How I passed the FSOA (Foreign Service Oral Assessment) - intro

How was I able to bring my FSOA score up one full point from an unimpressive 4.6 in 2006 to a much more acceptable (and competitive) 5.6 in 2010?

I'll tell you, but not in the way you may be thinking (this blog is NDA-safe).  During the intervening years, I methodically prepared for the FSOA and for my career with the State Department.  I'm not quite there yet, but I am making measurable, positive progress! 

My preparations were multi-pronged in focus: physical, personal, and intellectual.  Over the next few posts, I will explain each of these in turn, and how I feel that I benefited.  So stay tuned; the outcome speaks for itself!