<p>Well, my question is quite simple: What is the best way to go about contacting my BGO and my congressman? Please feel free to share your own experiences. :)</p>
<p>All Members of Congress have websites and most (if not all) have information there on how to apply for service academy nominations, including the application form. Alternatively, you can call their offices. Phone numbers are in your local phone directory or available via calling Information. </p>
<p>You can obtain the name of your BGO from your school counselor. The information is also available via the CIS (Candidate Information System).</p>
<p>I would add to the above post that the student should be the one to initiate the contact (as opposed to the parent)...
but would advise in doing a bit of homework first (if you haven't done so already)...such as reading the USNA catalogue and researching the academy application process posted on the MOC website.... </p>
<p>these basic steps should be undertaken prior to making contact, so you can have your questions (things that you have not been able to research on your own) ready.</p>
<p>Lastly, if you can, visit the academy and attend an information session (if a visit to Annapolis is out of reach, then consider attending one of the many sessions the USNA admissions dept takes on the road.... you can usually find out where they will be visiting (ie: college fairs, etc) on the USNA admissions website.....again, go equipped with your questions.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>In addition to all of that has been posted - and I agree 100% with it and urge anyone to follow that advice, also stay in touch with your high school counselor - because typically in the fall and/or the spring the Congressman's office will have a representative at you local college fairs - or even in our case here in San Diego County - we have a special night at the County Office of Education where all the Congressman from the County, plus all the representatives of Service Academies/and ROTC options for all the Service Branches are there. It's a great moment of contact.</p>
<p>Also we were fortunate that we passed our Congressman's office every day on the drive to the high school - so once in my daughter's freshman year and then once again in the beginning of her junior year, she stopped in simply to introduce herself to the Congressman's personal representative in charge of the Nomination Process. By the time she saw the person again at the Education Office the lady knew my daughter and by the time the day for her Nomination Interview came, she and my daughter were all smiles and it made a big difference in her comfort there in the office.</p>
<p>I've been to information sessions, have read probably TOO many things on these forums, and have done tons of research.</p>
<p>I think my question to be rephrased to "What do I SAY to them?" I dislike talking on the phone with friends and family, so whenever I have to do these sort of "professional" phone calls I usually... write down ... what I want to say. I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but I wrote down what I wanted to say when I called USNA to find out if I got into NASS. I'm not a nervous person, but when it comes to the phone... :p I also don't want to make a bad impression. </p>
<p>Oh -- my congressman doesn't have anything on his website (but my senators do). Will the person who answers the phone when I call be able to give me information? </p>
<p>I think I know the answer to that question: I'll find out when I call.</p>
<p>One last request for advice... my counselor is somewhat crazy and does not like USNA. Usually I'll go talk to the other counselor (like everyone else in my school who has this guy). Is this a bad thing?</p>
<p>just a question....why the phone phobia?</p>
<p>The only reason I ask is this....
the first year our son applied for a nomination, he had his interview with one of the state senators (soon to be president ;) ) from NY....</p>
<p>after his year at foundation, when the same senator's office did his interview, this time it was done over the phone.... </p>
<p>I think he was placed on "speaker" on the other end, as he was asked questions from "several voices" in the room....</p>
<p>Don't worry about having to "write down" your message...
more importantly, get comfortable with making those calls if you can!</p>
<p>"I've been to information sessions, have read probably TOO many things on these forums, and have done tons of research.</p>
<p>I think my question to be rephrased to "What do I SAY to them?" I dislike talking on the phone with friends and family, so whenever I have to do these sort of "professional" phone calls I usually... write down ... what I want to say. I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but I wrote down what I wanted to say when I called USNA to find out if I got into NASS. I'm not a nervous person, but when it comes to the phone... I also don't want to make a bad impression. </p>
<p>Oh -- my congressman doesn't have anything on his website (but my senators do). Will the person who answers the phone when I call be able to give me information? </p>
<p>I think I know the answer to that question: I'll find out when I call.</p>
<p>One last request for advice... my counselor is somewhat crazy and does not like USNA. Usually I'll go talk to the other counselor (like everyone else in my school who has this guy). Is this a bad thing? "</p>
<p>I am the exact same way. I hate making phone calls exspeciall the professional ones for some reason I just get nervous or somthing. I like to write them down too so its not that rediculus. </p>
<p>I have a questionm on the contacting my BGO, I emailed him a few weeks ago and have not got a response. Should I wait another week and then try another email or should I just call him?</p>
<p>It's perfectly normal to be somewhat nervous and apprehensive about talking with BGOs and staffers for members of Congress about interviews, applications, etc. In fact, it would be unusual NOT to be a little anxious about contacting these people. Frequently adults even feel the same way. Remember, like sports or other skills, practice will help you become better performing such tasks. With each phone call, you'll become more relaxed and more comfortable getting the information you need. Writing your questions down is a great idea! You could also rehearse what you're going to say alone or with someone you trust before making the call. Don't worry if you stumble a little, it's to be expected. Even professional actors/actresses rehearse and often need more than one take! </p>
<p>Do some homework on nominations and the application process, in other words get organized before you call. Each service academy has a comprehensive website with information on the application process. The Naval Academy catalog, including a detailed description of the application/nomination process is online. Though you may not completely grasp every aspect of the application process, try to get as much information as you can so you can ask informed questions. Recruit an adult to help you if you don't already have one.</p>
<p>tielir999,
Call your BGO, and if you cant reach him/her locate your regional director. BGO in your area may have changed, or their contact info may have changed.</p>
<p>Sounds like both you. gonecokanutts, and other candidates for the class of 2012 are headed in the right direction.</p>
<p>Good Luck! Like that Nike ad says, just do it!</p>
<p>Hey you guys...if you even want a shot at USNA you HAVE to begin to prepare yourself to comport well in a personal interview process. HOW to carry yourself in answers to questions, how to look your interviewer in the eye, how you articulate yourself clearly are all taken into account for any serious request for a USNA Nomination. </p>
<p>In addition, talking on the phone is one more way to prepare for this.</p>
<p>If you have difficulty with this I would strongly, and I mean strongly encourage you to consider taking a performing arts kind of class...be it drama, or glee club, or debate or public speaking. You might take the shortest course that your local Toastmasters Club (a club specificially designed to help in public speaking)...you might ask your pastor, or Scout leader or school teacher to assign you to prepare a speech, lecture, etc. before the class MORE than once this year. </p>
<p>Yeah, it sounds terrifying but if you have aspirations to be a future OFFICER - you WILL have to be able to speak publically. You will have to address officers above you. You will have to speak on the phone clearly and concisely. You will have to be able to inspire and lead by your speech.</p>
<p>So NOW is the time to begin to work on those skills. They can be enhanced. My wonderful husband is - BY HIS NATURE -the quietest person in any public situation. He is a USNA graduate who learned to speak, even when it was WAY outside of his comfort level. When I first met him ( through a church Bible Study) I never heard him speak for maybe 6 months, he was still so temperamentally inclined to be quiet. Today he is the President of his Company's Toastmasters club and also the Squadron Commander of a Civil Air Patrol Squadron who does a whole lot of public speaking. </p>
<p>So even if you think to yourself...."It's just not ME"....you can train yourself for this ability.</p>
<p>Don't angst too much over your perceived inabilitites guys....continue to give this entire process your best shot - work on your weaknesses and let the rest of us cheer you on!</p>
<p>God speed to you all, 2012 hopefulls!!</p>
<p>GO NAVY!</p>
<p>
[quote]
my counselor is somewhat crazy and does not like USNA. Usually I'll go talk to the other counselor (like everyone else in my school who has this guy). Is this a bad thing? "
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The bad news is that some counselors are not proponents of the service academies....for whatever reason.... for some, it is because they are not as familiar with the process as compared to civilian schools.... for others, they may not be military-postive...</p>
<p>The good news is that you have recognized this....
and there are other avenues...
contacting your BGO in a situation like this can be a huge bonus...
and they are in a position to guide you as needed (providing you do your homework first!)
So making that contact will be key.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I have a questionm on the contacting my BGO, I emailed him a few weeks ago and have not got a response. Should I wait another week and then try another email or should I just call him?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I would suggest several things:
-make sure your BGO information is correct
-write a short letter telling him/her of your interest, and include contact information....that you can do now.
-if you do not hear from your BGO within a week from that, try another email.... or a phone call.</p>
<p>It is very possible your BGO is away (it is summer vacation time).... or has not had the opportunity to contact you as of yet. Do not read anything "more" or "less" into that....just follow the advice given in the above posts.</p>
<p>
[quote]
</p>
<p>I am the exact same way. I hate making phone calls exspeciall the professional ones for some reason I just get nervous or somthing. I like to write them down too so its not that rediculus.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>all the more reason to follow the advice offered by peskemom.
Practice makes perfect....so start out with friends, then start initiating some calls on your own.... be the first to answer the phone in your home....</p>
<p>writing down questions is fine....
i would even suggest that when the time comes, it is OK to bring some questions that you might have (written down if you need) to any interviews.... it is "ok" to refer to them when asked "what questions do you have for us?"....</p>
<p>if they don't immediately come to mind, it is Ok to say "Sir (or mam), I wrote down a few to ask..... (and then refer to your paper)....
what I would suggest is not to read the question "word for word," but rather, just have a note or two on the paper to refresh yourself on what your question is about.... you should practice asking them well before hand in practice interviews.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>"Hey you guys...if you even want a shot at USNA you HAVE to begin to prepare yourself to comport well in a personal interview process."</p>
<p>I think what I wrote about not like the phone is being taken slightly wrong. :p I love public speaking and speeches. I love debating. Heck, I basically just love talking. What I don't like is not talking to someone in person, face-to-face. That's why I don't like the phone. There's just something about not being able to see a person's body language and facial expressions when I speak to them that just... bothers me. </p>
<p>Other than that, I am in no way, shape or form shy. In fact, I find talking with people that I just met to be fun and exciting -- just as long as it's not on the phone. :D</p>
<p>
[quote]
I think what I wrote about not like the phone is being taken slightly wrong. I love public speaking and speeches. I love debating. Heck, I basically just love talking. What I don't like is not talking to someone in person, face-to-face. That's why I don't like the phone. There's just something about not being able to see a person's body language and facial expressions when I speak to them that just... bothers me.</p>
<p>Other than that, I am in no way, shape or form shy. In fact, I find talking with people that I just met to be fun and exciting -- just as long as it's not on the phone.
[/quote]
I understand what you mean 100%. I'm never comfortable on email or the phone - I feel much better when I'm able to gauge peoples' reactions and see their expressions. That's the reason I slapped down the money for a plane ticket to visit my CGO this year. </p>
<p>That may be a little extreme, but I definitely think it's worth it. The visit was definitely encouraging, he knows who I am now, and I got to see the Academy again. Small price to pay for all that. The visit was less than an hour, but I was ecstatic when I walked out of Leahy hall.</p>
<p>Ok, so this doesn't help you with your BGO/Congressman conundrum, I'm just sayin'...</p>
<p>Is it a good or a bad thing for a 2012 candidate to contact their BGO periodically? My plebe-wanna-be mentioned emailing her BGO to let him know how summer seminar went (great).</p>
<p>Keep in contact with them. They want to know how you're doing and what you're up to. They also want to know your interest level. Our son's BGO was quiet, but ALWAYS available.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Is it a good or a bad thing for a 2012 candidate to contact their BGO periodically? My plebe-wanna-be mentioned emailing her BGO to let him know how summer seminar went (great).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>keeping them updated "periodically" is a good thing...providing it is the potential candidate making the contact, and there is information to be shared or a question that needs answering. Calling to just "call" is not always a good idea.... BGO's are volunteers and have jobs and families and responsibilites of their own.... </p>
<p>having said that, most will devote as much time as you need to answer questions.... just don't overdo and make sure it is for legitimate reasons and not just to keep your name in the forefront....</p>
<p>what i would suggest is to let them know when your application is completed and submitted.... that is definately worth a call or email....</p>
<p>"keeping them updated "periodically" is a good thing...providing it is the potential candidate making the contact, and there is information to be shared or a question that needs answering."</p>
<p>No, it's her doing, not mine. She asked me to review what she had written, and I wanted to make sure it's not a taboo. Good advice. Thanks.</p>