<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>after finishing summer seminar I am absolutely convinced that I want to attend USNA. My first step is to get in contact with my blue and gold officer. What exactly do I say when I make a call in order to make a good impression? I'm usually well spoken when it comes to this kind of stuff, but I'm not exactly sure what I should say when I first introduce myself over the phone. Any help?</p>
<p>Just tell him you are interested in the academy. Have a plan, have an idea why you want to attend. B&G officers like to hear specifics from you and valid reasons why you think you want to be a Marine/Naval officer. He/She will then direct you in the right direction and once you have a complete application they will meet with you for an interview.</p>
<p>I think the most important thing: be yourself! </p>
<p>To kick it off, a simple introduction is good. If you are contacting him/her first, then I don't know if you want to jump right into "why" you want to go to USNA. Be prepared, though, to be asked those sort of questions. </p>
<p>If I was contacting my BGO, initially, I would just introduce myself and say that I am extremely interested after going to NASS and I wanted to take the initiative to introduce myself. As I mentioned above, you might be asked questions....just be yourself and answer honestly. </p>
<p>I think it would be appropriate for the BGOs on this board to provide some insight.</p>
<p>As a BGO, I've found that an initial email is sometimes better than a call. Many BGOs work and your call may interrupt their job or they may not be home, etc. Email, while less personal, is something that can be answered on a less immediate schedule and also gives the BGO time to research any questions you may have (see below). </p>
<p>I would do exactly what the above posters suggest -- introduce yourself and indicate your interest in USNA. If you have specific questions, ask away. However, before doing so, make sure you make a reasonable effort to research USNA, such as reading the on-line site (usna.edu), looking at the catalog (available at the on-line site), etc. before you write. You don't have to become an expert but a little self-help goes a long way.</p>
<p>While you can request an interview now, the BGO may (it depends on the individual) defer until a bit later in the process, when you've completed more of your application.</p>
<p>I wrote a letter to my BGO on advice from navy2010. I put it on a nice Microsoft Word letterhead and left my contact information next to my name. I followed up with a phone call about a week later. I would guess that it was a great way to make a first impression.</p>
<p>Would anyone mind PMing an example of a letter that you sent out?</p>
<p>A letter is nice but, if your BGO travels frequently as I do, email is more likely to reach him/her sooner. There is no "right" way to do it.</p>
<p>As I've stated many times, your BGO is primarily a resource for the candidates; some need/want significant assistance and others don't. For me, the quality of the contact I do have with a candidate counts much more than the quantity. </p>
<p>I can't say my approach is universal. However, please don't feel you must maintain constant contact with your BGO simply to do so or to make a favorable impression. You're much better off getting your application completed in a timely and thorough manner and seeking BGO advice when and if you need it.</p>
<p>I went to our BGO meeting over the weekend and I think everybody was in agreement that at this stage, the initial contact is not critical, will not make or break your application,and should not be one over which you fret excessively.
The BGO who interviewed my son laughed about--we were speaking about how excited and eager SS attendees were about this time--how my son did nto contact him at any time before it it was time to schedule an interview. Not once.</p>
<p>The point is, as 1985 points out, some candidates want a bit of attention now--and that is fine--and others do not. Either approach is fine.
If you are just returning from SS, a simple e-mail introducing yourself would be fine. If, on the other hand, you don't really have anything to say, then don't worry about. Your application will speak for itself and you.</p>
<p>The most important objective for you right now should be to get your candidate package as complete as it can be as quickly as you can. Don't worry if it takes time, just get all the necessary elements together as soon as you can.</p>
<p>If you have a specific question, do n ot hesitate to contact. If you don't and are only contacting to contact, then maybe its okay towait.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I wrote a letter to my BGO on advice from navy2010. I put it on a nice Microsoft Word letterhead and left my contact information next to my name. I followed up with a phone call about a week later. I would guess that it was a great way to make a first impression.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>You get one chance to make a first impression.
Emails are fine- but letters require more effort, and they send a different message. Few will take the time, which is exactly why you should. </p>
<p>Having said that, getting your application completed in a timely fashion, doing your homework in regards to researching out the USNA, and contacting your BGO- all excellent advice. Just keep in mind- the majority of BGO's have jobs of their own- so call them when necessary, but not just to keep your name on their radar screen- trust it is there.</p>
<p>For one thing, you can always write a letter in Microsoft Word (which most people have) or in Wordpad and then attach it to an email. In my opinion, an introductory letter cannot hurt -- it definitely shows some initiative. </p>
<p>In the Navy, SWO Ensigns are "highly recommended" to draft an introductory letter to their commanding officer. In it, you state that you are happy to be joining your ship, some information about what you did in college (i.e. major, activities, sports), what you enjoy outside of work/school, and then maybe something interesting about yourself. </p>
<p>I think you could kind of mimic the letter. You might want to put some of the same information in it, such as where you go to school, what you would like to major in, what sports/activities you play/do. I would err on the side of not putting stats/GPA into the letter (your application will contain this and it can be discussed at a later time). The letter is intended to be no longer than one page...i.e. it is a brief overview of who you are, not an entire resume.</p>
<p>Just as an FYI, I sent my letter (via snail mail) to my CO. Unfortunately/fortunately, there was a change of command (new CO), and the letter that I sent was not retained during the turnover process. The new CO is a USNA grad and he went to my sponsor on the ship and asked why he had not received such a letter yet. Because I was notified of this a week ago, my sponsor told me to email the letter because I would have probably arrived at my ship before the snail mailed letter did. I wrote the letter as if I was mailing it, but just attached it to the email.</p>
<p>Writing an introductory letter/email, in my opinion, shows initiative (whether military or real-world). In the midst of the admissions process, the only thing it could help is the write-up evaluation to the board from your BGO. Your BGO has to make a recommendation to the admissions board based on the likelihood of you becoming a commissioned officer (graduating from USNA). Remember, the admissions board can't meet with all 12,000 applicants, but the BGOs do! A good impression could lead to a good recommendation, which could lead to more discretionary points (I believe the board can add these points for outstanding recommendations?).</p>