ok all you current and former BGOs, this ones for you! DS has had everything completed in portal for a few weeks, just waiting on LORs from math teacher and guidance counselor. Nothing yet regarding BGO interview. He is unsure if he should reach out or just wait. Thoughts?
BGO interview
- Thread starter SCubb
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Has the BGO contacted him in the past? Each BGO has their own style and process using guidelines from USNA. BGO's are aware of where each applicant is with respect to their progress. I tell each candidate I will contact them and arrange an interview time when their app is 50% complete. I would give it a week or two and then send a friendly email inquiring when your son could expect an interview. Please keep in mind every BGO is a volunteer.
Old Navy BGO
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By all means...DS should reach out to his BGO, let him know that he is nearing completion and ask when they can set up an interview. Candidates should exhibit initiative and confidence. BGO may actually have been monitoring status, just waiting for that call (or email). On the other hand, don't be alarmed if the BGO doesn't respond immediately either....some BGO's are better than others at communication.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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@Old Navy BGO , seeking your sage counsel. Our son did BGO interview 15 August. He just submitted his CFA yesterday and let his BGO know. No interview has been submitted as of yet. I know his BGO is busy, curious as to if this is normal? At what point would it be appropriate (if ever) to ask BGO as to status? Thank you in advance!
Old Navy BGO
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Every BGO is different..I try to write up my interviews immediately to capture initial impressions, then sit on them a couple days before submitting. I know others procrastinate and it may takes weeks. In addition, we all have different work/vacation schedules. It's only been a couple weeks..I would suggest waiting another week, then following up with a tactful "I have completed my application , but noticed the BGO interview has not been submitted yet,, is there anything else you need from me..?"
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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Makes sense to me. Thank you, sir!
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We BGOs are expected to respond to Candidates and submit our interview reports promptly. But in reality, this doesn't always happen, despite the fact the BGIS and ACs urge late BGOs to keep up. Bottom-line: Some BGOs NEVER schedule an interview nor submit their reports. But these Candidates still get reviewed by the Board even without the BGO interview.
Don't give up the ship!
Don't give up the ship!
Yes some minor email exchange a few weeks ago. I’ll tell DS to hang tight for another week or so. Thx.
usna1985
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Agree with above. Some BGOs take being a BGO as their full-time job. Some (not all) of those folks are retired and this is their "thing." They have lots of time to contact candidates, conduct long interviews, do a lot of follow-up, etc. Other BGOs have full-time jobs or family responsibilities. They may travel frequently. They may have personal issues. Not excuses but reality. Those folks are not less committed -- just are trying to balance many things of which their BGO duty is but one. They occasionally may need a bit of "nudging." Most (sadly, not all) will respond promptly when nudged.
Remember, too, that you probably check your portal daily. And there's just you. BGOs may not check their system daily and they may have upwards of 20 candidates. Thus, the BGO may not immediately notice a change in your status.
So, if you've been at >50% for a week or two, I would politely reach out to your BGO and let him/her know. That should trigger some action. If it doesn't, try again in another week or two. Remain polite and respectful.
BGOs take different views WRT submitting interviews. If a BGO has many candidates and it's early in the year, the BGO might wait until he/she has interviewed several to have a better sense of where the first one or two "rank" (so to speak). IOW, the first candidate seemed great but the next couple could be even more spectacular -- or not -- and the BGO wants to know that before submitting. Other BGOs do the write up that day and submit it right away. If your packet isn't 100% complete and the interview is outstanding, be patient. If you are o/w 100% complete AND it's been several weeks since your interview, a polite note to your BGO may be in order.
As someone above said, lack of a submitted BGO interview will NOT derail your application. If you're one of the very unfortunate few who has this happen, it will be frustrating. But, it won't hurt you.
Remember, too, that you probably check your portal daily. And there's just you. BGOs may not check their system daily and they may have upwards of 20 candidates. Thus, the BGO may not immediately notice a change in your status.
So, if you've been at >50% for a week or two, I would politely reach out to your BGO and let him/her know. That should trigger some action. If it doesn't, try again in another week or two. Remain polite and respectful.
BGOs take different views WRT submitting interviews. If a BGO has many candidates and it's early in the year, the BGO might wait until he/she has interviewed several to have a better sense of where the first one or two "rank" (so to speak). IOW, the first candidate seemed great but the next couple could be even more spectacular -- or not -- and the BGO wants to know that before submitting. Other BGOs do the write up that day and submit it right away. If your packet isn't 100% complete and the interview is outstanding, be patient. If you are o/w 100% complete AND it's been several weeks since your interview, a polite note to your BGO may be in order.
As someone above said, lack of a submitted BGO interview will NOT derail your application. If you're one of the very unfortunate few who has this happen, it will be frustrating. But, it won't hurt you.
This makes sense. I know this particular BGO is a working mom. It can't be easy to be a BGO, work and be mom at the same time. I'll suggest to DS to politely nudge.
Another BGO interview data point:
DD 100% complete with her application, DoDMERB qualified.
After her DoDMERB, she contacted him and he said she was at 44%, will conduct at 50%+, and then all her remaining items came in within 2 weeks so that is why she's at 100% going into the interview.
BGO interview scheduled this Sunday 09/08/19
Held at a Fitness Center
She is to bring her resume, personal statement, and be ready to recite the Mission Statement and articulate what it means to her.
DD 100% complete with her application, DoDMERB qualified.
After her DoDMERB, she contacted him and he said she was at 44%, will conduct at 50%+, and then all her remaining items came in within 2 weeks so that is why she's at 100% going into the interview.
BGO interview scheduled this Sunday 09/08/19
Held at a Fitness Center
She is to bring her resume, personal statement, and be ready to recite the Mission Statement and articulate what it means to her.
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Good luck!