Need An Answer About An Odd Situation About My BGO And NAPS.

LoganWHS

Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2020
Messages
12
About a few days ago, I got a call from my Blue and Gold officer from USNA about why I hadn't finished my application. I explained that I did not receive nominations to the Naval Academy and that I was just focusing on my West Point and King's Point applications. He said that I can still receive an appointment to NAPS and when I try asking him how this was possible, he said I can still attend NAPS without a nomination and that I should just "Let the Navy do their magic." On top of that, He contacted me again today about scheduling my BGO Interview at my home and would last 4 hours or more. After talking about it with my family, we all have a bad feeling about the whole situation and wonder if there are ulterior motives. All of my service interviews had been virtual and lasted for about an hour, and the fact I can get into NAPS without a nomination seems off. I did read something about enlisting in the Naval Reserves then going to NAPS. Is this what he might have me do during the interview? I'm not as well versed in USNA's admission process, and it could be normal for all I know, but a 4+ hour interview and not needing a nomination seems odd...
 
All of the SAs have prep schools. You do not need a nomination to attend them. During your application to attend the SA you are also considered for Prep. Appointment to a Prep is seen as a golden ticket to attend the SA, once you have completed your year at Prep your appointment to the SA is essentially automatic so long as your academics are to standard, there are no disciplinary issues and you finish your prep year.
 
All of the SAs have prep schools. You do not need a nomination to attend them. During your application to attend the SA you are also considered for Prep. Appointment to a Prep is seen as a golden ticket to attend the SA, once you have completed your year at Prep your appointment to the SA is essentially automatic so long as your academics are to standard, there are no disciplinary issues and you finish your prep year.
Are this year's BGO Interviews in-person and over 4 hours? He said the interview would be at least that long
 
Also, just because you did not get USNA nomination, the decision not to complete application was not good. If you complete the app, at least one has a chance to be provided nomination from other sources.
 
Are this year's BGO Interviews in-person and over 4 hours? He said the interview would be at least that long
Most of mine over the years have been three hours or so. Personally I wouldn't do an in person interview this year but have done plenty of them in the past.
 
Every interview my son has had was virtual due to CoVid, but my son's BGO said he is "old school" and needs to meet him face to face. We had to drive three hours one way so my son (and I...he actually wanted to meet both parents but only one of us could go) could meet his BGO at his house. The interview itself lasted a little over 1.5 hours (socially distanced in a freezing cold garage (40 degrees out) with the big door open, my kid in a suit. I wore a parka). Maybe that is the block of time he is calculating from start to finish and includes his drive to and from your house? I am sure he wants to meet your parents and see your surroundings. Tell him you and your parents are not comfortable with an in person interview at this time and see if a virtual one or even one via phone would be possible. Do you think you are a candidate for the prep school?
 
Also, just because you did not get USNA nomination, the decision not to complete application was not good. If you complete the app, at least one has a chance to be provided nomination from other source

He sounds dead in the water (no pun intended). Why would he waste his time?
That was my mistake on my part but with the information at the time, I believed that I was DQ'ed from NAPS and the Academy so focused on the academies I had nominations for.
 
It ain't over til the TWE! Anything before that can be chalked up to extra hurdles. In the words of former Navy SEAL Brandon Webb during Hell Week, "The only way you’re getting me out of here is in a body bag.” While it may not be a body bag in your case, it sure isn't anything short of a TWE. Don't quit now and keep the faith!
 
BGO’s can do their interviews however they want. As mentioned above, some are ‘old school’. Believe or not, some may not be comfortable with ‘techy stuff’. Not all BGO’s have a bunch of candidates...so may not have a lot of exposure to zoom meetings. I’m not sure I would.

During the interview, they are touching on and assessing many key points. And annotating their impressions. So the entire time isn’t you/them speaking. There is also note taking (by some...most?) to record their impressions/ideas/notes.

There are also a whole range of BGO’s. Seasoned who have this down to a science, and brand new baby BGO’s. So that could affect interview length. There will *probaby* be an intro and wind down period included in their estimate. But it wont be 4 hours of grilling you. BGO’s are volunteer admissions partners, and have latitude in how their interviews are conducted.

Why not go for it, if for no other reason to see if it could be a fit for you? As stated, no nom needed for NAPS. And NAPS first is a golden ticket (search around here for NAPS discussion) to USNA (as long as you do what’s expected). Additionally, the interview will be a good experience for your personal growth, no matter the outcome.

It does all sound completely plausible. You can also search at USNA.edu to see more about BGO’s, as well as ‘the role of BGO’s’ here on the forum.

Adding: I agree with advice above, that if you don’t feel comfortable with face to face, its 100 pct ok to address this point.
 
Back
Top