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Post by generalsherman on Aug 6, 2017 17:53:23 GMT -5
I for one highly doubt the WD questions are going to be the same. II took the SAT and LSAT twice within the same calendar year and those questions were different on retesting. Whoever writes these tests surely has some kind of method to rate questions on their relative difficulty, and can accordingly construct a test that is of similar difficulty even if the questions are different.
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Post by jamie368 on Aug 6, 2017 17:53:35 GMT -5
Well, if it's the same exact questions, everyone can probably just go to school off the one logic question that I did well on, and was able to record here with my cell phone camera.
It was Question #7: "Take this cracker box and, with only a sticky note, completely impress your fellow test-takers and proctor."
I got an "A"
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Post by bayou on Aug 6, 2017 19:08:59 GMT -5
I for one highly doubt the WD questions are going to be the same. II took the SAT and LSAT twice within the same calendar year and those questions were different on retesting. Whoever writes these tests surely has some kind of method to rate questions on their relative difficulty, and can accordingly construct a test that is of similar difficulty even if the questions are different. Perhaps you are right. I would hope so but ....govt. Edited to remove question that may have led to a response that violated the CA. |
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Post by attypat on Aug 6, 2017 20:41:15 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for your responses, especially Pixie.
I have enough stress in my life right now, I don't need to add the stress of reapplying. If it is meant to be it will occur. Thanks again!
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Post by hopefulop on Aug 6, 2017 20:47:21 GMT -5
I have been on a hiatus and checked back in only to find this major issue! So it maybe way too early to be pontificating but what in the world to do? To have made it all the way except the WD and to have filed an appeal. I am terrified to simply blindly start all over again knowing that some pencil head or computer glitch could arbitrarily end my chances way earlier. Some of the post I've read talked about this refresh occurring more frequently in the future. I am just really torn about what to do if our appeals are not decided which seems like they will not be. I guess one thought would be to stick with the appeal and if you lose it simply wait until another refresh? Or understanding that so few appeals are successful abandon the appeal and start all over. For those of you all that are in this boat what say you? I agree. I am in the same position and struggling with thus |
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Post by victor31 on Aug 6, 2017 22:50:42 GMT -5
I have been on a hiatus and checked back in only to find this major issue! So it maybe way too early to be pontificating but what in the world to do? To have made it all the way except the WD and to have filed an appeal. I am terrified to simply blindly start all over again knowing that some pencil head or computer glitch could arbitrarily end my chances way earlier. Some of the post I've read talked about this refresh occurring more frequently in the future. I am just really torn about what to do if our appeals are not decided which seems like they will not be. I guess one thought would be to stick with the appeal and if you lose it simply wait until another refresh? Or understanding that so few appeals are successful abandon the appeal and start all over. For those of you all that are in this boat what say you? I'm leaning toward a do-over. Couple of reasons. One is that I have no control over an appeal, but I do control my performance on the WD and SI. The odds that I'll do better may only be fair, but the odds I'll do worse are slim. The other reason is that I've had a change in life circumstances, and a do-over (I presume) will give me the opportunity to revise my GAL and update references. As I see it, the only downside is the expense. |
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Post by ds3272 on Aug 6, 2017 23:12:10 GMT -5
The "plants" may have been taking a different test. From the proctor's perspective, it wouldn't matter.
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Post by foghorn on Aug 6, 2017 23:45:01 GMT -5
I have been on a hiatus and checked back in only to find this major issue! So it maybe way too early to be pontificating but what in the world to do? To have made it all the way except the WD and to have filed an appeal. I am terrified to simply blindly start all over again knowing that some pencil head or computer glitch could arbitrarily end my chances way earlier. Some of the post I've read talked about this refresh occurring more frequently in the future. I am just really torn about what to do if our appeals are not decided which seems like they will not be. I guess one thought would be to stick with the appeal and if you lose it simply wait until another refresh? Or understanding that so few appeals are successful abandon the appeal and start all over. For those of you all that are in this boat what say you? I 'm on appeal myself (SI) so here's my view (note also views on thread "APPEALING")
1. Even if your appeal is successful, who's to say you will have a great NOR?
2. Liklihood from what was said on the other thread is that it will take a loooooong time for the appeal process. Yes the testing bit can take 15 months. But so can the appeals. Note that in true OPM fashion they won't release appeal decisions until all are done.
3. You start afresh, you know where you're headed. You wait for the appeal, and get a thumbs down, or a low nor, you'll have passed this chance by. I spent time on my appeal but I like better the chance of a redo.
That's just me, but them's my thoughts.
So how was Hiatus? Was that Hiatus W.Va. or Hiatus New Delhi? I heard it was closed. |
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Post by 71stretch on Aug 7, 2017 2:26:10 GMT -5
IMHO, it has to be the exact same test. As long at they are refreshing the register and not creating a new one, they must test each applicant in the same manner with the same test and procedures. Otherwise, there is no way for the scores to have any comparable value between testing cycles. You are completely correct about it being an advantage for those who just took the test in the last round. However, I think the advantage is limited by the fact that you don't know what you did wrong. Go read the appeals thread. There is genuine confusion about why they didn't pass. Thus, without knowing what to fix, how do they know what to do different? I think the big advantage is on the SI. Knowing the questions should help even if you don't know exactly what you said wrong. However, the vast majority failed the WD. It will not be a new testing process. It will also not be the exact same questions as any previous test on this register. They don't have to give the exact same test to everyone on the register. The general testing process/sequence for the testing for the refresh will be the same as that used for everyone already on the register. That makes it consistent across the entire register,and does make the scores comparable. Common sense dictates that the questions at the various portions of the testing will not be the same. Remember, the biggest concern about the "plant" issue is people recording and selling the questions to someone who is testing the next day, or the next week, or two weeks later. People who just got scores will not be able to retest unless the applications open more than one year after those NORs were issued. Historically, there has been reported improvement in scores on retesting. Under the old register, some reported as much as 20 points difference. On retesting for those who were on the old register and tested for the new one, there was some reported improvement as well, though parts of the testing were different. It seems with the current testing process and register, however, that there are more places to slip up and be bounced out on a technicality. So, that has to be weighed in deciding whether to reapply to improve a score that's more than a year old. When they change the process, and have that ready to roll out, that testing has to create a completely new register. |
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Post by aa7 on Aug 7, 2017 11:48:12 GMT -5
I have been on a hiatus and checked back in only to find this major issue! So it maybe way too early to be pontificating but what in the world to do? To have made it all the way except the WD and to have filed an appeal. I am terrified to simply blindly start all over again knowing that some pencil head or computer glitch could arbitrarily end my chances way earlier. Some of the post I've read talked about this refresh occurring more frequently in the future. I am just really torn about what to do if our appeals are not decided which seems like they will not be. I guess one thought would be to stick with the appeal and if you lose it simply wait until another refresh? Or understanding that so few appeals are successful abandon the appeal and start all over. For those of you all that are in this boat what say you? I'm in your boat. Completely flummoxed on what to do. I was wondering though what happens to our appeals if we reapply....are the appeals automatically dropped? Say my WD has already been rescored in the appeal process with a favorable outcome but we don't know this yet because they are releasing all appeals at the same time. If I reapply, do I lose that favorable appeal outcome? |
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Post by rp on Aug 7, 2017 11:51:47 GMT -5
I have been on a hiatus and checked back in only to find this major issue! So it maybe way too early to be pontificating but what in the world to do? To have made it all the way except the WD and to have filed an appeal. I am terrified to simply blindly start all over again knowing that some pencil head or computer glitch could arbitrarily end my chances way earlier. Some of the post I've read talked about this refresh occurring more frequently in the future. I am just really torn about what to do if our appeals are not decided which seems like they will not be. I guess one thought would be to stick with the appeal and if you lose it simply wait until another refresh? Or understanding that so few appeals are successful abandon the appeal and start all over. For those of you all that are in this boat what say you? I'm in your boat. Completely flummoxed on what to do. I was wondering though what happens to our appeals if we reapply....are the appeals automatically dropped? Say my WD has already been rescored in the appeal process with a favorable outcome but we don't know this yet because they are releasing all appeals at the same time. If I reapply, do I lose that favorable appeal outcome? Check out foghorn 's post above. Your appeal is done if you reapply (see gary 's post below). You have to keep in mind that the appeals process could exceed the time it takes you to reapply and retest. And, as has been pointed out in this thread -- you have the added advantage of your experience in the process. On another thread a board member noted he failed the SI the first time and made the first cert this time. It appears that the CW is -- reapply and retest. The CW is not the same for those with a score. As Pixie so artfully put it -- those with scores have to release the bird in the hand in order to try to get the two in the bush. If you have a score -- stay put. If you are appealing -- reapply and retest. |
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Post by gary on Aug 7, 2017 11:52:27 GMT -5
I have been on a hiatus and checked back in only to find this major issue! So it maybe way too early to be pontificating but what in the world to do? To have made it all the way except the WD and to have filed an appeal. I am terrified to simply blindly start all over again knowing that some pencil head or computer glitch could arbitrarily end my chances way earlier. Some of the post I've read talked about this refresh occurring more frequently in the future. I am just really torn about what to do if our appeals are not decided which seems like they will not be. I guess one thought would be to stick with the appeal and if you lose it simply wait until another refresh? Or understanding that so few appeals are successful abandon the appeal and start all over. For those of you all that are in this boat what say you? I'm in your boat. Completely flummoxed on what to do. I was wondering though what happens to our appeals if we reapply....are the appeals automatically dropped? Say my WD has already been rescored in the appeal process with a favorable outcome but we don't know this yet because they are releasing all appeals at the same time. If I reapply, do I lose that favorable appeal outcome? "If you reapply for the examination while you have an appeal pending, the reapplication will automatically terminate the appeal." |
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Post by ProScribe on Aug 7, 2017 12:03:03 GMT -5
The cat is out. Email about the upcoming ALJ exam just circulated to all ODAR employees in a couple of regions, suggesting the notice be posted in public waiting areas.
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Post by aa7 on Aug 7, 2017 12:03:39 GMT -5
Thanks guys. Still considering not reapplying given the stress and the expense. And because it seems like they may be opening the register more frequently than in the past. Maybe I will just wait until the next go around. But maybe not.....hmmmmm
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Post by Ace Midnight on Aug 7, 2017 12:12:11 GMT -5
It appears that the CW is -- reapply and retest. The CW is not the same for those with a score. I agree. It requires significant additional analysis if you have a hireable score and have not been selected. If it is a bad interview, then retesting won't accomplish anything. If it is a bad reference, that may not be curable either - and certainly not by retesting. And I don't know what the magic is to turn a "no" into a "yes" - except that it does happen, occasionally. Seems to be fairly individualized circumstances. |
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Post by foghorn on Aug 7, 2017 12:37:12 GMT -5
Thanks guys. Still considering not reapplying given the stress and the expense. And because it seems like they may be opening the register more frequently than in the past. Maybe I will just wait until the next go around. But maybe not.....hmmmmm
You know when the next "go around" will be? Unlikely to happen this fast again. Could be 3 years.
Consider appeals you may have taken in real (sic) life--where the Court of Appeals in their wisdom disagreed with you. And those were where you not only got to see the record on appeal--heck, you helped create it!
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Post by 71stretch on Aug 7, 2017 12:44:38 GMT -5
If you have a score and are eligible to reapply (at least a year has passed between the date the NOR with your score was issued and the date applications are reopened), you stay on the register, with the score you have, until the reapplication scoring is completed. So, you could be hired in the interim if your score is good enough to work your way into a slot. But keep in mind, you could get bounced on a technicality the second time around and come off the register altogether, or your score will not improve or, could even go down.
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Post by montyburns on Aug 7, 2017 12:54:34 GMT -5
If you have a score and are eligible to reapply (at least a year has passed between the date the NOR with your score was issued and the date applications are reopened), you stay on the register, with the score you have, until the reapplication scoring is completed. So, you could be hired in the interim if your score is good enough to work your way into a slot. But keep in mind, you could get bounced on a technicality the second time around and come off the register altogether, or your score will not improve or, could even go down. So could you theoretically have a situation where, a day before your hire date, you get no score NOR/FOAD? That would be quite surreal and khafka-esque |
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Post by usmccol on Aug 7, 2017 13:09:35 GMT -5
After stroking my chin with Colonel-like intensity and thoughtfulness for an appropriate amount of time, and endowed with all the brilliance and enlightenment bestowed upon me by virtue of my high and exalted office, I am now prepared to SWAG the heck out of this. 1. Those of you with scores should stay on the objective. It's never sound tactical thinking to abandon the objective to re-negotiate the minefield you just survived just to see if you can do it again but better. A Bouncing Betty is likely to jump up and blow your you-know-what off. Execute your actions on the objective: re-distribute your water and ammo, set a defensive posture, change your freqs, but stay put and await further orders. You're already in the winner's circle. Stay there. After the bloodbath we just went through, the safest place by far is ON the Register. 2. I don't think this testing cycle will take 15 or 16 months like the last one. First, I don't think there will be as many applicants. Second, I think OPM wants to exercise their authority as many times as possible before it expires in 2020. Third, as has already been SWAGGED here, if OPM wants to insulate itself from criticism from SSA about a short register, it is in OPM's best interest to do this quickly. 3. For purely altruistic reasons for my good friends like foghorn and goldenretrievermom, and for no selfish reasons whatsoever, other than that as a concerned taxpayer, I believe OPM should refresh the register by recycling the recent DC FOADs by bringing them back to DC to remediate that portion of the assessment for which the applicant was FOADed. 4. Using my 10-Point Veteran Preference, I have applied for a position on the Select Committee of the Committee for Selection of Committees (SCCSC). I have it on good authority from @papajudge that veterans are a shoo-in for the SCCSC, given our boundless capacity to do meaningless things repeatedly forever. On my first day, I will direct that a platoon-sized formation of yellow footprints be painted on the asphalt outside the proper door to The Tower, thus ending forever the confusion of the lost recruit... um, I mean "applicant." I will also have prominently posted at eyeball level near said door a yellow handprint with the following instructions: "POUND THREE TIMES AND ENTER." 5. From my vantage point at the leading edge of the 10-point veteran minefield, and eyeball-to-eyeball with the ticks, I sincerely wish the best for all those already on the register, those currently interviewing, and those cannon-fodder who are about to enter the breach once more. This is an exceptional, unheard-of opportunity, and I sincerely hope it yields many exceptional ALJs to the bench. While I will be in a different pipeline, I trust we will all arrive unscathed at the same destination: Falls Church. Colonel |
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SEP
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Post by SEP on Aug 7, 2017 13:10:27 GMT -5
But, I agree if you are a low scoring type, you will not have the long run time to get selected as you did in the past, as the refresh will shake it up each time, such is life! Tiger
Curious what will now be considered a "low score?" |
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