<p>For anybody who is reading this and is soon to have their BGO interview. I just had mine about a week ago, and it was very, very relaxed. I went to the officer's home. He was very welcoming and conducted the interview just like we were a couple of guys talking. He didn't try to surprise me with anything, or throw me any real curveballs, except for a question about endangering lives, but that was the most difficult part. These guys are trying to help, not hurt your application.</p>
<p>The BGO has some pre-suggested questions and topics he/she will talk about.
In significant part, he want's to know your intentions regarding a Naval career and/or what part your parents are playing in making this decision.
There are other discussio npoints re: leadership position, etc.
Mostly, this is the only chance you will have to actually meet somebody from the Academy who represents admissions.
Just be yourself. Practice some questions that you think might be asked, e.g. tell me about yourself, why do you want to attend, what would you like tod o in the Navy, tell me about a difficult decision you have had to make, do your parents suppor tthis decision.</p>
<p>I just have one point of reference but will add it.</p>
<p>Son's interview was very casual. BGO invited son and parents to his house. I was the only parent that went. My thought on why parents are invited is to 1) put parents at ease that son is going to a good place, 2) to understand if parents support the decision to go to USNA and 3) find out if parents are pushing candidate to the Academy. BGO asked me "What do you think about son going to Academy?" "What does Mom think about son going to academy?" "Had we (Mom and Dad) been to the Academy for a visit?" (son had been to NASS)</p>
<p>Then we watched a 20 min video about Academy/Navy.</p>
<p>Son and BGO then went to another room and had the interview. Q's were - Why do you want to go? What if you don't get in? What got you interested? What majors are you considering? What do you want to do in the Navy? (Pilot, submarine, etc) What books have you read recently? (that one got a roar of laughter that I heard through closed doors when he answered "Harry Potter 7" read in 5 days. BGO's daughter read it in 1 day)</p>
<p>On the way out BGO was telling son how to dress for the MOC interviews, and just to be yourself in the MOC interviews. He must have done OK. He has received a LOA. No noms yet, however.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>My son's BGO interview was very casual. Conducted at a Starbucks, middle of the summer at 9am. We never met him until the awards ceremony at school. </p>
<p>The BGO interviews come in all shapes and forms - be prepared for anything.</p>
<p>I am about to have my interview with my Congressman for nomination to the Air Force and Naval Academies. Any advice?</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>When they ask you a question take a second to think about your answer so you don't say anything stupid. Don't just shoot from the hip. A friend of mine accidentally insulted the peace corps and ticked off one of the panel members.</p>
<p>Just don't try to be witty and clever when you answer the questions. Answer them with a straight and direct response. Some typical ones that I had to answer at all three interviews were:</p>
<p>-Do you realize that you might be put in harm's way if you join the military? What do you think of this? (I always answered, "Yes, and anyone who does not join in a time of war because it may be dangerous is joining for all the wrong reasons." They seemed the LOVE that.)</p>
<p>-Who is one of your heroes?</p>
<p>-You seem to have [insert weakness in application]. What are you doing to fix this?</p>
<p>Good interviewing point, don't be afraid of silence. Answer the question to the best of your ability, say everything you need to say and then shut up. Some interviewers will wait to see if you will ramble on to fill the silence. If you can let the silence run it shows you have confidence in your answers.</p>
<p>Also, practice ahead of time with an adult or adults you trust to give you good feed back, it will make you feel more confident.</p>
<p>And Simayan is right about not trying to be too witty or clever, but an occasional joke or good natured quip will work with some interviewers, you just need to know your audience. My favorite example of this is a 6'4", 220 lb football player who was asked if he'd have a problem being yelled at by a smaller, female upper classman. His answer, "No sir, my mother has been yelling at me most of my life and she's only 5' tall."</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Oh, yeah...Don't make jokes.</p>