Communicating with BGOs

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>I've seen several threads involving people who have trouble contacting their BGOs and understand the frustration this can cause. </p>

<p>On the flip side, please don't blow off BGO communications TO you. You may think it never happens, but it does. Emails and phone calls go unanswered for days, weeks, or are never answered at all. I realize some folks list the wrong email/phone number or change it, some are on vacation, etc. But, for some, it's just plain laziness and/or rudeness. And, it's annoying. </p>

<p>To that end, below are a few suggestions. They may seem obvious but, if they were that obvious to all, I wouldn't need to post them.</p>

<p>(1) If you get an email or call from your BGO, answer promptly. It's ok if you're not ready for your interview; it's ok if you're not even sure you still want to apply to USNA. At least do the person the courtesy of acknowledging you got their call/email and, if appropriate, explain your situation.</p>

<p>(2) If you couldn't answer promptly b/c you've been away, your email changed, etc., tell your BGO. That way, he/she understands why you didn't respond for weeks on end.</p>

<p>(3) If you ultimately decide not to pursue your USNA application, TELL YOUR BGO. First of all, he/she will stop "pestering" you. Second, the BGO can notify CGO, so they stop "pestering" us to follow up with you. Third, it's the considerate thing to do in life.</p>

<p>For those of you who are already doing the above, thanks. For everyone else, please try to show your BGO the same courtesy you should expect from him/her.</p>

2

<p>So if I go to USNA, I get to make friends who act considerately and honorably like yourself? I think that's quite a deal.</p>

3

<p>Indeed, courtesy is a rare and precious commodity in today's world. 1985's counsel is valuable wherever one may land.</p>

4

<p>
[quote]
So if I go to USNA, I get to make friends who act considerately and honorably like yourself? I think that's quite a deal.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Not sure if you're being serious or sarcastic. But, to answer your question, I try to act considerately and honorably, even though I may not always achieve perfection in that regard. And, yes, at USNA, you will also be taught to act that way -- not saying everyone does it at all times but, IMO, it's a good way to comport yourself throughout your life.</p>

5

<p>In regard to Dark_Dust's comments, this is why I made USNA my top choice. Up to a few weeks ago, I was not sure which Academy was my top choice because they all look equally excellent, but the interview with my BGO changed that. Although it sounds corny, if I have the chance to work with people like my BGO at the Naval Academy, I want to go there.</p>

<p>He was easy going, yet professional unlike my Air Force ALO. He let me see my interview write-up, which I can definitely respect. Although the interview is a part of my application, a BGO is also there to help you out, and by seeing my faults on the write-up I can improve my further interviews for nominations. Come to think of it, the only people who allowed me to see my evaluations were once in the Navy (my Calculus and Physics teacher was an instructor at the nuclear power school and also let me see his evaluation).</p>

6

<p>USNA1985: I hope that Dark_dust was being serious re: "So if I go to USNA, I get to make friends who act considerately and honorably like yourself? I think that's quite a deal." From what I have seen, your comments have been consistently helpful and courteous. We (my daughter and I) truly appreciate your posts.</p>

7

<p>I have a quick question. After searching the USNA site looking for BGO information, since my counselors seem to not have any, I could only stumble across the 2005-2006 catalog with BGOs. Is there any chance those are still the current Officers? I would feel horrible if I bothered someone and they were no longer the current one.</p>

8

<p>Your BGO is listed in your "on-line" application.</p>

9

<p>GoNavy2013:</p>

<p>If your Guidance office doesn't know, you can always call the USNA Admissions Office and ask them to get an email to your area BGO.</p>

<p>You're a HS Junior, correct?</p>

<p>Are there any questions we can answer for you on this forum?</p>

10

<p>There are some, I just stared a thread with my eligibility worries, but I do have some besides that. I'm not real sure when to start pestering everyone about applications. I know applications for NASS start in February, and I'm working hard for that, but generally when do I need to introduce myself to a BGO, or send in nomination request to congressmen. I've actually met one of mine, Kevin Brady, from a Leadership Conference I was invited to up in DC, but, I guess I'm going blindly into this.</p>

11

<p>Probably the easiest way to determine your BGO is to send an email to your AC as listed in the latest online catalog. Include the name of your school.</p>

12

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

13

<p>
[quote]
I know applications for NASS start in February, and I'm working hard for that

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It's all done on-line. The applications will open around February 1 and close some time in March.</p>

<p>
[quote]
generally when do I need to introduce myself to a BGO

[/quote]
</p>

<p>You can do this at any time. However, there is no need to do this until next year. Your BGO is typically assigned to your school and works with all USNA candidates at that school. In June, your name should pop up in your BGO's system along with your contact info. His/her name will also appear on your system. </p>

<p>If you have questions before next June or just want to chat, you should be able to obtain the name of your BGO through the Candidate Guidance Office. </p>

<p>
[quote]
or send in nomination request to congressmen.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Most congressmen don't open the nomination process for the next class until spring. Right now, for example, they are working on noms for the Class of 2012. However, many MOCs (members of Congress) post their packets on line. If one or more of yours does, you can access it now to get a good idea of what will be expected -- though it could change slightly from year to year. </p>

<p>BTW, you do NOT need to know your MOC. Most use citizens' committees to make the selections. These individuals are volunteers with some connection to a service academy. They review records, conduct interviews, and make recommendations to the MOC re whom he/she should nominate. Those recommendations are generally followed (to avoid charges of nepotism, etc.).</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

14

<p>Thanks! So, I've heard many different answers, but does it help at all to talk to your BGO when applying for NASS? Or is that strictly on our own?</p>

15

<p>^^^^</p>

<p>Strictly on your own in terms of applying and acceptance. Obvsiously, the BGO will be happy to discuss what NASS is about, etc.</p>

16

<p>goanvy2013-</p>

<p>as an aside from all the good information already posted, suggest obtaining and reading smallwood's guide to the naval academy..... excellent place to start!!!</p>

<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Naval-Academy-Candidate-Handbook-Prepare/dp/0929311051%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.amazon.com/Naval-Academy-Candidate-Handbook-Prepare/dp/0929311051&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>(NB: not sure why this is coming up "so expensive".... it usually retails for about $15-$17.... with a bit of searching you should be able to find a better source!!!!! )</p>

<p>then move on to some of these:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.getintoacademy.com/53/reading-list-for-the-us-naval-academy-at-annapolis/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.getintoacademy.com/53/reading-list-for-the-us-naval-academy-at-annapolis/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>^^^^ that site also has some good links to "other" academy info.... might want to check some of them out as well!</p>

<p><a href="http://www.getintoacademy.com/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.getintoacademy.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>^^^ bookmark! </p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

17

<p>Navy2010:</p>

<p>Thanks for the links! My parents actually just purchased me the Candidate Guide for USNA and the 2008 computer program for admissions, military history, usna everything! And, I actually am a member of NewCadet :]</p>

<p>I'm hoping being knowledgable about the processes and USNA will help me stand out!</p>

18

<p>My S is applying to both the USAFA and USNA and the B&G is coming to our home tomorrow night. We are scurrying around cleaning/fussing... Do they normally come to one's home? </p>

<p>S completed CFA and medical, and is being recruited by AFA for fencing (which is just starting up as a club sport at NA). Still, S is strongly considering USNA because it is only about 5 hours from home, instead of 25. Have any of you applied to two academies? Any suggestions? Advice?</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

19

<p>If you're up to it, apply to as many academies as you like. "5 hours from home, instead of 25" doesn't make much sense in this day of flying; is that really the deciding factor in choosing which academy? You son needs a better reason than that, as in what does he want to do after he graduates? He's going to have quite a committment and the relative closeness to one's home will not mean anything at that point.</p>

<p>If he's considering USAFA and USNA, why not any of the other three available?</p>

20

<p>

Not a good question at this stage of the game. For a sophmore or junior, maybe. The typical Academy candidate becomes interested in a SA because they want to serve their country. By their junior year they should have narrowed it down to "how" they want to do it, at sea, in the air, or on the ground. Then they should consider back-up plans should health, academics, or needs of the service preclude their first choice. In the meantime they should be researching each of the Academies for likes and dislikes. By the end of their junior year, they should have narrowed their choices down to one or two of the Academies. Remember, they have at least two interviews where they will have to defend their choices. Applying to all reeks of not having done one's homework or, perhaps, even, looking for a free education. By October of their senior year, where this candidate is, one should have a relatively definite idea of what they want to do and where they want to do it.</p>