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Post by bayou on Dec 21, 2016 8:23:01 GMT -5
Wacokid posted the best report I've seen about the number of openings at the end of the scheduling period. I can't imagine there were drastic changes in the 1.5 hours after he checked.
What we don't know is if the openings signified 10 open slots or 1. Hopefully we will get enough reports to get a good estimate.
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Post by Abe_Froman on Dec 21, 2016 16:30:46 GMT -5
Wacokid posted the best report I've seen about the number of openings at the end of the scheduling period. I can't imagine there were drastic changes in the 1.5 hours after he checked.
What we don't know is if the openings signified 10 open slots or 1. Hopefully we will get enough reports to get a good estimate.
Agreed, I think Wacokid provided the best intel. And I'm putting my chips on Wacokid's WAG of approximately 2,500 DC bound applicants. My supplemental WAG is that out of the 2,500 applicants: approximately 35% won't make OPM's final cut (875 applicants); approximately 50% will receive their NOR score and get OPM orders to wait in the trenches for time indefinite (1,250 applicants); and, approximately 15% of DC applicants will proceed to the final race and be placed on the certificate (375 applicants). SSA can then cull / interview this list (starting July, 2017?) for 250 hires. OPM will still have approximately 4 more certs. of lower NOR scores lined up in the trenches / ready to go before their well of eager recruits is dry and OPM has to draft / test new raw applicants again. My lingering question (as a first time test taker), that can't be answered and only WAG'd, is what percentage of the DC bound golden ticket holders have traveled to and toured The Wonka Factory before? Second time test takers have an advantage, IMHO. They've been through the obstacle course, and I can't imagine that the exam was altered much (hence the air-tight non-disclosure). Any thoughts on this?
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Post by nothingtoseehere on Dec 23, 2016 15:19:45 GMT -5
You don't look like the sausage king of Chicago.
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Post by Pixie on Dec 23, 2016 17:21:12 GMT -5
You don't look like the sausage king of Chicago. No, but he looks like Farris Bueller to me.
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dvsw
Full Member
Posts: 63
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Post by dvsw on Dec 27, 2016 9:48:11 GMT -5
Based on feedback here, is 330 approx the last appointment time for SI day 2?
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Post by christina on Dec 27, 2016 12:14:29 GMT -5
Based on feedback here, is 330 approx the last appointment time for SI day 2? that sounds about right
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Ray
New Member
Posts: 13
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Post by Ray on Jan 16, 2017 20:45:43 GMT -5
Hello!
I'm scheduled to take the ALJ exams next Tuesday. I started today reviewing the instructions that I have and came across this:
"You will be required to provide the Written Demonstration/Logic Based Measurement Test Admission Notice for entrance into each test session."
I have not received a separate Admission Notice or any other communications since I self-scheduled.
Does the OPM even send out a separate Admission Notice? If so, is it via email or snail mail?
Should I be contacting OPM to obtain the Notice?
Apart from emailing aljapplication@opm.gov is there any other means to contact OPM, a telephone number (with name, preferably) or other email address?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ray
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DC Testing
Jan 16, 2017 21:20:36 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by aljalex on Jan 16, 2017 21:20:36 GMT -5
I remember getting a scheduling confirmation email within a few minutes after self-scheduling (and also a scheduling reminder email about a week before the test, which reminder email looked essentially the same). I also remember using the reminder email printout as admission notice on the first testing day. At the end of the first testing day, you get a written time confirmation for the interview on day two and this will serve as admission notice for the interview.
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Ray
New Member
Posts: 13
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Post by Ray on Jan 16, 2017 21:50:11 GMT -5
Thanks, aljalex!
An instant confirmation is what I have now. I planned, if necessary, to show the proctors everything I received regarding the testing(two or three emails, I think) and hope for the best.
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Post by msp on Jan 17, 2017 9:39:40 GMT -5
Good luck, @ray!
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Post by alohastate on Jan 19, 2017 18:54:26 GMT -5
Thanks, aljalex! An instant confirmation is what I have now. I planned, if necessary, to show the proctors everything I received regarding the testing(two or three emails, I think) and hope for the best. You should have an email with the subject line "ALJ Scheduling Appointment Confirmation." In the body of the email, it will have language that states "Dear Tester: XXXXXXXXX This serves as your Admission Notice for the Written Demonstration and Logic Based Measurement Test of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) examination. . . ."
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Post by southerngal on Jan 28, 2017 12:27:31 GMT -5
I've been meaning to post this... Time to add my helpful tips, as I'm proud to say I've crossed over to the "other" side of the testing process. Feeling pretty positive about my performance, but I'm sure I will start doubting myself in the coming months. I felt the process was pretty straightforward, and the test givers try to minimize the stress you are under (it felt that way for me, anyway). I stayed at the Courtyard the first day. It has a Subway and Starbucks next to it, as well as a 7-Eleven behind it. These were very convenient. I stayed at the Embassy Suites the second night. If you are staying at Embassy Suites, verify your room is nonsmoking (if that is your wish). I booked nonsmoking but was put in a smoking room. Had to trek back down to the front desk with all my luggage. Cabs don't usually sit in front of OPM, but they do sit in front of the Department of the Interior. It is the building to the right of OPM. As you exit OPM, turn right, cross the street, and look for the cabs. After the first day of testing, I spent $25 to get from that location to the SI location (in rush hour). Be nice to the testing staff. They are awesome. Earplugs were helpful during the first day of testing, but I found them to cause me a few difficulties on the second day of testing... ::) I would advise against them. I'm glad the testing is over. Now I can stop worrying about testing and start stressing about my results! Thanks, ssassa: This is very helpful. My testing is coming up--you do mean Embassy Suites - Convention Center. Right?
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Post by Pixie on Jan 28, 2017 15:42:11 GMT -5
I've been meaning to post this... Time to add my helpful tips, as I'm proud to say I've crossed over to the "other" side of the testing process. Feeling pretty positive about my performance, but I'm sure I will start doubting myself in the coming months. I felt the process was pretty straightforward, and the test givers try to minimize the stress you are under (it felt that way for me, anyway). I stayed at the Courtyard the first day. It has a Subway and Starbucks next to it, as well as a 7-Eleven behind it. These were very convenient. I stayed at the Embassy Suites the second night. If you are staying at Embassy Suites, verify your room is nonsmoking (if that is your wish). I booked nonsmoking but was put in a smoking room. Had to trek back down to the front desk with all my luggage. Cabs don't usually sit in front of OPM, but they do sit in front of the Department of the Interior. It is the building to the right of OPM. As you exit OPM, turn right, cross the street, and look for the cabs. After the first day of testing, I spent $25 to get from that location to the SI location (in rush hour). Be nice to the testing staff. They are awesome. Earplugs were helpful during the first day of testing, but I found them to cause me a few difficulties on the second day of testing... I would advise against them. I'm glad the testing is over. Now I can stop worrying about testing and start stressing about my results! Thanks, ssassa: This is very helpful. My testing is coming up--you do mean Embassy Suites - Convention Center. Right?If, when quoting text and then making a comment, it works better if you place your cursor after the last "[/quote]" in the quoted section. That way it is clear your remarks follow the quoted text. Pixie
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DC Testing
Jan 29, 2017 15:27:42 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Lawesome on Jan 29, 2017 15:27:42 GMT -5
I've been meaning to post this... Time to add my helpful tips, as I'm proud to say I've crossed over to the "other" side of the testing process. Feeling pretty positive about my performance, but I'm sure I will start doubting myself in the coming months. I felt the process was pretty straightforward, and the test givers try to minimize the stress you are under (it felt that way for me, anyway). I stayed at the Courtyard the first day. It has a Subway and Starbucks next to it, as well as a 7-Eleven behind it. These were very convenient. I stayed at the Embassy Suites the second night. If you are staying at Embassy Suites, verify your room is nonsmoking (if that is your wish). I booked nonsmoking but was put in a smoking room. Had to trek back down to the front desk with all my luggage. Cabs don't usually sit in front of OPM, but they do sit in front of the Department of the Interior. It is the building to the right of OPM. As you exit OPM, turn right, cross the street, and look for the cabs. After the first day of testing, I spent $25 to get from that location to the SI location (in rush hour). Be nice to the testing staff. They are awesome. Earplugs were helpful during the first day of testing, but I found them to cause me a few difficulties on the second day of testing... I would advise against them. I'm glad the testing is over. Now I can stop worrying about testing and start stressing about my results! Thanks, ssassa: This is very helpful. My testing is coming up--you do mean Embassy Suites - Convention Center. Right?I meant the Embassy Suites in Alexandria where the interviews were held (sorry - not sure if it is the convention center location, as I'm not very familiar with the area). Good luck!!
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Post by goldenretrievermom on Jan 29, 2017 23:11:41 GMT -5
I meant the Embassy Suites in Alexandria where the interviews were held (sorry - not sure if it is the convention center location, as I'm not very familiar with the area). Good luck!! It's the Embassy Suites in Old Town, Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Very convenient place to stay.
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Post by southerngal on Jan 30, 2017 10:58:51 GMT -5
Thank you!
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Post by Pixie on Feb 1, 2017 18:14:51 GMT -5
I meant the Embassy Suites in Alexandria where the interviews were held (sorry - not sure if it is the convention center location, as I'm not very familiar with the area). Good luck!! It's the Embassy Suites in Old Town, Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Very convenient place to stay. Not only is it convenient, it is a fun place to stay. I enjoy my trips to Old Town. Pix
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Post by Reverend Geek on Feb 2, 2017 18:07:52 GMT -5
Over in the 2016/2017 DC Testing Stats Thread, franperirose posted that only 3 people tested on Jan. 31 and just 8 tested on Feb. 1. Judgymcjudgypants pondered whether the severe downturn in testers was the result of the hiring freeze. Were people giving up? Good question.
I don't have an answer except to postulate that maybe people did not schedule testing in February because of the weather. The drop from 28 to 3 is pretty amazing.
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Post by Lawesome on Feb 2, 2017 18:12:02 GMT -5
Maybe they found this board and thought, "I can't compete with these people." I have a friend testing later this month. I'll be sure to let the board know if this trend continues (and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed in the meantime).
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Post by franperirose on Feb 2, 2017 18:33:34 GMT -5
I did wonder if it was because of concerns about the weather. I would think if people had booked travel to come they would have been unlikely to cancel at the last minute after the hiring freeze was announced. But just guessing of course. I thought there would likely be less people in February and March, but to go from 28 on Monday to 3 on Tuesday is extreme!
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