|
Post by funkyodar on Sept 18, 2013 19:48:17 GMT -5
For statistical purposes, I counted 25 yesterday. That was my count as well, at least initially. But the tall proctor said we had 26 after lunch. Maybe both of us were omitting ourselves? I tested 9/16 and SI 9/17 - after completing the process I can now state with some confidence - in my opinion, preparing for Phase III is a waste of time, beyond just getting sleep and being mentally prepared for this process. And we got the drama of the Navy Yard situation unfolding during our lunch break. I drove, and stayed at the Embassy Suites the entire time - I got a corner suite and with parking, I was at about 3 bills per night, 3 nights total. Testing room was cold as advertised. Entry and being herded to the room, to lunch and back to the room went very well with minimal glitches. Welcome to the other side ace.
|
|
|
Post by Ace Midnight on Sept 18, 2013 21:17:05 GMT -5
Welcome to the other side ace. Thanks, Funk - now we get another 6 to 10 weeks of bliss awaiting NORs. Marathon, not a sprint.
|
|
|
Post by moopigsdad on Sept 19, 2013 5:32:28 GMT -5
Congrats Ace, I'm glad you survived, like the rest of us. You are pretty correct about the process and the ability to study for it. I am glad they didn't stop the testing because of the Navy Yard incident. Well, just kick back and relax as it will be a while for the NORs.
|
|
|
Post by splash726 on Sept 19, 2013 8:23:37 GMT -5
I'm surprised no one has posted this yet. So I guess I'll be the first. At testing yesterday on the 18th, we had to evacuate due to a fire alarm quite distressing to some I think. But overall everything seems fair and I'm glad to have it over with peace out everyone
|
|
|
Post by elmerfuddgantry on Sept 19, 2013 10:01:39 GMT -5
Following completion of testing, I can now furnish these exclusive, never-before-seen photos of administration of the secrecy oath. These were taken by hidden camera smuggled into the exam inside an inconspicuous rubber chicken. Photo 1: Proctor administering the oath: Photo 2: Examinees reciting the oath:
|
|
|
Post by sealaw90 on Sept 19, 2013 10:41:56 GMT -5
Thankfully you didn't get a picture of Flounder in Dean Wormer's office after the test!!
|
|
|
Post by elmerfuddgantry on Sept 19, 2013 20:58:50 GMT -5
And here's a picture of my interview panel taken with the spy pen ...
|
|
|
Post by elmerfuddgantry on Sept 19, 2013 21:08:31 GMT -5
Credible sources report this photo depicts an SSA applicant being "three-striked," but the origin of the photo is unknown:
|
|
harry
Full Member
Posts: 63
|
Post by harry on Sept 20, 2013 0:58:55 GMT -5
Love these--especially the SI panel. thanks!!!!
|
|
sxsw
Full Member
Posts: 75
|
Post by sxsw on Sept 20, 2013 7:47:15 GMT -5
Made my morning, guys - thanks!!
|
|
|
Post by sealaw90 on Sept 20, 2013 8:57:02 GMT -5
AWESOME PICS! This is a great start to the weekend!! The SI panel was perfect, LOL!
|
|
|
Post by kansascity on Sept 20, 2013 14:26:46 GMT -5
Tested 9/18 and SI 9/19. I flew in on Southwest on Tuesday using points so not the shortest or most direct route but it was fine. I had storm delays on the way home but I was done so that didn’t create any real problems. I stayed at the nearest Marriott offering a room on points. So that made the trip more bearable on the credit card. The OPM people were professional and pleasant. They did warn us that if you did not have a government ID they did not recommend leaving at lunch due to increased security concerns in Federal buildings after the Navy Yard shooting last week. Most of the seats were full. I think I saw one, maybe two empty seats. It seemed to be a mix of private and government. A little more than 1/2 were women. Most taking the test seemed to be between 40 and 55 years old. A few probably fell outside that range. In the brief conversations I had with the other people being tested it seemed like many were aware of this board. Most people I talked to seemed to have limited GALs – one city or one area. I did not talk to everyone so that may be not be an accurate perception. And on the issue of SSNs –Those I talked to were from the Midwest, MO, IA, AR and MN. One gentleman was from DC,but he said he had rescheduled due to a conflict with his first date. I will say that is some admonition not to discuss the testing process. Rather intimidating. I did ask if they also intended to take my first born should I talk in my sleep or reveal some detail through torture. Fortunately at my age and stage in life I cannot remember any details for very long so any details are or soon will be forgotten. We did have a fire alarm and had to evacuate about an hour or so into the WD. We had to wait outside while the fire trucks evaluated the possible fire. Apparently there was no fire. I never heard what caused the alarm only that it was not a drill. I found it very distracting and disruptive. When we came back in we were given time to go to the bathroom and get back in our seats. The OPM people were very helpful and tried to minimize the effect. Then we had a second alarm start to go off then the intercom announced it was an alarm problem and GSA had been called. The second alarm was also an interruption I did not need, but you had to re-focus and just keep typing. Time was added to account for the time that we were outside. The OPM folks handled printing our WD and burning the CD's. I did not have ear plugs. I did occasionally notice the sounds from others typing. Apparently we had a few that really pound the keyboards. It was cool but not freezing in the room. I wore a sweater and brought another, but I did not need the second sweater. I have no comments on the LBMT. Only that I was really glad to finish that one. SI was on Thursday. The OPM folks were again very pleasant and helpful. Tip- There is bottled water available in the waiting room it you ask for it. I had a panel of three - all pleasant and professional. An hour goes by very fast. I had planned to wear a suit with a dress and jacket. I switched to a pant suit at the last minute and I was glad I did. The chair was not terribly comfortable and I would not have wanted to be distracted by worrying about revealing too much skin. I am glad I am done. I found the WD and LBMT testing day to be extremely tiring. It did not help that I have had a head cold/allergies this week. The interview while somewhat stressful was over so quickly it was not nearly as tiring. I did have to have some questions repeated due to my hearing being impaired by congestion, but it did not seem to be a problem for the panel. I asked the OPM proctor on Wednesday when they would be done with all of the testing. He said that he had not been told and exact date but he expected sometime in October. He also mentioned October was when they would be doing the testing for those with special accommodations. He said there was a least one blind candidate and that person would likely test alone since there would be significant reading involved. Good luck to all.
|
|
|
Post by BagLady on Sept 20, 2013 14:42:29 GMT -5
Welcome to the other side, KC.
|
|
|
Post by epic0ego on Sept 20, 2013 16:40:46 GMT -5
KC, although you were clearly true to your oath, I found your post comforting. We all know we need to prepare as best we can. Good luck to you and to all.
|
|
|
Post by uiking on Sept 20, 2013 16:45:30 GMT -5
I wonder if state ALJs are having an easier time with the testing?
|
|
|
Post by 71stretch on Sept 20, 2013 18:04:05 GMT -5
I wonder if state ALJs are having an easier time with the testing? Curious. What makes you say that? ( I did the 2010 testing, will do it again early Oct, I am a state ALJ)
|
|
|
Post by moopigsdad on Sept 20, 2013 18:14:47 GMT -5
I do not believe anyone has a benefit over anyone else because of their occupation having been through the testing. It is fair to all.
|
|
|
Post by lildavey on Sept 20, 2013 18:44:05 GMT -5
I do not believe anyone has a benefit over anyone else because of their occupation having been through the testing. It is fair to all. I agree. As I've said on here before, either you can write or you can't, it is just that simple.
|
|
|
Post by lurker/dibs on Sept 20, 2013 20:45:56 GMT -5
I do not believe anyone has a benefit over anyone else because of their occupation having been through the testing. It is fair to all. I disagree. I think writers have an advantage on the WD. Not necessarily on the content, but on the structure. Though anyone who is a good writer can make up for that benefit, I think. Otherwise it's equal opportunity torture for all.
|
|
|
Post by dwNOT2balj on Sept 21, 2013 10:36:16 GMT -5
For those keeping track. A friend counted 26 on the 18th and thought the room was extremely cold.
On the 19th when I tested there were 29 in the room and since it had been in the 40s that night the room was a little stuffy in the morning but the air kicked on just as we went to lunch and I thought was comfortable with a sweater in the afternoon. Some still thought it was too cold.
On the 19th everyone I talked to was currently or originally from Missouri or Kansas. Lots of SSA folks. Actually seemed like there were 2/3 women but I didn't count. Ages mostly in 40s and 50s with a couple exceptions. The one glaring factor was the lack of racial diversity.
Very glad it is over.
|
|