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Post by downbutnotout on Mar 19, 2014 19:20:14 GMT -5
I just filed mine. Reiterated that I explained what my status means in my original application and attached letters of good standing from 2012 and 2013 along with bar dues receipt showing my category. No idea what more I can provide, so now the real waiting begins. I am a little concerned that if my appeal is granted, then I will be behind the power curve as far as providing references, etc., so I am probably going to rough out a list in the event the gods smile upon me. Good luck to all.
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Post by numbersix on Mar 19, 2014 20:18:10 GMT -5
I'm another phase two pass over. I'm going to file an appeal and think luckylady2's suggestion for a basis of appeal as "the fact that you were cut early AND that you were given no further information" is solid. What does anyone think about requesting the questions, my answers, and the scoring in the appeal? What about asking for same under FOIA within the appeal email?
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Post by downbutnotout on Mar 19, 2014 21:47:44 GMT -5
I'm another phase two pass over. I'm going to file an appeal and think luckylady2's suggestion for a basis of appeal as "the fact that you were cut early AND that you were given no further information" is solid. What does anyone think about requesting the questions, my answers, and the scoring in the appeal? What about asking for same under FOIA within the appeal email? I'm not saying "no" to filing a FOIA, but I expect the agency will appy exemption 2 and claim you seek information relating to internal personnel practices. But you never know. You also might want to look into a Privacy Act request as this would be a record under your name.
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Post by aljwishful on Mar 19, 2014 23:03:38 GMT -5
I too was cut after the second phase. I filed a FOIA request a couple weeks ago but I am not holding my breath for a response. Perhaps there was an issue with computer glitches, or I blew the SJT. That is hard for me to swallow give my experience as a State ALJ, but the problem is I don't know why I was cut so it appears that a scattershot approach is all we can do.
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Post by gunner on Mar 20, 2014 13:49:02 GMT -5
LOL. My appeal had 1C20APPEAL1D20 in the subject line. They must have figured this out because today I got a message acknowledging my appeal.
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Post by brpesq on Mar 21, 2014 14:00:48 GMT -5
FYI - THERE IS AN ERROR IN THE APPEAL EMAIL I've seen a few appeals that people have sent to OPM and people were putting "1C20APPEAL1D20" in the subject line of the email. I couldn't figure out why until I checked the email that went out from OPM, and sure enough, the email version says to put "1C20APPEAL1D20" in the subject of the email. But the correctly-formatted letter (the version that should have been sent to you via Application Manager) just says to put "APPEAL" in the subject. Apparently, in converting the letter to email format, the quotation marks turned into "1C20" and "1D20." The result is that emails with 1C20APPEAL1D20 have been routed to the general ALJ application inbox and not the appeals inbox, so OPM will need to make a fix to correct that problem. I think the error in the appeal email is simply more proof that the online component was flawed. It seems to me that the entire "new and improved???" process implemented last year was rushed without sufficient vetting of problems. I did not get past phase 2 and my appeal includes 14 specific errors/issues beginning with the introduction of the Appeal Rights email stating that we can appeal IF we believe our rating was in error....I didn't get a rating to begin with! It also states that once the FINAL ratings are assigned to all applicants, an appeals panel will convene....just what is that supposed to mean? - Is that when the REAL evaluation of our already disqualified applications takes place? Does it mean that those of us who didn't get a rating can't appeal? Believe me, this is not a sour grapes issue, it comes down to OPM not handling this application process properly, and leaving the process open for so long that they became inundated with applications that made it impossible to give everyone a fair shake. Given that so many qualified people were out early on and after the DC stage, it only reinforces my belief that the entire process is questionable. Having said that, I am humbled to have been in the company of so many qualified, interesting, and nice people on this board and I wish all the best of luck.
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leo68
Full Member
Posts: 33
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Post by leo68 on Mar 24, 2014 9:08:29 GMT -5
I just filed mine. Reiterated that I explained what my status means in my original application and attached letters of good standing from 2012 and 2013 along with bar dues receipt showing my category. No idea what more I can provide, so now the real waiting begins. I am a little concerned that if my appeal is granted, then I will be behind the power curve as far as providing references, etc., so I am probably going to rough out a list in the event the gods smile upon me. Good luck to all. That's a good idea.
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Post by numbersix on Mar 24, 2014 10:58:27 GMT -5
Great points brpesq. It does seem that the attempt was to make it impossible to appeal if you didn't make it to phase 3 and get a score. So, the only thing to do would be to appeal the process itself. I also note that those of us who got dinged in the second round obviously HAVE a score. Everyone had to have received a score in order to judge who makes it to the third round. Where IS it?
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Post by auroraborealis on Mar 25, 2014 17:01:46 GMT -5
I filed my appeal. I know that the chance of success is slim; however, I figured why not try on the off chance that an error may have been made in the scoring process. Of course not having a score makes articulating a basis for appeal a real challenge and likely was set up that way on purpose. If nothing else, I at least feel like I had the chance to articulate to the powers that be and/or the appeals board the general frustration many qualified applicants felt with this new examination process. It may fall on deaf ears (and please don't point out if you think I'm delusional---I need to keep hope alive!) but maybe, just maybe, if you are close enough to the cut off score, some of those arguments could weight in favor of crediting a few points that would push one back into the "higher scored sub group" and allow you to advance? For those debating whether to appeal and how to craft one, my appeal was a kitchen sink of arguments (general grievances about the testing, lack of score provided, etc. and specific arguments about my personal performance). I'm not holding my breath but I will say that it did feel good to just write out my thoughts over the past year about the process and how in my view parts of this new test rendered the selection of applicants who would advance to be more random than not. Hopefully it's not just an exercise in futility.
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Post by 71stretch on Mar 25, 2014 17:35:09 GMT -5
I filed my appeal. I know that the chance of success is slim; however, I figured why not try on the off chance that an error may have been made in the scoring process. Of course not having a score makes articulating a basis for appeal a real challenge and likely was set up that way on purpose. If nothing else, I at least feel like I had the chance to articulate to the powers that be and/or the appeals board the general frustration many qualified applicants felt with this new examination process. It may fall on deaf ears (and please don't point out if you think I'm delusional---I need to keep hope alive!) but maybe, just maybe, if you are close enough to the cut off score, some of those arguments could weight in favor of crediting a few points that would push one back into the "higher scored sub group" and allow you to advance? For those debating whether to appeal and how to craft one, my appeal was a kitchen sink of arguments (general grievances about the testing, lack of score provided, etc. and specific arguments about my personal performance). I'm not holding my breath but I will say that it did feel good to just write out my thoughts over the past year about the process and how in my view parts of this new test rendered the selection of applicants who would advance to be more random than not. Hopefully it's not just an exercise in futility. At what stage were you eliminated?
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Post by auroraborealis on Mar 25, 2014 18:46:53 GMT -5
I was eliminated after the Writing Sample/SJT/EA stage.
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Post by privateatty on Mar 25, 2014 18:47:33 GMT -5
I filed my appeal. I know that the chance of success is slim; however, I figured why not try on the off chance that an error may have been made in the scoring process. Of course not having a score makes articulating a basis for appeal a real challenge and likely was set up that way on purpose. If nothing else, I at least feel like I had the chance to articulate to the powers that be and/or the appeals board the general frustration many qualified applicants felt with this new examination process. It may fall on deaf ears (and please don't point out if you think I'm delusional---I need to keep hope alive!) but maybe, just maybe, if you are close enough to the cut off score, some of those arguments could weight in favor of crediting a few points that would push one back into the "higher scored sub group" and allow you to advance? For those debating whether to appeal and how to craft one, my appeal was a kitchen sink of arguments (general grievances about the testing, lack of score provided, etc. and specific arguments about my personal performance). I'm not holding my breath but I will say that it did feel good to just write out my thoughts over the past year about the process and how in my view parts of this new test rendered the selection of applicants who would advance to be more random than not. Hopefully it's not just an exercise in futility. A long long time ago my boss and the partner of the firm (may he rest in peace) said to me that litigating is like shooting a shotgun--you never know which pellet will find its mark. Good luck to you and welcome to the Board.
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Post by auroraborealis on Mar 25, 2014 18:53:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the welcome. I've been trolling around long enough and finally decided to join. Misery loves company?
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Post by funkyodar on Mar 25, 2014 18:59:12 GMT -5
Thanks for the welcome. I've been trolling around long enough and finally decided to join. Misery loves company? Or, in the present situation, the "company (or agency) loves misery."
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Post by auroraborealis on Mar 25, 2014 19:08:07 GMT -5
Ain't that the truth.
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Post by BagLady on Mar 25, 2014 19:57:16 GMT -5
Throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Good approach, AB!
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Post by auroraborealis on Mar 26, 2014 7:07:54 GMT -5
Fingers and toes crossed, btw love the profile name and avatar--- cracked me up!
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Post by moopigsdad on Mar 26, 2014 7:57:52 GMT -5
I filed my appeal. I know that the chance of success is slim; however, I figured why not try on the off chance that an error may have been made in the scoring process. Of course not having a score makes articulating a basis for appeal a real challenge and likely was set up that way on purpose. If nothing else, I at least feel like I had the chance to articulate to the powers that be and/or the appeals board the general frustration many qualified applicants felt with this new examination process. It may fall on deaf ears (and please don't point out if you think I'm delusional---I need to keep hope alive!) but maybe, just maybe, if you are close enough to the cut off score, some of those arguments could weight in favor of crediting a few points that would push one back into the "higher scored sub group" and allow you to advance? For those debating whether to appeal and how to craft one, my appeal was a kitchen sink of arguments (general grievances about the testing, lack of score provided, etc. and specific arguments about my personal performance). I'm not holding my breath but I will say that it did feel good to just write out my thoughts over the past year about the process and how in my view parts of this new test rendered the selection of applicants who would advance to be more random than not. Hopefully it's not just an exercise in futility. I wish you good luck with your appeal. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by your actions. Just realize it may be some time prior to you hearing OPM's response to your appeal. However, if you have been waiting this long, a slightly longer wait isn't going to matter much at this point. Just think, if you win, you will have the opportunity to go to D.C. and do the WD, LBMT and SI. Just be sure to read the posts on this Board about those items and you will do well. Good luck again and welcome to the Board.
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Post by hapi2balj on Mar 26, 2014 8:21:42 GMT -5
I am back on this site for the first time in a while. I was one of the unlucky ones who passed the first round but did not get an e-mail advising me accordingly. I waited until May 14 last year to e-mail OPM and that was too late - I was told I'd missed the boat BY FOUR DAYS and the fact that I didn't get the second round e-mail was on me, not on them. (By the way, even though I followed up on my May 14 contact with OPM three more times, it wasn't until mid-June that I got the "too late" response.) From March 6, 2013, the day I applied, forward, I had checked my e-mail and my spam folder every day, I had provided correct information, and there were no other filters on my end which would've prevented me from receiving the message. OPM claimed that the e-mail advising me to proceed to the second round had been sent April 2.
So - in mid-June, 2013, I submitted my appeal, receipt of which promptly was acknowledged. However, I have not heard a word since then. Any advice? Any thoughts? I need the guidance of those of you who know more about this system than I do. Thanks -
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Post by 71stretch on Mar 26, 2014 9:37:49 GMT -5
I am back on this site for the first time in a while. I was one of the unlucky ones who passed the first round but did not get an e-mail advising me accordingly. I waited until May 14 last year to e-mail OPM and that was too late - I was told I'd missed the boat BY FOUR DAYS and the fact that I didn't get the second round e-mail was on me, not on them. (By the way, even though I followed up on my May 14 contact with OPM three more times, it wasn't until mid-June that I got the "too late" response.) From March 6, 2013, the day I applied, forward, I had checked my e-mail and my spam folder every day, I had provided correct information, and there were no other filters on my end which would've prevented me from receiving the message. OPM claimed that the e-mail advising me to proceed to the second round had been sent April 2. So - in mid-June, 2013, I submitted my appeal, receipt of which promptly was acknowledged. However, I have not heard a word since then. Any advice? Any thoughts? I need the guidance of those of you who know more about this system than I do. Thanks - From what has been posted here, all the appeals will be considered after the appeal time for the NORs passes, when they will appoint a committee to review them.
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