Contacting BGO

truenorth

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Nov 6, 2015
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Hello. DS is a HS junior, intent on applying to the USNA. Two weeks ago, he reached out to our state BGO area coordinator, asking for the contact info of our local BGO officer so that he can introduce himself. The BGO area coordinator has not responded. DS is slightly frustrated but my counsel has been that the gentleman is most likely preoccupied with current HS seniors who are in the heavy season application-wise, so don't take it personally. Two questions: (A) Is it prudent to establish a relationship with the local BGO this early in the process? (DS was encouraged to do so by an active duty officer; but I have read conflicting opinions on this.) (B) Any suggestions for how to ascertain the contact info for a local BGO if the BGO coordinator does not respond?
 
I had the same situation when I first started my process as a candidate. I contacted my area coordinator and he never responded. To this day I have never heard from him.

A) It can help if you have questions how to properly prepare, but I was able to satisfy my curiosity with the USNA admissions page.

B) I asked one of my school guidance counselors, who gave me the contact info to a BGO officer who had helped a former applicant from my school. I talked to him, but when you became an official candidate, you are assigned to a BGO, and I ended up being assigned to a different one. Only after all that, did I make contact with my true BGO and I've done just fine in the process.

Hope this helps!
 
Truenorth, you are quite right that BGOs are deep into the admissions process for the current seniors and they are probably also in the middle of scheduling visits for OPINFO which is a program in which Mids get some extra days off at Thanksgiving to come home and visit their local high schools. As a BGO, I always welcome early contacts like your son----even freshman and sophomores. They all turn into seniors someday. However, if no response is forthcoming, don't worry and try again after Jan. In the meantime investigate NASS and the CandidateVisit Weekend on the website and apply as appropriate. I would also recommend the superb book "The Naval Academy Candidate Handbook" by Ross available on Amazon for $20. There are other books but not worth the money.

To answer your question, though, contact the high school college counselor as they may have the contact info for the BGO assigned to that school. If they don't have a contact, again, don't worry and try the Area Coordinator after Jan.
 
Spud, thank you. Yes, he did approach his HS guidance office, who gave him the name of the.....(drum roll)....BGO area coordinator. LOL. Good advice nonetheless.

WannabeFonnabe, good luck to you!
 
BGO's are currently busy with those in the application process (i.s. those who are now seniors in h.s.). While each BGO make operate in a different manner, it is not necessary to establish an ongoing dialog with your BGO as many candidates will only have minimal contact with them.
 
Hello. DS is a HS junior, intent on applying to the USNA. Two weeks ago, he reached out to our state BGO area coordinator, asking for the contact info of our local BGO officer so that he can introduce himself. The BGO area coordinator has not responded. DS is slightly frustrated but my counsel has been that the gentleman is most likely preoccupied with current HS seniors who are in the heavy season application-wise, so don't take it personally. Two questions: (A) Is it prudent to establish a relationship with the local BGO this early in the process? (DS was encouraged to do so by an active duty officer; but I have read conflicting opinions on this.) (B) Any suggestions for how to ascertain the contact info for a local BGO if the BGO coordinator does not respond?

First, Welcome to the forums! I'm relatively new myself, having been recruited, vetted and designated a newbie BGO. +1 what Spud said. Lots of time, considering your DS is in his junior year. Time to get serious come spring. The AC's are really busy now with T-Day OPINFO coming up. You might check your area schools for any Mid visits Monday or Tuesday, T-Day week.

I seem to be the "other side of the coin"... you know, two sides to every story. I've got 3 students assigned to me. One needs an interview with 78% of the application complete. The other 2 are still in the running to get the app complete by Jan 31st (all are seniors). I've had just one response from the 78% student for my 4 attempts and none from the others.

"Talk to me, Goose!" I'm here to help!
 
Thanks for the insight. I presume "T-Day" refers to Thanksgiving. What is "OPINFO"?
 
Thanks for the insight. I presume "T-Day" refers to Thanksgiving. What is "OPINFO"?

Right, Thanksgiving.

"Operation Information: Public relations and recruiting program conducted by midshipmen while on leave in their communities... primarily during the week before and after the Thanksgiving holiday..."
 
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