<p>Besides having DODMERB tomorrow at 0720 (not sure why Nick couldn't schedule for later), he has BGO, ALO interviews coming up. </p>
<p>Need guidance for dress, parental interviews, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Nurseypoo</p>
<p>Dress (for the interview, I assume), I suppose, depends a little on time and place. My daughter's was at her BGO's home on a weekend. She wore what I would call dressy casual: nice slacks, collared shirt with sleeves. Had she been meeting at a place of business, perhaps she would have stepped it up one notch. She looked neat, clean, and like she had dressed for the interview. Had it been my son, I probably would have encouraged him to wear nice slacks and collared (not polo) shirt to a home interview and a jacket and tie to a business one.</p>
<p>As for parental interviews, my husband and I did not attend her BGO interview. Figured it was her gig. I think that was fine, and on one level sent a good message about who was driving the ship. Personal call, but even if you do meet, I'd make it brief so that the bulk of the time is with the candidate.</p>
<p>As for the interview itself, I think were my daughter responding she would say "demonstrate who you are, the truth has a sound of its own." In other words, be ready to answer--really--why you are pursuing a service academy. Everything else is easy. Her BGO just wanted to get to know who she was. She did not bring a resume, though I know others who did. What she brought was obvious passion. I did encourage her to think ahead of time of any questions that she wanted to ask--asking questions, too, demonstrates interest.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>As a BGO, I echo Duke80's comments. I expect candidates to show up in at least business casual. Collared shirt and pressed slacks/skirt are good. Tie is better. No jeans, warm-up suits, shorts, flip-flops, etc. </p>
<p>Bringing a copy of your "resume" is helpful but not necessary (unless your BGO specifically asks you to bring it).</p>
<p>There is no script for the interview and there is no magic to answering the questions. The candidate should show interest in USNA and should take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about what he/she is getting into. I'm always amazed by people who have NO questions. Good questions, BTW, are those the candidate wants answers to -- not those that the candidate thinks will impress the BGO.</p>
<p>Parents, don't think of it as "your" interview. Appear only if you're asked to attend (or if the interview is in your home and you are there at the time). Ask questions that you want to know the answer to -- not those you think will impress the BGO or those that you think your child should be asking. Make your appearance BRIEF. The BGO wants to talk to your son/daughter. </p>
<p>One big negative for me -- candidates who have not viewed the CD and read the catalog. This is a big commitment. People should try to learn everything they can about the school before making that commitment -- and that starts with reading the catalog. </p>
<p>I find the most successful interviews are conversations, not interrogations. As I've said before, if the candidate looks at this as an opportunity, not a hurdle, things generally go a lot better.</p>
<p>Our BGO asked for an interview at his home WITH the parents coming along. Our daughter had been in email contact for 2+ years - so this wasn't completely an unknown person she was meeting with. After the initial pleasantries - we sat at his dining room table, wisely keeping our mouths closed, and let HIM interview HER for about 45 minutes. I think the fact that we even knew to NOT answer any questions for her, but simply to sit there as silent, but supportive partners in her quest for an Appointment was a big plus in her favor. So if you parents do ever go - remember it is your child's interview, and only answer a question directly posed to you.</p>
<p>Thanks, you guys. The BGO wants the parents there. The only thing I told my husband was that this was Nick's interview and not to hog it up by talking about flying (dang pilots). Somewhat kidding, Mike (dad & husband) is a very quiet man (unless talking about flying). </p>
<p>The ALO explained to Nick that he likes to meet the parents to see if they are supportive of the candidate's choice of going to a military academy. He said that he has had kids who wanted to go, but their parents were anti-military/military academies. He said he ended up not recommending them for appts., since they wouldn't have the back-up at home.</p>
<p>BGO didn't ask for a resume. Should Nick ask him if he should bring one?</p>
<p>The DODMERB thing, not too worried about the clothing. Worried about a childhood history of an INNOCENT heart murmur that resolved by age 10. Since my husband really doesn't know anything about the kids health stuff, I'm going just in case they have questions about the murmur.</p>
<p>Our son's BGO also requested parents be present for the initial portion of the interview. When the appointment was made he told our son "I will need to talk to your parents for about 15 minutes before I speak with you alone." During our portion he told us about USNA, Foundation and NAPS, and just gave a general overview of the program and what it entailed. Then we left and waited outside in the car for the next hour until they were done talking. </p>
<p>The ALO interview was in our home and was basically the same, with the ALO talking to us preliminarily and then talking to our son privately. After the interview he hung around, had some dessert and had us watch the video he brought. Then he and my husband exchanged service stories. The whole thing was very laid back and relaxed.</p>
<p>I guess they are all different. We never met the BGO until end of year awards assembly and then only for a hand shake. BGO did not want to talk or meet son until it was an official interview. After the interview most correspondence was via e-mail or telephone. As parents we were never asked to be a part of the process. All was handled as a professional relationship with our son. Once he received the appointment the relationship became more advisory in helping son with questions in order make the final decision to attend. The experience was not unlike the interviews that Son had for the other Colleges and Universities that he applied to. Most of those alumni interviewers also made contact again after the acceptance letters had been received.</p>
<p>Everyone needs to understand that this BGO process is different for every BGO. If your's does not want it to be social and go on for years, they have their reasons and you just have to accept that. If we had read all of the post here about the 2+ year relationships and how the GBO's were kids "best" friends, we would have thought that son had no chance as BGO was not gushing over him or us as a family. Quite the opposite was true with 2 nomination and appointment in November, Son's BGO knew exactly what he was doing.</p>
<p>All of our dd's interviews went really well, though all were different. Her NROTC met her in another town halfway between his house and ours. We never met him. He finished the interview, closed his notebook and said, "Let's critique how it went"!!! He knew it was her first of many and he was so much help to her. </p>
<p>ALO met us at our ranch once and then met dd at a separate interview. He was in his full uniform and the dogs covered him in hair--oops! </p>
<p>BGO came to the ranch and interviewed us for a bit. I had asked him to tell us when it was time for us to leave--when that time came, he invited us to stay. He said he could tell that the academy was HER idea. Watching my dh not talk for 2 hours was pretty funny! He drove up for dd's senior cello recital, came to her graduation party and then even flew out for her private swearing in. We've remained in touch and I periodically send him pictures off of dropshots. </p>
<p>Dd dressed in a nice skirt and top, with dress shoes.</p>
<p>The ALO and BGO interviews were both done at home. Dresses in white blouse and dress slacks. BGO was much more relaxed and encourging. ALO was 0-6, very intimidating and less encouraging. Offered coffee, juice, fruit an donuts. Parents got to stay for whole BGO interview, and half ALO interview. Really want to got to AF, but have feeling Navy will early offer. Trust everything happens for a reason.</p>
<p>ALO met my son at a public library, he was asked to bring a resume, read the candidate package and dress formally. He told him that the interview would run 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Parents there was no mention of even having them.</p>
<p>Highlights-asked this is "your idea to go, not your dad's" Son spent some time explaining his reasoning for wanting to go. Also explaining that his father was in Germany, so if I really didn't want to go I could easily stall and miss deadlines and really just cause dad went there was no gun to his head. I guess a lot of grad parents pressure their kids.</p>
<p>Ask a few other questions, about what would you like to major in, have you thought about ROTC and you know there is a 5 year commitment on the first day of Jr year. </p>
<p>Son asked questions that gave him some reassurance. Should I kill myself trying to retake the ACT-- like a 28 on the Math isn't going to kill you the 35 on the Science, 31 composite and the 5 on the AP Chem/AP Scholar will balance out. Plus you have so many pluses from the athletics....</p>
<p>But the mostly talked about computers and the latest videos cards, the beta of Vista and geeky stuff. He said that is was like talking with a friend. They both got off topic often. The 2 hours went by quickly. The ALO told him he thought it went well.</p>
<p>just to add to all the great advice listed above, make sure to search the archives for this....a lot has been posted!</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>The mention of going OT made me remember--my dd had LOTS to talk about with the ALO--she had soloed for the first time that morning! I'm sure they DID talk about the AFA, but there was a lot of talk about flying too!</p>
<p>Well, exceedingly good advice has been offered here, and by at least one actual BGO, so I'll simply add the big one for me, which has already been alluded to:</p>
<p>Do not, under any circumstances, LIE on the interview. Period. You are far better off just telling the truth than painting a picture that isn't. If they ask you why you want to join the Navy rather than the Marines, and the reason is because you don't much fancy spending a career wallowing in mud, then just say so, along with what makes you WANT to join the Navy.</p>
<p>My .02. :)</p>