Unhelpful "help"?

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mpete2150

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Aug 29, 2016
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So I was talking to a retired Naval SWO today about DD's application and nomination process. He said he had served under a fairly well-known Admiral (many of you would recognize his name from CNN and such as an analyst), still keeps in contact with him and would be happy to mention DD's name to him if I wanted. That wouldn't help at all, would it? I read you military contributors saying even a Grandfather who was an Admiral doesn't help at the Academy so this kind of 3rd hand mentioning couldn't help. More likely, could it actually do the opposite? Is it seen as meddling and could it even push her app farther down the pile?
 
It won't help. The Officer has no direct interaction or first hand observation/relationship with your daughter to provide any info that would help.
 
I doubt it even makes it to the admissions board to be honest. Unless it becomes a common thing for the candidate it shouldn't effect things.
 
Getting an appointment (or even a NOM) isn't about who you (or your parents) know or being politically connected. The fact your daughter is applying and you happen to know someone who served under an Admiral isn't going to have any impact. SA's recommend that optional LOR's being written by someone with direct knowledge of the candidate. In your case, that doesn't sound like the situation.

Where it could be a disadvantage is during the MOC interview, having your daughter name-drop that her dad happens to know someone.......could be perceived negatively and isn't something I would recommend she say.
 
Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. I know that a remote connection like that wouldn't help, I was more wondering if I should tell the guys thanks, but no thanks, if it would be seen as awkward and not helpful. Thanks for the clarifications.
 
mpete2150 said:
Is it seen as meddling and could it even push her app farther down the pile?
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I am not on any SA admissions board, but if I were, I would be quite annoyed by this type of recommendation, especially if the applicant's record can't stand on its own. Potentially easy and quick vote for the board. Don't. Do. It.
 
I have had so much unhelpful advice. :) Son has his BGO interview tonight at our house. I have had well meaning friends and neighbors suggest we decorate our yard with American flags and red/white/blue balloons. Another suggested we get a cookie cake and have them write the BGO name on it in frosting. Grandma suggested we put on a slide show of baby pictures. I have just nodded and shook my head. This may be our first time on this application roller coaster but I am pretty sure these are all big no-nos.
 
TexasSoccerMom said:
I have had so much unhelpful advice. :) Son has his BGO interview tonight at our house. I have had well meaning friends and neighbors suggest we decorate our yard with American flags and red/white/blue balloons. Another suggested we get a cookie cake and have them write the BGO name on it in frosting. Grandma suggested we put on a slide show of baby pictures. I have just nodded and shook my head. This may be our first time on this application roller coaster but I am pretty sure these are all big no-nos.
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Although very thoughtful gestures, I would have to agree it's unnecessary! My son's interview with his BGO was very laid back, but I'm sure that not all BGO interviews are the same.
 
TexasSoccerMom said:
I have had so much unhelpful advice. :) Son has his BGO interview tonight at our house. I have had well meaning friends and neighbors suggest we decorate our yard with American flags and red/white/blue balloons. Another suggested we get a cookie cake and have them write the BGO name on it in frosting. Grandma suggested we put on a slide show of baby pictures. I have just nodded and shook my head. This may be our first time on this application roller coaster but I am pretty sure these are all big no-nos.
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Thank you for the laugh this morning! I don't think an American flag (or a Navy flag)! Would hurt but it certainly won't make or break anything. The rest is hilarious. The cake is almost a little creepy. At least they are supportive!
 
TexasSoccerMom said:
I have had so much unhelpful advice. :) Son has his BGO interview tonight at our house. I have had well meaning friends and neighbors suggest we decorate our yard with American flags and red/white/blue balloons. Another suggested we get a cookie cake and have them write the BGO name on it in frosting. Grandma suggested we put on a slide show of baby pictures. I have just nodded and shook my head. This may be our first time on this application roller coaster but I am pretty sure these are all big no-nos.
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A bit over the top with all the red/white/blue...
DS BGO interview at the house back in Aug was very casual. The whole interview lasted about 2.5 hours. Parent spoke with BGO the last 30 minutes. Take a deep breath and remember to let DS do all the talking if you are asked to be present.
 
TexasSoccerMom said:
have had so much unhelpful advice. :) Son has his BGO interview tonight at our house. I have had well meaning friends and neighbors suggest we decorate our yard with American flags and red/white/blue balloons. Another suggested we get a cookie cake and have them write the BGO name on it in frosting. Grandma suggested we put on a slide show of baby pictures. I have just nodded and shook my head. This may be our first time on this application roller coaster but I am pretty sure these are all big no-nos.
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Agree with what others here have said, DD's BGO is great. Her interview went well, he came to her school in uniform which was cool for her. It was very apparent when my wife was clear to leave and he was very helpful and informative. Some serious questions but no intimidation at all.
 
TexasSoccerMom said:
I have had so much unhelpful advice. :) Son has his BGO interview tonight at our house. I have had well meaning friends and neighbors suggest we decorate our yard with American flags and red/white/blue balloons. Another suggested we get a cookie cake and have them write the BGO name on it in frosting. Grandma suggested we put on a slide show of baby pictures. I have just nodded and shook my head. This may be our first time on this application roller coaster but I am pretty sure these are all big no-nos.
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What? You didn't think to hire a marching band to play Anchors Aweigh on a continuous loop? Haha. Your instincts are good, SoccerMom. Our BGO interview was very laid back. I don't even think he accepted a glass of water. Good luck.
 
Wow..I have never had any flag waving, balloons, or cakes with my name on it. Actually, in my opinion , that would work against your DS/DD, because it would be obvious that its coming from Mom/Dad. One of my pet peeves is too much parental involvement ..these are young men and women applying to be Officers in the Navy; I am evaluating them, not their parents enthusiasm. I have two, now adult daughters, so I understand the desire to see your kids succeed, but there comes a time in life when its time to let the baby birds fly....
 
Time have changed. My interview was at a local tavern (drinking age then was 18) with a guy representing both USNA/USMA. When I arrived, he already had a pitcher of beer with two glasses on the table. I thought it might be a test of either moral courage or social camaraderie. I figured if I am going to flunk a test, I might as well have a good time doing it.
 
DS wore a blue and gold tie to his BGO and MOC interviews - don't think it hurt, and one of the MOC interviewers took note
 
Son's BGO interview went fine last night. We didn't do balloons, cookie cakes, slideshows. No playing Navy music softly in the background. No fanfare. It was uneventful. Husband and I talked a few minutes with the officer and we left them alone. My husband and I actually went out to dinner during his interview. (We did bring son home a steak and baked potato from where we went out to eat. )

I did leave some drinks and some cheese/ crackers/ veggies /dip on a tray on the table but they didn't eat any. (Sorry it's a southern mama law of being a good hostess!)
 
TexasSoccerMom said:
I have had so much unhelpful advice. :) Son has his BGO interview tonight at our house. I have had well meaning friends and neighbors suggest we decorate our yard with American flags and red/white/blue balloons. Another suggested we get a cookie cake and have them write the BGO name on it in frosting. Grandma suggested we put on a slide show of baby pictures. I have just nodded and shook my head. This may be our first time on this application roller coaster but I am pretty sure these are all big no-nos.
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I would have done a combo of these two. Baby picture slide show of the BGO.
 
The Naval Academy's application process conspicuously asks for no letters of recommendations. That should tell you what value they put on such things. It won't help.
 
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