There are always questions on what to expect with a BGO interview,so thought I'd share my experience. He wanted to come to my house, so that he could meet my parents. We all talked for about 25 minutes and answered any of my parents questions. He also said that these BGO interviews have dramatically cut the attrition rate of USNA. He was a USNA graduate and just retired this past January. My parents exited and we talked for almost 1hour and 45 minutes. He talked about his career and we talked about my future career. It was a really good experience.
BGO interview
- Thread starter dpt135
- Start date
Just figured I'd add my experience as well.
My interview went a little differently. I had to go to my BGO house as well but my parents did not come. In past years he had sat on the board for one of the congressmen in my state so my interview was sort of like those interviews. For about an hour and a half, two hours, he asked me questions about my school record: classes, clubs, etc. He asked about why i wanted to enter the military, why the naval academy, what I wanted to do after graduation, and what I would do if I didn't get in the first time. He also asked my questions such as what my strongest points were, my weakest points and other self-reflection questions. The interview was really relaxed. The BGO are there to make you look good to the Academy and to answer questions and things like that. In my opinion it was good prep and set a lot of things straight for my senator and congressman interviews. Basically don't be nervous about the interview just be confident and be yourself. They are not there to grill you, they are your friend in this taxing process.
My interview went a little differently. I had to go to my BGO house as well but my parents did not come. In past years he had sat on the board for one of the congressmen in my state so my interview was sort of like those interviews. For about an hour and a half, two hours, he asked me questions about my school record: classes, clubs, etc. He asked about why i wanted to enter the military, why the naval academy, what I wanted to do after graduation, and what I would do if I didn't get in the first time. He also asked my questions such as what my strongest points were, my weakest points and other self-reflection questions. The interview was really relaxed. The BGO are there to make you look good to the Academy and to answer questions and things like that. In my opinion it was good prep and set a lot of things straight for my senator and congressman interviews. Basically don't be nervous about the interview just be confident and be yourself. They are not there to grill you, they are your friend in this taxing process.
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2010
- Messages
- 199
My experience was a little different than I expected. The BGO came to my home and spent an hour and a half with me and then my parents joined us for another hour. It was much more stressful than I expected as he challenged me on many of my answers and at the time, I was a little disappointed in the experience. I was even a little concerned that it didn't go as well as I expected it would and could have a negative impact on my chances. However, looking back, I think it has helped to prepare me better for my upcoming nomination interview with my congressman's board.
I've also spoken with other candidates who interviewed with the same BGO and they all had similar experiences, so I'm less concerned now and grateful for the experience.
I've also spoken with other candidates who interviewed with the same BGO and they all had similar experiences, so I'm less concerned now and grateful for the experience.
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2010
- Messages
- 134
My BGO interview was pretty relaxed. He came to my home and sat down with my parents and I. He let them field some questions and air any concerns and after 20 minutes they left the room. We then talked for another hour and about 45 minutes. I had a printout of my resume to help provide some talking points. He asked about what I was involved in, why I want to attend USNA, what I want to do after graduation, etc. He definitely tried to make sure I knew what I was getting into. We also talked about my upcoming interview with my Representatives board. He said I should expect them to only be 10-15 minutes and to focus on alot of the same topics. We also veered off and ended up talking about things like Cold War policy and local air shows. I was nervous prior to the interview but quickly settled in. It was definitely a good experience.
Honestly, for us, our BGO so far has not been any too helpful.
My son called soon after we returned from Annapolis touring the campus and introduced himself. Perhaps a five minute phone call ensued. Essentially he was told "don't call me, Ill call you when the time is right". Okay, no problem.
Now, it's about six weeks later and he has received a MOC nomination to the USNA. Immediately he sent her a quick email note to inform her of the news and........crickets.
Perhaps it's perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about, but still a little disconcerting nonetheless.
My son called soon after we returned from Annapolis touring the campus and introduced himself. Perhaps a five minute phone call ensued. Essentially he was told "don't call me, Ill call you when the time is right". Okay, no problem.
Now, it's about six weeks later and he has received a MOC nomination to the USNA. Immediately he sent her a quick email note to inform her of the news and........crickets.
Perhaps it's perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about, but still a little disconcerting nonetheless.
BGO interviews are apparently pretty varied. Our son's BGO lives 535 miles from us. Yes, 535. We volunteered to fly him to meet with BGO. BGO suggested they just do the interview on the phone, which went well. There is now a BGO closer to us, but they still handle a large geographic area out here in west Texas!
My son had a similar experience. He received his LOA the day before he had a BGO interview. He had very little contact with his BGO. His ALO for USAFA was in touch with him on a regular basis. I think it really depends on the BGO.