affect global change and impact people's lives. You've taken the first step in becoming an agent of change and we'd like to encourage you to register for, and schedule your seat, for the upcoming December 1-8 testing window.

Become a U.S. Diplomat.

If not now, when?"


This is the email that appeared in my inbox 30 minutes ago. Despite the fact that I know I will be emailed a link to see my test results and the Oral Assessment dates are December 17-20, for a full two seconds, I thought that this was my notification that I had passed the test.

It was not.

Rather, it is an invitation to take the FSOT. Although I took it in September, I somehow managed to get myself on a list to receive this notification.

This is torture.

Why don't they just give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice in it?

Cruel Tricks

I got home about an hour ago. When I walked in my room, I saw that I had a couple of new emails.

One of them was from the US Department of State.

Eyes fixed on my computer screen, I dropped my things on the floor and quickly sat down at my desk. My heart was in my mouth as I continued to read the screen.

Subject: Foreign Service Officer Test...

I gulped, and clicked on the email.

It was a list of overseas locations that will be administering the test in December.

False alarm.

And the verdict is...

Wait longer.

Someone from the FSOT Program Office said that the test results should be out early next week.

I sure hope so.

It's Official

Well, Friday is officially over. I have officially not heard from the State Department. Therefore, I am officially still waiting to find out whether or not I passed the Foreign Service Officer Test.

And now, I am officially going to bed.

THIS JUST IN!

A RELIABLE SOURCE TOLD ME THAT THE TEST RESULTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE OUT THIS WEEK. AS IN TOMORROW! I CAN'T STOP SHOUTING! AHHHHHHH!!!

I'M FREAKING OUT!!!

There are a ton of pictures I need to post and things I need to blog about, but right now I'm freaking out because I just heard that the FSOT results will be emailed out within two weeks! AAAAHHHHHH!!!!! And a couple people have said that their references have gotten calls about them. It's so close! I'm pretty sure I failed, but I really have no way of knowing. So right now I'm just trying to hang on to the tiny bit of hope I have left and remember to breathe.