Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2013 11:02:44 GMT -5
SI complete. I feel i did well and found it to be easiest of all components! Do not sweat the SI esp if you are or have been in adversarial court and can answer the judge's questions .
Getting a good night's sleep was excellent advice.
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 8, 2013 11:19:17 GMT -5
SI complete. I feel i did well and found it to be easiest of all components! Do not sweat the SI esp if you are or have been in adversarial court and can answer the judge's questions . Getting a good night's sleep was excellent advice. Thanks exjag, it is good to hear. I bet that weight off your shoulders will make it much easier to sleep and do your job during the day.
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 8, 2013 11:24:52 GMT -5
Yah! otherwise... No doubt mcb, but you might be surprised to see how many might say, why can't I remove this nasty post from the Board, even if it isn't mine. LOL!
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Post by steelrain on Aug 8, 2013 11:26:05 GMT -5
I agree with Exjag, that if you have the legal and litigation background required to get this far then the SI will be the easiest (of course this is a relative term) of the three components in DC. It enabled me to leave feeling much better than I felt after the first day.
The hardest thing I have found is getting back into the swing things at my current job. After focusing so much energy and time into this process so far it felt weird just stepping back into my current position as if nothing has happened Knowing that it will take another 2-3 months to get a score has been a little disheartening as well...
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 8, 2013 11:57:16 GMT -5
I agree with Exjag, that if you have the legal and litigation background required to get this far then the SI will be the easiest (of course this is a relative term) of the three components in DC. It enabled me to leave feeling much better than I felt after the first day. The hardest thing I have found is getting back into the swing things at my current job. After focusing so much energy and time into this process so far it felt weird just stepping back into my current position as if nothing has happened Knowing that it will take another 2-3 months to get a score has been a little disheartening as well... While getting the "monkey off your back" in finishing Phase 3 should make you feel better than those of us who haven't done it. Also, as you state, it means you have to wait even longer to find out your results than those of us going later in the process in terms of waiting for your NOR. Just know you did you r best and don't worry about things you can no longer control. You are done and no more stress for a while.
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Post by lildavey on Aug 8, 2013 12:14:12 GMT -5
Good Grief! I've been practicing law for 10 years now and I feel like I'm starting from scratch, taking the LSAT all over again. I don't see that answering the question about the logic games being a waste of time as a problem. It's opinion.
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Post by lildavey on Aug 8, 2013 13:45:14 GMT -5
Maybe it was in another thread.
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Post by sealaw90 on Aug 8, 2013 15:22:03 GMT -5
I asked that question, I think in the First in Fight thread. Not deleted, just admonished by another poster for asking. Thanks for the support lildavey!
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Post by lildavey on Aug 8, 2013 16:37:38 GMT -5
I asked that question, I think in the First in Fight thread. Not deleted, just admonished by another poster for asking. Thanks for the support lildavey! My pleasure!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2013 18:42:17 GMT -5
Reposted, security information removed. SI information added.
Got to DC the day before WD and scouted (Recon) out both locations since I am staying away from both places. A practice run to the locations will save you day test jitters. Some of the folks I met were staying right near OPM or at the Embassy Suites.
Got to OPM at 0715 and there were about 15 people waiting already. As I indicated before the dress code varied. You do not have to wear a suit or a tie or a jacket. If you feel you have to then knock yourself out. Plenty of people in Jeans, sneakers and polo shirts. Most of us had back packs or bags. You check in with the guard at the entrance after initial security check who takes your ID and checks you off on a list that they have. If you are a Government employee and show your Government ID they give you a holder and you wear your Government ID. If you are not a Government Employee or choose to give an ID other than your Government ID they give you a Visitor’s ID. Make sure you use the Visitor’s entrance on the right hand side—not the employee’s entrance.
You wait in a small area inside the building where visitors usually wait. There are seats for about half the folks—I chose not to sit because I knew my tush was going to spend most of the day on a seat! A guard announces every five minutes if you want to go to the Bathroom or go into the cafeteria and buy coffee or food and they let you in. You come back to the waiting area after the bathroom or when you get your coffee. Most folks are silent and no one talks. Lots of diversity in the folks as to age and ethnical/race make up—an old folk like me was glad to see that.
At 0750 a lady came back and asked the guard if all folks had showed up and there was some discussion and then they said “come on follow me”. You are escorted into the building and asked to line up against the wall and offered another opportunity to use the restroom. Then you line up right outside of Room 1350 where all the computers and tables (not desks) are set up. You present your admission ticket and your ID and sign in. The first five folks or so who come into the room have the ability to take the single tables. The rest of the tables are next to each other, each table has a Laptop and regular keyboard (you use the laptop screen). The chair is not adjustable and was not the most comfortable. You have plenty of room—you have the whole table to yourself –you just have the other person on a table that is next to yours.
Instructions are read, you sign a non-disclosure agreement and you begin the test. We started at 0820 and finished at exactly 1220. As previously recommended bring your water or juice, bring earplugs if you feel you need them (most folks do not need them or have them). You must turn off all your electronics and all your belonging must be off the table. We were allowed to keep our drinks on the table—the folks at OPM were professional and considerate. You can only use the pencils they provide. If you go to bathroom it is on your time but you must sign in and out.
For lunch you go to the cafeteria in the building as a group. They have sandwiches, pizza, burgers and also have a buffet station. You do not have to bring your lunch unless you want to. Prices were reasonable and the line to pay was 3-4 minutes tops at the busiest point. I usually eat and chat but today I wanted to just sit by myself and rest the brain for the next part. We got about 55 minutes for lunch and were told to meet outside of the cafeteria. When we were all there it was back to the testing room for the LBMT as a group. The non-disclosure agreement was very specific. You are not allowed to talk about the WD Test or the WD answers. For the LBMT you agree not to talk about the LBMT test or its procedures. All I can say is what is available on the job announcement that it last 2 hours. The WD lasts 4 hours. Time will fly by and before you know it you will be headed out the building (after you sign out). Bring a sweater even if you usually do not get cold—it can stay in the bag if you do not need it. Bring candy if you want to—I saw a guy eat enough candy to poison a small farm animal.
Time will fly by for both components. You need to keep track on your own or you will be surprised when time is called.
For the SI, make sure you get there early. Why? Because you want to cool off after walking to the hotel in a suit—if you are staying there then you do not have the cooling off issue. When you first walk into the Embassy Suites you wonder if you are at the right place because there is nothing that jumps at you and says “Welcome to your SI” Nor is there anyone there to greet you. Right next to the Check in Desk is a Screen on the wall and it will say that the OPM Structured Interviews are taking place on the Second Floor. Take the Elevator to the Second Floor and look to your right when you get out—there should also be a sign pointing you to the check in table. You provide your admission ticket and your ID again and they have you sign in. You sign more paperwork and are then escorted to a waiting room and then they come and get you one by one and take you to your interview. The temperature will be the last thing on your mind. Get a good night’s sleep. I found the SI to be the easier of the three components but that is just me, I am sure some folks found the WD to be the easiest components if they write for a living. Your SI lasts and hour and it will go by incredibly fast. When you are done you go back to check in table and sign out. If you have your baggage with you like I did you can leave it in the waiting room. If you are headed to the airport after you can take the Metro Blue Line at Foggy Bottom (10 minute walk) and take it six stops to Ronald Reagan Airport.
Good luck to you all and hope to meet you at ALJ Training!
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Post by JudgeRatty on Aug 9, 2013 18:52:59 GMT -5
Thanks exjag!!! Lot of detail and much appreciated!
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Post by minny on Aug 9, 2013 20:28:30 GMT -5
Thanks, exjag!
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 9, 2013 20:37:13 GMT -5
Great report exjag, I don't see much of a difference from the other day's post other than adding the SI. Thank you!
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Post by DreamNalj on Aug 10, 2013 3:47:52 GMT -5
Outstanding and much appreciated report, exjag. You will certainly be at the ALJ training whenever it occurs!
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wylaw
New Member
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Post by wylaw on Aug 12, 2013 9:04:56 GMT -5
Can we take a watch into both exams?
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 12, 2013 9:16:26 GMT -5
Can we take a watch into both exams? Who will stop you from wearing a wrist-watch (Sorry for the hyphenation, but the Board has some issues with words)? If you are talking about a wind-up ticking alarm clock, I think not in deference to your fellow test takers. If it is unobtrusive than nobody (including OPM) is going to object to you have a watch during the exams.
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Post by BagLady on Aug 12, 2013 11:12:33 GMT -5
Can we take a watch into both exams? I don't see it in this thread, but someone posted that you can use your watch to keep time, but cell phones must be turned off and left under your seat during the exam. I believe I also read that there is a wall clock, too.
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Post by sealaw90 on Aug 12, 2013 16:49:14 GMT -5
Here is today's trip report from DC. The WD/LBMT is complete! They seem to have fixed the AC issue in the room. It is definately air conditioned, but I never needed my sweater. Any person with a government ID can leave the building between tests, but under the threat that you may not be granted re-entry. I left the building and got right back in. I wouldn't try that with a visitor badge. The twins were not our proctors, but all of the OPM personnel were fantastic, especially the security guards who let me leave the building during the break! Lunch was fine, and they gave us plenty of time. I used every possible minute of the time allotted for each test. There were 25 of us, and there were a few no shows. The chairs were hard!!! I didn't see any candy munchers, noisy test takers, or any other weird habits. I didn't need my earplugs, but had them anyway. I had all sorts of stuff in my bag but never touched it, but it was good to have just in case. You may need those items, but I didn't. According to one of the Proctors, they made some adjustments after working out the kinks from last week's guinea pig test takers, so thank you to all of last week's test takers. If you have a question, feel free to ask, although I may not be able to answer (as you all know).
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 12, 2013 17:58:07 GMT -5
Here is today's trip report from DC. The WD/LBMT is complete! They seem to have fixed the AC issue in the room. It is definately air conditioned, but I never needed my sweater. Any person with a government ID can leave the building between tests, but under the threat that you may not be granted re-entry. I left the building and got right back in. I wouldn't try that with a visitor badge. The twins were not our proctors, but all of the OPM personnel were fantastic, especially the security guards who let me leave the building during the break! Lunch was fine, and they gave us plenty of time. I used every possible minute of the time allotted for each test. There were 25 of us, and there were a few no shows. The chairs were hard!!! I didn't see any candy munchers, noisy test takers, or any other weird habits. I didn't need my earplugs, but had them anyway. I had all sorts of stuff in my bag but never touched it, but it was good to have just in case. You may need those items, but I didn't. According to one of the Proctors, they made some adjustments after working out the kinks from last week's guinea pig test takers, so thank you to all of last week's test takers. If you have a question, feel free to ask, although I may not be able to answer (as you all know). Thanks for the trip report sealaw90. You say the chairs are hard, are they padded? Are the chairs like folding chairs? Are the chairs more like the kind you see for visitors in a federa office, like SSA or IRS? Please describe if you can?
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sxsw
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Post by sxsw on Aug 12, 2013 18:33:48 GMT -5
Many thanks, Sealaw!
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