Preparing For The Test

Overview

It's been said that the best way to prepare for the test is to take it!

This test is so varied that it's impossible to cram for. The State Department has both a Suggested Course List and a Recommended Reading List. These lists are so extensive in breadth that they might not be so useful if you have the test coming up in the next couple of months.

Do purchase the State Department's FSOT Study Guide. This will not only give you an idea of the kinds of questions you'll be asked but also help you identify your areas of greatest opportunity.

That said, there are some concrete things you need to do to be prepared. These tips have come from the Yahoo! Group.

Job Knowledge

• Read The Economist
• Read The Wall Street Journal
• Play The Sheppard Software Geography Games
• Learn The US Constitution In & Out (great quiz site here)
• Learn basic economic principles
• Read The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy
• Ensure you can do high school math
• Read up on management principles

English Expression

• Pickup an ACT Book and read through and practice the grammar sections. You'll notice they're using questions of similar style to the FSOT
• Read Strunk & White's Elements of Style (free on the Internet here)

Biographical Information

• Complete this section under timed pressure in the State's Study Guide
• Fray from the Yahoo! group says "There are no right or wrong answers, is virtually no way to prepare, and the scoring is a mystery rivaling the true culprit in the Borden murders. The best bet here is to be consistent and to be kind to yourself. This does not appear to be a good place to be humble. You’ll note many questions are similar which we presume checks consistency and honesty so do look out for that."

Essay

• Read the essay sections from an SAT / ACT book
• Practice writing persuasive essays under time pressure (30 minutes via computer).
• Find a comfortable structure for your essay and use it during the test - the five paragraph essay is recommended
• Consider joining the FSOT Essay Group on Yahoo! where group practice sessions can be arranged
• Review more tips & see practice questions

External Links

• CSET prep