BGO interview- is there a way to know?

I know this flies in the face of a lot of common wisdom, but there is a reason that I advised both DDs to not practice for any of their interviews. Just think about the questions they had for the interviewers and focus on being honest and forthright in their responses to questions posed.

I guess it depends on how you define 'practicing', but to me thinking ahead of time of the likely questions that may come up and how you would answer them is part of the preparation you should always do for any interview. If the first time you think about how to answer obvious questions like 'why are you applying to USNA?' it would show a lack of preparation/interest/commitment. Doing research ahead of time about what all is involved in attending USNA and eventually joining the military is something every candidate should do.
 
I guess it depends on how you define 'practicing', but to me thinking ahead of time of the likely questions that may come up and how you would answer them is part of the preparation you should always do for any interview. If the first time you think about how to answer obvious questions like 'why are you applying to USNA?' it would show a lack of preparation/interest/commitment. Doing research ahead of time about what all is involved in attending USNA and eventually joining the military is something every candidate should do.
^ Absolutely. Experienced interviewers can see if a Candidate is speaking from the heart and if they are genuine (remember 80% of human communication is non-verbal). Nothing wrong with a little preparation. Just don't try to memorize words; work on key messages about you!
 
Also, follow CAPT MJ's advice and read every word of USNA.edu. Have an idea of the available majors -- you need not know every one but understand that you can't major in religion or women's studies or psychology, etc.

Read about PS. Understand generally what it entails based on what is generally and publicly available. Know that USNA is a STEM school and that athletics are an important part of your life. Have some idea of available careers upon graduation -- you don't have to know what you want to do but show you've given some thought to your options.

Again, all of the above is on USNA.edu and other readily available sources.
 
It really doesn’t matter so don’t waste time worrying about how your BGO scored you. Unless you were exceptionally good/terrible it probably won’t affect your application much (or at all).

I would recommend against asking as a professional courtesy. Focus on things you can control.
 
I guess it depends on how you define 'practicing', but to me thinking ahead of time of the likely questions that may come up and how you would answer them is part of the preparation you should always do for any interview. If the first time you think about how to answer obvious questions like 'why are you applying to USNA?' it would show a lack of preparation/interest/commitment. Doing research ahead of time about what all is involved in attending USNA and eventually joining the military is something every candidate should do.
Let me tell you I read everything I could about the company I am now working for prior to my interview in May
I looked up the interview panel on LinkedIn. I looked up the job, tips, 10 best practices for that position. I looked up Glassdoor reviews. You name it.

Research and practice pay off. And it doesn’t mean being a robotic interviewee and answering practiced responses.

Preparation is key to most things in life.
 
Research is important…it does show motivation, interest, and potential commitment.
Like others, I would never reveal a score. As mentioned, the BGO interview is just one input into the decision…so it really wouldn’t give the candidate an idea on how they sit with the admissions office.

As a matter of practice and recognizing this is many candidate’s first formal interview, I do give feedback (at the end) on their interviewing skills…did they look me in the eye or were they looking elsewhere, fidgeting, did they answer questions directly or dancing around them, etc. My view (probably shared with most BGOs) is we aren’t looking for the perfect interviewer (though, you have to be able to communicate/articulate)…we are looking at the quality of what is said, discussed, presented, etc. My goal for the feedback is to give the candidate something to work/improve on for their next interview - whether for their MOC, school, job, etc. It’s free advice for the candidate to use or disregard.
 
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As a matter of practice and recognizing this is many candidate’s first formal interview, I do give feedback (at the end) on their interviewing skills…did they look me in the eye or were they looking elsewhere, fidgeting, did they answer questions directly or dancing around them, etc. My view (probably shared with most BGOs) is we aren’t looking for the perfect interviewer (though, you have to be able to communicate/articulate)…we are looking at the quality of what is said, discussed, presented, etc. My goal for the feedback is to give the candidate something to work/improve on for their next interview - whether for their MOC, school, job, etc. It’s free advice for the candidate to use or disregard.
Strangely, although I actually teach some interviewing skills in one section of the college course that I teach, I very rarely will provide that sort of feedback to my BGO interviewees. At times I have suggested some research into officer communities or potential majors prior to the Congressional interviews but I don't generally do that either. While I do provide any needed info about USNA, the Honor Concept, etc, my focus is on their suitability to be a Naval Officer and I don't focus on developing them in the BGO interview.
 
While I do provide any needed info about USNA, the Honor Concept, etc, my focus is on their suitability to be a Naval Officer and I don't focus on developing them in the BGO interview.
I wouldn’t call it developing a candidate…I’d call it some quick feedback…which is on top of all of the other things you mentioned (communities, honor concept, etc.).
 
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