<p>Can someone go into some details about the role of the BGO these days? How much interaction does the candidate have with their BGO, on average? What's the best timeframe for the candidate to contact their BGO? I very much appreciate any information you may have. Thank you.</p>
<p>I recommend that you take advantage of the College Confidential’s search feature for this information because it’s been a recent topic of discussion. Most BGOs are working professionals who volunteer their time attending college fairs, interviewing candidates, and to the benefit of those on this forum–some Blue and Gold Officers provide excellent information here. You’ll get it straight from these BGOs: USNA1985, navy2010, Bill0510, and USNAmomBGO. (Sorry if I left anyone out!)</p>
<p>Again, search the topic and read the relevant threads. If you still have questions after getting your feet wet, post them here.</p>
<p>Here it is in a nutshell:</p>
<p>NOTE: The following Q&As are based on my experience as a USNA graduate and Blue & Gold Officer. While I have tried to ensure that they conform to official Navy policy, they have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by anyone from Candidate Guidance. </p>
<p>What is a BGO and what is his/her role?</p>
<p>BGO stands for Blue & Gold Officer. BGOs are volunteers who typically have some affiliation with USNA. Many are graduates. Some are parents of current mids or grads. Most are civilians but some are on active duty. Those who are on active duty also do BGO work as volunteers.</p>
<p>BGOs are primarily there to be the personification of the Candidate Guidance Office. With approximately 12,000-15,000 applications per year, CGO can’t personally advise and interview every candidate. Thus, CGO relies on a network of BGOs to do this on their behalf. </p>
<p>BGOs are generally assigned to one or more high schools. In any given year, each BGO may be working with between one and twenty-five candidates. BGOs are responsible for conducting the BGO interview that is required as part of the application package. They answer questions from candidates and often will present the appointment certificate at a school ceremony. </p>
<p>How do I contact my BGO?</p>
<p>On June 1, your BGO should be listed in CIS. At the same time, the BGO learns that you are his/her student through the BGO on-line system. IMO, the best way to make initial contact with your BGO is via email. After that, you and the BGO can sort out the best way to stay in touch. You can also find out whyo your BGO is via your high school college counselor.</p>
<p>Do I need to talk to me BGO prior to my senior year?</p>
<p>No. BGOs are happy to talk with you prior to your senior year, especially if you have specific questions. But you do not need to get to know your BGO in advance to make a good impression or for any other reason. Many, if not most, successful candidates, meet their BGO only once (for the BGO interview) and then again maybe at some presentation ceremony. Other candidates may have more frequent contact. It really depends on the BGO and the candidate.</p>
<p>Help! I emailed/called my BGO and he/she hasn’t called me back. What do I do?</p>
<p>First, wait a few days and try again. Remember, BGOs are volunteers who have jobs and lives outside of their BGO responsibilities. They take vacations (especially in the summer), they travel for business, they get sick, they don’t check email, etc. Thus, the fact you don’t receive an immediate response doesn’t mean the BGO doesn’t care. It simply make take a bit of time. If it is truly an emergency, you can contact CGO directly. If repeated attempts to contact your BGO over a period of several weeks are unsuccessful, you can always reach out to your Area Coordinator for assistance. </p>
<p>Why hasn’t my BGO scheduled my interview yet?</p>
<p>BGOs are not required to interview candidates who have submitted less than 1/3 of their packets to USNA. The reason is that many candidates are listed in the system (because they attended NASS, etc.) but have no intention of following through with their applications. Thus, once you are at the 1/3 point, you should expect to receive a call/email asking to set up an interview. Some BGOs are more “aggressive” and try to get all their interviews done in early summer. Others may wait (often due to personal schedule) until more of a candidate’s packet is complete. If you have 80% or more of your packet into USNA and still haven’t heard from your BGO, I suggest you contact him/her.</p>
<p>What will my BGO interview be like? </p>
<p>There is no one answer to this because every BGO does things somewhat differently. Below, I’ve tried to address some specific questions about the interview. </p>
<p>Where will it take place?</p>
<p>Typically, the interview will occur at your house, at the BGO’s house, or occasionally at the BGO’s place of work or “neutral” site. </p>
<p>Should my parents attend?</p>
<p>Most BGOs are happy to talk with your parents but primarily want to talk with you alone. If the interview is in your home and your parents are there, it makes sense to have them meet with your BGO with you present, if they have questions about the process. If you meet your BGO somewhere else, I would not take your parents unless: (1) your BGO asks to meet them or (2) they have specific questions. They obviously can drive you to the interview but should stay in the car initially. If they do have questions, they can speak to the BGO after your interview (when they pick you up). The above is not a hard and fast rule – merely my recommendation.</p>
<p>What should I wear?</p>
<p>Again, this is my opinion as there is no “dress code.” Most men come in a collared shirt, pressed slacks (chinos are OK), and non-athletic shoes with socks and women will dress along the same lines. I cut folks some slack when the temp is 98 degrees with 98% humidity. Sweat gear, shorts, shoes without socks, ratty T-shirts, torn jeans and the like should be avoided. Dressing more formally (coat & tie) is certainly appropriate and some BGOs may expect it. I realize that, in some areas, jeans and a T-shirt are “dressing up.” BGOs live where you live and will understand dress codes in the area. Also, if the interview is in your home, still dress appropriately. For example, bare feet should be avoided. </p>
<p>What questions will the BGO ask?</p>
<p>There are certain “mandatory” topics – things USNA expects BGOs to cover. These include: candidate’s understanding of plebe summer, limited majors, and the honor concept. Is the candidate interested in NAPS or Foundation? Is the candidate pursuing NROTC? What is the likely service selection?</p>
<p>However, most BGOs will discuss much more and will weave these topics into a much broader discussion of your interests, motivation, activities, sports, family military background, etc. BGOs will often go over the USNA and nomination processes, assess where you stand in terms of deadlines, ask about NASS (if you participated) and many other things. There is no interview “script.”</p>
<p>Do I need to ask questions?</p>
<p>No. However, I personally find it surprising that a candidate has no questions about anything to do with USNA or the application process. That said, you should ask questions for which you want an answer, not just to fill time. </p>
<p>How long will the interview last?</p>
<p>Again, it depends. Most of mine run about an hour. I know BGOs who finish in 30 minutes and some who spend up to two hours. </p>
<p>How do I prepare?</p>
<p>First of all, it’s not an exam. You should approach it as a job interview – be relaxed, be yourself, but don’t treat it like a night out with your high school friends. I suggest you think through (do NOT memorize) questions you’re likely to get. These are quite frankly the same types of questions you may get from the nominating committees for your MOCs. </p>
<p>You should read about USNA. Read the usna.edu site. Get a copy of the catalog (available on-line) and read it. There are books on life at USNA, Internet forums, newspaper articles, etc., all available to you. No one expects you to be an expert on USNA – that’s why you have a BGO – but to sit in an interview and say you want to major in religion at USNA (when there is no such major at USNA) or want more than anything to be on the varsity archery team (when there is no such varsity sport at USNA) makes you look foolish. Show the BGO that you have made some effort to understand what you’re getting into.</p>
<p>If you feel you need help with preparation, ask a neighbor, teacher, guidance counselor, pastor, etc. to take you through a mock interview. For some that is helpful but for others it’s actually more stressful than the real thing. At the end of the day, most candidates find their BGO interviews interesting and even fun – and often forget they are even “interviews.” Thus, unless you have very poor communcation skills, you should do fine with no preparation.</p>
<p>You may want to bring a copy of your “resume” (h.s. activity sheet). BGOs do not have access to this information and it helps us remember points of your interview. You may also want to bring a copy of your essay. </p>
<p>What are some things I should NOT do?</p>
<p>(1) Lie. It should go without saying but it happens. Do not embellish your “resume.” Don’t say you turned in your packet when you didn’t. BGOs are always older and usually wiser than the candidates. They’ve seen a lot of people over the years and, trust me, they can usually tell when someone is lying.</p>
<p>(2) Denigrate other services or academies. Other than on the football field three hours each year (and in some cases not even that), the military looks at members of other branches as comrades in arms. It’s OK to be really interested in USMA or one of the other SAs as well as Navy.</p>
<p>(3) Be a “know it all” about USNA. I guarantee that you do not know as much about USNA as your BGO, even if you did go to NASS or your sibling attends USNA. Don’t assume that, because your BGO graduated 10, 20, or even 50 years ago, that he/she is clueless. Most BGOs stay very involved in USNA life, attend regular BGO training, etc.</p>
<p>(4) Lack social skills. Don’t chew gum. Don’t use “like” in a sentence except as a simile or as a synonym for “enjoy.” Look the BGO in the eye. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. Happy to answer additional questions.</p>
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<p>Some are also Navy Reserve Officers who never attended USNA but have served in the Navy and are a BGO to get reserve points. IMO you will probably get the least amount of “feedback” or “guidance” from this BGO.</p>
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<p>It is true that some BGOs are Reservists; I can’t personally speak at to their motivations but Reservists do need to get reserve points.</p>
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<p>That may well be true but I have no personal knowledge that it is. The fact is that some BGOs are more committed than others. Some have more time that others. Some are more knowledgeable than others. It’s not a perfect system but it works pretty well.</p>
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right. not meaning to offend anyone but being a BGO is a way to get Reserve points.
Not meaning to offend anyone here or question motivations of a group as a whole.</p>
<p>USNA1985- awesome post!</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your posts, especially USNA1985. That was some meaty stuff! Much more information than I thought I was going to get.</p>