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Post by mamaru on Sept 5, 2015 14:25:31 GMT -5
I highly recommend ear plugs. I wanted to use my Bose noise cancelling earphones because I sometimes get helpful transmissions from my voices through them (especially when I wrap them in foil), but I thought they would frown on that. In my testing session you could hear a pin drop.
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Post by gary on Sept 5, 2015 14:37:35 GMT -5
No comment pursuant to my obligations as a signatory of the CA.
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Post by worrywart on Sept 5, 2015 21:08:57 GMT -5
I took the WD & LBMD on 9/2/15 & had SI on 9/3/15. There were 12 testees in my group. Approx 2 of us were private sector lawyers w/o military or current Federal employment. The writing demo was exhausting!! As was the logic test! NO idea how I did, but enjoyed meeting 11 really nice candidates. Not sure if I'm putting this on the correct thread! Edit Note by Pixie: Sunrise, I have moved your post here as I agree with Gary that this is a more appropriate thread. Hope this is ok to ask, but does anyone think insiders who write decisions have an easier time with the WD than outsiders (like me) who write an occasional motion or appeal?
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Post by luckylady2 on Sept 5, 2015 22:13:19 GMT -5
We are under a confidentiality agreement. We can't say anything about the test or interview. Would everyone PLEASE stop trying to get little details or big chunks of info from those that have gone before. You already have WAAAAAYYYYY more info than any of us did going into the tests & interviews - and we all survived.
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Post by mamaru on Sept 6, 2015 7:20:23 GMT -5
I agree with LL2. I think the Board has bent over backwards to fill test-takers in on the logistics, such as where to stay, availability of the cafeteria, take a sweater, use earplugs, and bring your ID if you have one. It seems like having a good idea of what to expect should reduce the stress level somewhat. Please don't push us on the content of the tests. We signed a confidentiality agreement which was not, as I recall, subject to much interpretation. Moreover, a lot of us on the board are still waiting for offers so you are really asking us to give you a leg up, potentially at our expense, when you ask us the type of question that directly (or indirectly) goes to the content of the exams themselves. The confidentiality agreement is designed to level the playing field (as well as keep OPM from having to recreate the wheel) and some of us are still players. I think overall we have been very helpful within the constraints of the confidentiality agreement. Please be more considerate of our position.
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Post by lizdarcy on Sept 6, 2015 8:34:34 GMT -5
I will sound curmudgeonly right now, because that's the way I feel. Why do you all need so much information going into the exam? I had less than one business day's notice for these exams, had to arrange my travel and hotel in an hour, had no idea what the circumstances would be and didn't really care. I checked into the hotel, tried (but failed) to get a good night's sleep and showed up on time. I approached the exam like any other. I wore comfortable clothing, had a good breakfast, rolled with the punches, took it the way it came and did my best with what they gave me. To me, that is a large part of life and working as an adult. I have tried here and there recently to be compassionate and give what details can be shared, but really, at this point it is verging on the ridiculous. No one who has accomplished enough to be eligible to take this test should still need to have their meat cut up for them so they can eat.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2015 8:53:46 GMT -5
I will sound curmudgeonly right now, because that's the way I feel. Why do you all need so much information going into the exam? I had less than one business day's notice for these exams, had to arrange my travel and hotel in an hour, had no idea what the circumstances would be and didn't really care. I checked into the hotel, tried (but failed) to get a good night's sleep and showed up on time. I approached the exam like any other. I wore comfortable clothing, had a good breakfast, rolled with the punches, took it the way it came and did my best with what they gave me. To me, that is a large part of life and working as an adult. I have tried here and there recently to be compassionate and give what details can be shared, but really, at this point it is verging on the ridiculous. No one who has accomplished enough to be eligible to take this test should still need to have their meat cut up for them so they can eat. AMEN sister! It is what it is. No need to dissect it to hell and back
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Post by auroraborealis on Sept 6, 2015 9:35:54 GMT -5
As someone who has yet to take the test, I too don't really understand why folks are "going there." You just have to deal with not knowing. I realize this creates some anxiety or doubt about how you will perform having no clue what to expect, but you just have to accept it. Let's not push away those who have already offered enough practical advice (keeping within the constraints of the CA) without any benefit to themselves.
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Post by worrywart on Sept 6, 2015 10:21:33 GMT -5
We are under a confidentiality agreement. We can't say anything about the test or interview. Would everyone PLEASE stop trying to get little details or big chunks of info from those that have gone before. You already have WAAAAAYYYYY more info than any of us did going into the tests & interviews - and we all survived. I apologize. I really did not think this question leaned toward an attempt to gain information or details specific to the WD. I am not even sure how it could help anyone. I am grateful for the board and will not ask further questions as it seems everything could be construed as an attempt to gain inside information.
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Post by phoenixrakkasan on Sept 6, 2015 10:52:35 GMT -5
Emotions are running high for some. I did not think your question crossed the line, but who am I to Judge. Don't stop interacting with the Board. This competitive process has interesting effects on all. Those who are taking the third phase of the test need to concentrate on what they can control. Give it your best and if it does not happen, you will have no regrets. The competition is fierce and you better have something that separates you from the other applicants.
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Post by JenMPR on Sept 6, 2015 11:13:16 GMT -5
I'm testing on December 3rd. I'm in the middle of moving from DC to MD, writing ECQ's for an SES position, and helping my son with his college transfer applications. I wanted to give myself enough time to prepare for this process, and I figured it wouldn't make much difference, as I don't think they'll take any action until the testing period is over. Anyway, just wanted to give everyone an update. Best of luck to all! Oh, and for what it's worth, I agree some people are asking way too many questions. Maybe it's just the way I approach things, but I like going into this sort of thing with an open mind, instead of full of expectations that might -or might not- be correct when all is said and done. My best advice would be to relax, get a good night's sleep before the exam, and just be as confident as you can be...
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Post by luckylady2 on Sept 6, 2015 11:22:48 GMT -5
We are under a confidentiality agreement. We can't say anything about the test or interview. Would everyone PLEASE stop trying to get little details or big chunks of info from those that have gone before. You already have WAAAAAYYYYY more info than any of us did going into the tests & interviews - and we all survived. I apologize. I really did not think this question leaned toward an attempt to gain information or details specific to the WD. I am not even sure how it could help anyone. I am grateful for the board and will not ask further questions as it seems everything could be construed as an attempt to gain inside information. If you didn't think the info could help you, you wouldn't have asked the question. Anything that touches in any way upon the content of the test (including asking if one group does better because it has certain skills) is covered by the CA. If you have questions about hotels, restaurants, cabs, the metro, etc., we'll be glad to help out. You don't have to stop asking questions. Heck the whole ALJ selection process is quite byzantine. But many of us think the helpfulness on this topic has already gone beyond where it should. So I am just asking folks to respect that we are abiding by our CAs and please stop trying to get us to violate it.
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Post by stormy on Sept 6, 2015 11:23:34 GMT -5
I tested during the last few weeks and was simply grateful to have the opportunity. Met some really nice folks from all over the country and enjoyed some great meals in DC. Now my question: For those of us testing over the past couple of weeks/months, what is a realistic timeline to find out if we make the registry? I understand many aspects of the process are unknowns and so should us newbies just put it out of mind until after the first of the year? Thanks in advance.
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Post by luckylady2 on Sept 6, 2015 11:27:11 GMT -5
Stormy - Welcome to the Board! For the group that tested in Aug-Sept of 2013, we got our NORs (notice of results) on March 14, 2014. It seems like your testing group may be smaller , so it might not take as long, but only OPM knows the timing.
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Post by Pixie on Sept 6, 2015 11:46:51 GMT -5
WorryWort said: I apologize. I really did not think this question leaned toward an attempt to gain information or details specific to the WD. I am not even sure how it could help anyone. I am grateful for the board and will not ask further questions as it seems everything could be construed as an attempt to gain inside information.
Don't worry about it WorryWort (but with your name, it may be difficult for you to not worry). You aren't in any trouble with the moderators. It just takes a while to gauge the "flavor" of the board. I think I approved your application a couple of weeks ago, so you haven't been at it that long. You'll get the hang of it. Pix.
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Post by Gaidin on Sept 6, 2015 11:47:13 GMT -5
I really think people who have all these questions should go read old threads from the 2013 test period. You really will find it answers or at least gets closer to answering many questions than asking those of us who are going through getting rejected again 2 years on what we think we remember. I honestly, think I haven't read an original question yet. That doesn't make them bad questions but it means the answer if it is answerable is already available and without 2 years between then and now. We tested between August and October in 2013. I am not trying to stifle discussion NOR am I accusing anyone of doing something wrong but......
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Post by mamaru on Sept 6, 2015 12:00:55 GMT -5
We are under a confidentiality agreement. We can't say anything about the test or interview. Would everyone PLEASE stop trying to get little details or big chunks of info from those that have gone before. You already have WAAAAAYYYYY more info than any of us did going into the tests & interviews - and we all survived. I apologize. I really did not think this question leaned toward an attempt to gain information or details specific to the WD. I am not even sure how it could help anyone. I am grateful for the board and will not ask further questions as it seems everything could be construed as an attempt to gain inside information. Worry, my comment was about a trend, not just about your request. There have been several posts about the type of questions and they seem to keep coming. Not trying to stifle communication, feel free to ask questions - just not about what's on the test. As a clarification, I interpreted your question as an indirect way of asking if the written demonstration was like the decisions written by SSA insiders on a daily basis, which I do think goes to the content of the exam. If I misinterpreted, I apologize.
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Post by lizdarcy on Sept 6, 2015 14:06:15 GMT -5
It's not one particular question -- it's all the questions. The purpose of the exam is to test for aptitudes for a particular job. You may have the aptitudes necessary for that job and you may not. Flexibility and confidence are required to be an ALJ. You will have to walk into a hearing room without knowing what's going to happen during the hearing. There's only so much preparation you can do when you're holding hearings.
What I knew about the exam before I took it in October 2013 was nothing more than what was in the OPM announcements. No one needs to know, nor in fairness should know, more than that. If someone can't take an exam that way, this might not be the job for them. This is my opinion. It may sound harsh, but it may also have some truth to it.
It took 5 and a half months to get the NOR after I tested. Then it was another 7 months before I was interviewed by SSA and 7 months after that before I was hired. It's a good idea to try not to think about it much until lightning strikes.
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Post by hopefalj on Sept 6, 2015 14:50:57 GMT -5
I tested during the last few weeks and was simply grateful to have the opportunity. Met some really nice folks from all over the country and enjoyed some great meals in DC. Now my question: For those of us testing over the past couple of weeks/months, what is a realistic timeline to find out if we make the registry? I understand many aspects of the process are unknowns and so should us newbies just put it out of mind until after the first of the year? Thanks in advance. Optimistically, you'll find out you're in the register before they resume hiring for the January 2016 class, so maybe in 2-3 months? If you go back and search for the 10 pointers that have tested since March 2014, you might get a little better idea on the timeframe.
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Post by lawmom90 on Sept 6, 2015 14:55:47 GMT -5
I tested during the last few weeks and was simply grateful to have the opportunity. Met some really nice folks from all over the country and enjoyed some great meals in DC. Now my question: For those of us testing over the past couple of weeks/months, what is a realistic timeline to find out if we make the registry? I understand many aspects of the process are unknowns and so should us newbies just put it out of mind until after the first of the year? Thanks in advance. Hi Stormy--glad to see you survived it. I am getting ready to do this next month. I am processing all my OCD procedural stuff like "what do I wear" "do I have to leave my phone outside" etc. Good luck to you.
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