I had the FSOT (Foreign Service Officer Test) on June 14. It was an interesting experience, as the test was at the Beijing Embassy. This was actually my first time to go to the US embassy, even though I have lived in Beijing for 3 years in total. I went to the consulate in Chengdu once, but this was much different. It still has the same intense security, both Chinese and American, but the embassy is so much nicer inside. I guess that is to be expected since it is only 8 years old and cost us $434 million. Anyway, I had the test with about 15 or so others. Since Beijing only offers a single testing day, my reservation was moved to that time – 8:30 a.m. At the time, I thought I did rather well on the job knowledge section and the English section, but felt uneasy about the biographical section. Also, I was not finished with my essay and knew that part could definitely trip me up.

I finally received my grade. Here is the breakdown:

Job Knowledge:                       61.7
Biographical Questionnaire:    42.65
English Expression:                 59.56
Multiple Choice Total:               163.91
Your Essay Score:                    5

Because I scored above 154 on the total, my essay was graded. I needed at least a 6 out of 12 to pass to the next round, the PNQ (Personal Narrative Questions). So, as you can see, I failed. I looked at a website that listed results from 139 test takers in 2013. My Job Knowledge was quite above the average, about 5 points. My English was also above average by 5 points. My biographical section was 15 points below the average. The average essay score was 7.28. So, I know what killed me.

Writing seems to be the bane of my test taking experience. I always thought of myself as a decent writer, but this test has dealt a couple of blows to my ego. This is the second FSOT that I have participated in. I passed the first test with a similar multiple choice score, but with an essay score of 6. I then failed the PNQ, which also involves a great deal of writing.

Although I have to wait another year, I am not giving up on this. This is partly due to my inherent obstinateness, having aptly earned the title “pigheaded” in the past. Also, this is a job that I desire to do. I have always wanted to perform service for my country. When I was young, this desire revolved around military service. As my physical limitations (weight and eyesight) denied me that, I am looking for other opportunities. I will continue to do so, because I feel that this career has a meaningful purpose.

For the next test, however, I know what I must focus on.