Luckily some of these candidates have BGO's that offer helpful tips
If the candidate asks a specific question that leads to a "tip" - that's fair game.
"I plan on majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Should I let the academy know that? Does that matter?
"Yes, I would certainly tell them that that is your intent."
Giving unsolicited "tips", in my opinion, is beyond the scope of the BGO's responsibilities.
I think
part of the application process is finding out certain things for yourself - especially when this information is readily available in this age of easily accessible information. It's not the BGO's job to walk them through the process or to grease the skids. Yet, I know many do. I guess they're hoping to win a toaster oven for the most candidates appointed.
During the BGO interview, the BGO should discuss the incomplete items remaining in the candidate's application. That's not walking them through it. That's just an administrative matter. Sometimes a candidate may mistakenly believe something is completed that is not.
Some BGO's know more than others. Some are just Moms of former mids who never even served in the military. [I'm pretty sure I've offended somebody with that statement
] Some are alums who *also* have a son/daughter who is/was a midshipmen. Maybe the BGO worked at the Navy Academy in Admissions at one time. Maybe the BGO has "friends in high places". A candidate should not have an advantage because of
who their BGO is or what their BGO is willing to do
beyond their basic responsibilities.
Again, this is just my opinion.