Studying for the FSO Exam? Books and Sites?

Question

Well, I just received an official invitation to take the Foreign Service Officer exam (US embassy). Now I need to start reviewing!

I would appreciate any suggestions for textbooks and websites I can use for review.

I already went over the Practice exam I ordered through the State Dept.

These are the areas I need to study:

1. Ammendments, Bills, the constitution, and major historical achievements in US history (an overview)

2. US government structure; its components, their

functions..etc. The basics.

3. Foreign Policy: Major historical events and achievements.

Also, a general overview.

So if you happen to know any great comprehensive sites or books I would appreciate it.

I would also appreciate any insight to preparing for the exam for those of you who have experience with it.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Sorry, the previous answerer is wrong, forget the French -- maybe 50 years ago that was true (you might want to study it for other reasons, though be aware that a good French score will likely land you in either Haiti or West Africa, so long as you're OK with that).  Today's diplomatic language is English.  In my husband's seven years on three continents, he has NEVER been at a meeting, function, forum, etc where a lack of French made the slightest difference.

Partly, the test is geared so that if you don't have a natural aptitude for these things, you can't really just study a little and achieve your goal.  But, study you must, so in addition to the things you listed above, you should also include U.S. history and culture (particularly that of labor & minorities, there are SURE to be several questions on these issues).

Answer 2

Study about the French because it is the language of foreign diplomacy.  Be familiar with laws, government, geography and United Nations.