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Post by Highlander on Jul 14, 2013 0:38:18 GMT -5
I apologize if this question has already been asked and either answered or speculated on, but is there any sense of when the announcement of the WD/LBMT schedule might be released and what the testing window might be?
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 14, 2013 7:28:37 GMT -5
I apologize if this question has already been asked and either answered or speculated on, but is there any sense of when the announcement of the WD/LBMT schedule might be released and what the testing window might be? There is no timetable announced yet highlander. All we know is there was speculation of the SI taking place in July, August and September because of an email that went out to ABA members to sit on the SI panels. However, I now think it is too late for July testing. You must take the WD/LBMT prior to the SI. It is likely all of this must be wrapped up by September 30th, the end of this fiscal year. It doesn't mean the scores will be in, but more than likely all phases of the examination process will be completed by then. Therefore, it is likely the WD/LBMT will be taking place in the first two or three weeks of August and the SI will be taking place thereafter until the end of September. All of this is based upon the few facts we know and the rest is logical speculation. Good luck my friend!
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Post by orchid on Jul 14, 2013 11:20:24 GMT -5
Does anyone have any general, nonconfidential advice about how to prepare for the WD and LBMT?
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 14, 2013 11:41:23 GMT -5
Does anyone have any general, nonconfidential advice about how to prepare for the WD and LBMT? Look at some previous posts on this Board.
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Post by orchid on Jul 14, 2013 12:02:01 GMT -5
Thanks moopigsdad. Getting a little anxious for the tests but so relieved I've made it to the next round.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Jul 14, 2013 12:09:51 GMT -5
Does anyone have any general, nonconfidential advice about how to prepare for the WD and LBMT? Look at some previous posts on this Board. Thanks moopigsdad. Getting a little anxious for the tests but so relieved I've made it to the next round. Indeed there are other posts on this but no one really has anything substantive to say about preparation since the LBMT is the first time administered and the WD is covered under the confidentiality agreement.
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Post by statman on Jul 14, 2013 15:33:58 GMT -5
In my opinion. you cannot study for the test. It i likely to be akin to a law school hypothetical. You either can or cannot handle it; though I think most or maybe anybody who got this far, and probably most who did not, can.
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Post by funkyodar on Jul 15, 2013 9:22:16 GMT -5
Anyone have any friends that are going to be interviewers that have any earlier date than the previously reported Aug 19?
I just reread my Phase 3 invite email. From the initial job announcement, I was under the impression that people would be invited to take the WD and LBMT and that you would have to score above the minimal score set by OPM to e invited to the SI. The Phase 3 invite also references needing to do the WD and LBMT first. As it appears to take quite some time for any grading to be accomplished by OPM, I summised that meant we would take the tests on one trip to DC, have some period of "awaiting results," then have to take a second trip for the SI.
As I read the pjase 3 invite email, though, it is clearly an invite to do both and merely references that one must complete them in order, ie testing first. So, I dont think one will be cut before having an opportunity to do the SI. Your overall score must meet or exceed the minimal number set by OPM to make the register, but you will get to do bot the WD/LBMT and SI.
So, that removes the need for time between and opens the possibility of completing all in one trip to DC. This is supported further by the reference to requests for changes in WD/LBMT testing dates having the effect of also changing the SI dates.
Several of the Judges in my office were able to complete their testing and interview on one trip. @ had it on back to back days. Several others had testing on one day, a day to kill in between and SI the next day. One had testing on a monday and then had to take a second trip two weeks later for the SI, but she stated that was due to her need to reschedule the dates she was initially assigned.
I was also told the old testing was done in a room at OPM that could hold no more than 50 or so. If we assume that is the capacity and limit...then no more than 250 could be tested in a workweek. If there are 1500 (best guess) invited to phase 3, that means 6 weeks of testing (and that is only if WD/LBMT and SIs are accomplishable in the same week). Agsin, merely speculation, but based on what we "know" testing looks to beging Aug 19 (unless someone knows something indicating an earlier start) and, if that 6 weeks is accurate, testing would end Sept 27...just before the end of fiscal 2013.
This completely unsupported speculation brought to you by Funkyodar.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 15, 2013 9:47:48 GMT -5
Anyone have any friends that are going to be interviewers that have any earlier date than the previously reported Aug 19? I just reread my Phase 3 invite email. From the initial job announcement, I was under the impression that people would be invited to take the WD and LBMT and that you would have to score above the minimal score set by OPM to e invited to the SI. The Phase 3 invite also references needing to do the WD and LBMT first. As it appears to take quite some time for any grading to be accomplished by OPM, I summised that meant we would take the tests on one trip to DC, have some period of "awaiting results," then have to take a second trip for the SI. As I read the pjase 3 invite email, though, it is clearly an invite to do both and merely references that one must complete them in order, ie testing first. So, I dont think one will be cut before having an opportunity to do the SI. Your overall score must meet or exceed the minimal number set by OPM to make the register, but you will get to do bot the WD/LBMT and SI. So, that removes the need for time between and opens the possibility of completing all in one trip to DC. This is supported further by the reference to requests for changes in WD/LBMT testing dates having the effect of also changing the SI dates. Several of the Judges in my office were able to complete their testing and interview on one trip. @ had it on back to back days. Several others had testing on one day, a day to kill in between and SI the next day. One had testing on a monday and then had to take a second trip two weeks later for the SI, but she stated that was due to her need to reschedule the dates she was initially assigned. I was also told the old testing was done in a room at OPM that could hold no more than 50 or so. If we assume that is the capacity and limit...then no more than 250 could be tested in a workweek. If there are 1500 (best guess) invited to phase 3, that means 6 weeks of testing (and that is only if WD/LBMT and SIs are accomplishable in the same week). Agsin, merely speculation, but based on what we "know" testing looks to beging Aug 19 (unless someone knows something indicating an earlier start) and, if that 6 weeks is accurate, testing would end Sept 27...just before the end of fiscal 2013. This completely unsupported speculation brought to you by Funkyodar. funky I have revised my estimate of those going on to Phase Three to 1000 from the original 1500. OPM has never had a register with that many on it. Further, OPM hinted it would re-test again in 2015, which is only a couple of years away. Hence, I don't think there is a need for more than 1000 possible attorneys on the register. Once again it is pure speculation on my part, but I think the 1500 number is just way too many to be correct any longer.
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Post by funkyodar on Jul 15, 2013 10:01:05 GMT -5
That's highly possible. I use the 1500 number based soley on the reports that this is expected to be the largest register ever (and i saw someone else use that #). But 1000 may well be closer to reality given the facts you point out. That would move the end date up 2 weeks...and possibly give time for them to finish scoring and ranking and actually release the register before Sept 30.
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Post by hopefalj on Jul 15, 2013 10:29:35 GMT -5
1) they may have more than one testing room, which would enable more test subjects per day.
2) there very well may be 1500 (or more) test takers, but OPM can always cut x-number of applicants based on test scores to make the register more manageable should they choose.
3) even if there are only 1000 test takers, the odds of having the register created by 9/30 are minimal. It's typically been a three-month turnaround between the WD/SI and NORs. I can't imagine having more test takers, a second test, and the joys of the sequester is going to speed the process up.
No, I think the waiting for NORs is going to be the hardest part to date. No doubt hoping/waiting to get on a cert will be worse should we make the register. I'm approaching this like I did the bar exam... Testing in the summer, results in November.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 15, 2013 10:33:56 GMT -5
1) they may have more than one testing room, which would enable more test subjects per day. 2) there very well may be 1500 (or more) test takers, but OPM can always cut x-number of applicants based on test scores to make the register more manageable should they choose. 3) even if there are only 1000 test takers, the odds of having the register created by 9/30 are minimal. It's typically been a three-month turnaround between the WD/SI and NORs. I can't imagine having more test takers, a second test, and the joys of the sequester is going to speed the process up. No, I think the waiting for NORs is going to be the hardest part to date. No doubt hoping/waiting to get on a cert will be worse should we make the register. I'm approaching this like I did the bar exam... Testing in the summer, results in November. I agree hopefalj regarding the NOR date for those taking the testing in D.C.. I would think the NOR will not be out until late 2013 or early 2014.
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Post by funkyodar on Jul 15, 2013 10:49:31 GMT -5
Good points hope. The waiting for NORs will undoubtedly be nervewracking. I keep telling myself that all indications are those lucky enough to make the register will merely sit on it for all of fiscal 2014 and probably in to 2015 due to the budget, so why worry about scoring delays at this point. But that doesnt work.
I hate the cliche that the process is a marathon not a sprint. I recognize the truth, just hate the phrase. I'm more of a "it's a mosey not a cantor" kinda dude.
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Post by gunner on Jul 15, 2013 13:08:28 GMT -5
I agree that if you're in phase III, you're doing both the proctored portion and the SI. The email says you *will* receive *invitations*. But it also says the invitations will be separate, and the proctored components have to be first.
I'm curious how they will administer requests for extensions. They appear to say you can request an alternative date once for the proctored components and once for the SI. But they also say that your SI may be moved because it has to be after the tests. So what if you have them scheduled for August 19/20, which happens to be the week of your summer vacation. You tell them you need to reschedule because you're out of town that week, and that you have a conference 8/30 and an oral argument Sept. 4. Have you asked to reschedule both parts or just the proctored tests? Because if they come back and offer you Sept. 6 and 10, can you then ask to reschedule the SI when your oral argument is moved to that day?
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 15, 2013 13:21:26 GMT -5
I agree that if you're in phase III, you're doing both the proctored portion and the SI. The email says you *will* receive *invitations*. But it also says the invitations will be separate, and the proctored components have to be first. I'm curious how they will administer requests for extensions. They appear to say you can request an alternative date once for the proctored components and once for the SI. But they also say that your SI may be moved because it has to be after the tests. So what if you have them scheduled for August 19/20, which happens to be the week of your summer vacation. You tell them you need to reschedule because you're out of town that week, and that you have a conference 8/30 and an oral argument Sept. 4. Have you asked to reschedule both parts or just the proctored tests? Because if they come back and offer you Sept. 6 and 10, can you then ask to reschedule the SI when your oral argument is moved to that day? I believe the email stated you are allowed to move each part of the testing once and only once. I don't think you can ask for continuous changes in your testing in D.C. My suggestion is if at all possible, please use the original dates given to you by OPM.
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Post by 71stretch on Jul 15, 2013 13:49:40 GMT -5
I agree that if you're in phase III, you're doing both the proctored portion and the SI. The email says you *will* receive *invitations*. But it also says the invitations will be separate, and the proctored components have to be first. I'm curious how they will administer requests for extensions. They appear to say you can request an alternative date once for the proctored components and once for the SI. But they also say that your SI may be moved because it has to be after the tests. So what if you have them scheduled for August 19/20, which happens to be the week of your summer vacation. You tell them you need to reschedule because you're out of town that week, and that you have a conference 8/30 and an oral argument Sept. 4. Have you asked to reschedule both parts or just the proctored tests? Because if they come back and offer you Sept. 6 and 10, can you then ask to reschedule the SI when your oral argument is moved to that day? I believe the email stated you are allowed to move each part of the testing once and only once. I don't think you can ask for continuous changes in your testing in D.C. My suggestion is if at all possible, please use the original dates given to you by OPM. If they move the SI because of the rescheduling of the first two, that's presumably not a request for extension of the SI, so you could then ask for a reset. However, as they note, there's a limited time frame for the whole process, so you want to avoid resets if at all possible in order to avoid taking yourself right out of the process. If it turns out that all three are actually set within one or two days of each other, reset requests are going to cover all three components, more than likely. The advice above is the best. Do everything you can to keep the original dates.
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Post by gunner on Jul 15, 2013 14:45:10 GMT -5
I'm not really worried about this since I'm in D.C., and other than one week of vacation and possibly some random other dates due to hearings I'm available pretty much every day for the next several months and don't have to schedule travel to get there. I'm just curious how it will be administered. In my hypo above, I give a whole week plus a couple of days when I'm not available. Presumably they will abide by that kind of request, which would prevent not being available on the second date.
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Post by jessejames on Jul 16, 2013 20:54:33 GMT -5
Has anyone received a schedule for testing? Many federal employees working under a Furlough Schedule have every Friday off through the end of September. Any chance they might set testing on a Friday and allow a Saturday SI? This would help out those now working under a 20% pay cut.
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Post by funkyodar on Jul 16, 2013 20:57:41 GMT -5
No offense jesse, but if you are counting on opm to do anything logical or designed to lessen the stress on applicants I would prepare for disappointment.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Jul 16, 2013 21:07:57 GMT -5
Has anyone received a schedule for testing? Many federal employees working under a Furlough Schedule have every Friday off through the end of September. Any chance they might set testing on a Friday and allow a Saturday SI? This would help out those now working under a 20% pay cut. No offense jesse, but if you are counting on opm to do anything logical or designed to lessen the stress on applicants I would prepare for disappointment. Exactly funky. Jessejames I guarantee the second (maybe millisecond) after anyone on this board has a testing date, there will be a new thread to that effect. And probably a corresponding poll or two. LOL!
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