The Math

"Candidates for generalist positions take the Foreign Service Officer Test, a written test testing their knowledge of U.S. and world affairs. Those who pass the Foreign Service Written Exam (about 25 to 30 percent of candidates) have their resume and life experiences screened by the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP).

After that screening process, about one third of the original takers are asked to continue on to the next phase, the oral assessment, which is administered in person in Washington, D.C. and other major cities throughout the United States. Only approximately 10% of the original applicants at the written exam will ultimately make it past the oral examination."

In order to be invited to take the Oral Assessment the applicant must not only pass the Written Exam but also the QEP. The Department of State's Board of Examiners can find some people unacceptable despite the fact that they passed the Written Exam.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Foreign_Service


My official response is, "No Comment".