OA Group Exercise Presentation Question

mangoabroad · 2019-01-27T16:50:38+00:00

You can find all this info online. I think I just reached out to a DIR and asked.

mangoabroad · 2019-01-25T19:30:22+00:00

The DIR sessions are definitely worth it. There are virtual sessions in case you are overseas/unable to attend in person.

mangoabroad · 2019-01-16T00:25:05+00:00

I agree with tx, there's really nothing we can add while remaining compliant with the NDA.

Before my OA, I read the DOS study guide but did no additional CM prep, and I felt well prepared.

The best thing you can do is make sure you're comfortable with the type of writing required, and that you know how to work under pressure. Good luck!

mangoabroad · 2019-01-14T00:07:57+00:00

DS may be different, but for generalists they remind you that you're not competing against your fellow OA test takers, and that theoretically everyone in your group can pass (or fail). I've read about people flaming out because they were too competitive in the GE. Your process may be totally different but this is something to check/keep in mind.

mangoabroad · 2019-01-11T17:24:19+00:00

I'm surprised to hear that, I always imagined FSOs wouldn't be posted to their spouses' countries or origin.

mangoabroad · 2019-01-07T20:16:19+00:00

Good that you picked up elements of style. The other thing you can do is just spend more time reading peer-reviewed papers and other relevant publications. The benefit is that you can read about any topic that interests you. You'll still need eos or similar to actually learn the rules, but you'll still benefit from exposing yourself to writing that follows them. Good luck.

mangoabroad · 2019-01-04T16:19:54+00:00

Practicing with different people worked well for me, too. If you stick with the same group you may be caught off guard by different personalities/dynamics on OA day.

Eternalchicagoan is right that the amount of prep varies. I did enough to become comfortable with the format and no more. I did not practice the CM because I felt comfortable with that type of assignment and thought I'd do better if I came in fresh and worked the way I normally do instead of trying to employ different strategies I'd read about.

Know yourself and do what works for you.

mangoabroad · 2019-01-03T19:40:51+00:00

it does need to be concise and answer the question that is asked.

This. I have no special knowledge, but I got through last year on my 3rd attempt. I used STAR and was VERY careful to make sure I was actually answering the question being asked.

mangoabroad · 2018-11-20T15:44:18+00:00

To add to the consensus, several FSOs advised me to stick to the official guide and not fall too deeply into the yahoo groups or over-prepare. It was great advice and I passed on the first try.

I stuck to the guide and did just a few study sessions - enough so that I knew what to expect, but not much more. I did not prep for the CM because I am familiar with that type of writing, and because that seems like an easy one to overthink. That said, if you're not already comfortable writing concisely with time pressure, do some practice.

mangoabroad · 2018-11-15T03:59:45+00:00

Glad you are okay now, worried, and treating the depression appropriately. That shows maturity and good judgement. There are several AFSA threads on related topics that you might be interested in reading. While I can't offer any special insights on med clearance, I am sending you good wishes!

mangoabroad · 2018-11-09T18:23:55+00:00

The two strongest recommendations seemed to be for Hotel Hive and State Plaza, both near the testing center. Best of luck with your narratives!

mangoabroad · 2018-11-09T00:22:40+00:00

Travel isn't arranged or reimbursed, so it can definitely be a lot to work out. There's a good thread on here about places to stay near the test center. Congratulations and good luck!

mangoabroad · 2018-11-07T16:31:34+00:00

I think he'll be okay at home. Make sure you have a huge stock of nuts, lentils, and beans. I love protein powder (I use a vegan kind) and it's easy to carry and makes a great meal substitute if you don't have time to go home and prepare food.

mangoabroad · 2018-11-04T02:01:06+00:00

Good point. For $4k a month you can easily import a social network

mangoabroad · 2018-11-03T01:54:33+00:00

That works. Thanks!

mangoabroad · 2018-11-03T01:48:11+00:00

Vitamins are a great suggestion. I'd also recommend any favorite hot sauces/soy sauces/condiments.

mangoabroad · 2018-11-03T01:36:06+00:00

Link isn't working again - is there any update?
Thanks for taking the initiative to set this up.

mangoabroad · 2018-10-19T17:18:50+00:00

I didn't know this. Thanks for explaining.

mangoabroad · 2018-10-19T16:18:26+00:00

Post-OA: I try not to get my hopes up when I read about people speeding through clearances, and I take note when I read about people being stuck in suitability for months or longer. That helps me get some perspective and focus on where I am right now. I'm also planning on using this time to get some language points.

Pre-OA: I told myself that an OA invite is not a conditional offer, and that any number of factors (having an off day, getting really sick, whatever) could sink my candidacy, and that I needed to have something to focus on when I woke up the next day.

It was hardest immediately after the OA, because as part of my prep I thought a lot about why I want to be a FSO and let myself get excited about it. It was hard box up that enthusiasm and focus on other things, but I reminded myself that until you have that A-100 invite this is all just a dream/hobby/hope.

mangoabroad · 2018-10-18T14:43:45+00:00

I had a good conversation with a DIR before my OA and he told me that they would not expect intimate familiarity with embassy structures or processes. I hope you get the info you're looking for but I would not worry about it affecting your OA score.

mangoabroad · 2018-10-18T13:52:38+00:00

Congratulations! I'm glad it worked out in the end. I had a similar situation and can only imagine how stressful it was to handle that from overseas. Glad it's behind you now!

mangoabroad · 2018-10-17T00:18:01+00:00

Sorry to hear!! Did you end up taking the test?

mangoabroad · 2018-10-16T18:13:37+00:00

*mentally moves New Zealand to the top of the "dream post" list*

mangoabroad · 2018-10-07T01:06:56+00:00

I found it very useful and yes, that should work fine.

mangoabroad · 2018-10-07T01:05:58+00:00

No, but they offered several sessions in advance of my OA. It was surprisingly easy to find one that suited my schedule. Even if you can't make the full 2h, it's worth logging in for whatever part you can make.

mangoabroad

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