How long do you need to study for the FSOT exam?
by Second Time's a Charm
As many candidates, I did not pass the FSOT test the first time, even though I diligently studied U.S. History and Government, and took several sample ACT tests to prepare for the English Expression section. I actually received a high score in these two sections, but failed because of the Biographical Information section. I did not have time to complete Bio and couldn't think of examples under time pressure. Thus, I ended up changing some multiple choice answers to avoid having to provide examples. In some instances you only need to write examples when you answer that you have done something more than twice. By changing an answer from 3 to 1, I could save time because I would not need to think of examples. Of course, my score on the Bio section reflected these shortcuts and I received a score of 36. The second time I took the test, I used the methods recommended in the Adar Review books and my score in Bio improved to 49.
My lack of preparation in Bio made me waste 12 months because the Department of State makes you wait one year before registering to take the FSOT again. The long wait meant that I had to study the history and government sections all over again.
I was intrigued to find out how long other people have studied for the test and whether they were successful. We noticed that many candidates seem overconfident and take the test after preparing for only a couple of weeks. See blog http://www.jeremyoldfather.com/backpack/2011/09/studying-for-the-fsot-10-day-guide-part-1/ in which the author discusses his plan to prepare for the FSOT in only 10 days. Of course, a few months later he added a comment stating that he did not pass the FSOT. This was not a problem for him -- he seemed proud that he only failed "by 5 points".
For most serious candidates, failing the FSOT is a big problem because it delays the start of your career in the Foreign Service by twelve months.
ADAR Review recommends that candidates prepare for at least six months, that you start studying before you register to take the test, and that you only take the test once you are prepared and confident that you will pass. Also, I would add that you should not underestimate the Biographical Information and essay sections.
We would like to hear your opinions about how long you studied and whether you passed the test.
My lack of preparation in Bio made me waste 12 months because the Department of State makes you wait one year before registering to take the FSOT again. The long wait meant that I had to study the history and government sections all over again.
I was intrigued to find out how long other people have studied for the test and whether they were successful. We noticed that many candidates seem overconfident and take the test after preparing for only a couple of weeks. See blog http://www.jeremyoldfather.com/backpack/2011/09/studying-for-the-fsot-10-day-guide-part-1/ in which the author discusses his plan to prepare for the FSOT in only 10 days. Of course, a few months later he added a comment stating that he did not pass the FSOT. This was not a problem for him -- he seemed proud that he only failed "by 5 points".
For most serious candidates, failing the FSOT is a big problem because it delays the start of your career in the Foreign Service by twelve months.
ADAR Review recommends that candidates prepare for at least six months, that you start studying before you register to take the test, and that you only take the test once you are prepared and confident that you will pass. Also, I would add that you should not underestimate the Biographical Information and essay sections.
We would like to hear your opinions about how long you studied and whether you passed the test.
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