[quote=@DearTrickster]
Exactly. What they said lol. [@Kouki] Realistically for EAT students their training (like with all things) isn't really tested until thrown up against the real thing.[/quote]

For an EAT student (Especially Advantaged Talent Class), classes [b]are[/b] battle, they're synonymous for one another, that's the world of an EAT student. Hell, they're considered part of the DWMA's military. They're the 10% of the entire school that have already proven to be extraordinary. Their class assignments include fighting the demonic spirit of Jack the ripper, taking on a possessed god mummy in an ancient pyramid and assassinating the yakuza.

Yeah, if it's sinking in, assassinations are extra-credit assignments.

Realistically, a student who is both an EAT student (the elite 10% of the school) and a candidate for Spartoi (The elite 10% of said elite 10%) [b]can't[/b] be inexperienced. Diana's weaker than Maka, which, by Maka's own admission, is pretty weak. And I'm talkin' at the start of the series so that's pretty bad. 

You have to remember that EAT students are already only 10% of the actual school, to be an EAT class student period  means you're capable of advanced level combat. And to be a Spartoi candidate, you have to be a two-star level combatant which is the highest a student can be. Meaning, to be-

[quote=@Three]
deemed solid enough to be sent an offer letter
[/quote]

Speaks exponentially of your skill level.

Again, context is key.

What you guys describe are the constraints of a NOT student but EAT is essentially a military institution with being ready for military level dangers a prerequisite for attending classes.