I am the parent of a 2012 candidate. I have a question re BGO and process. My son has attempted over the last several months to contact BGO. He has gotten a couple of vague responses, but that's it. Son has also applied to AFA. His ALO has been in contact with him at least every other week. Son has nominations to both academies and loa for AFA. I believe ALO has been instrumental in AFA process. Should we be concerned re BGO?
BGO invovlement
- Thread starter bamom
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Has you son had his BGO interview?
The BGO's volunteer their time...some are busier than others...I would not read too much into his vague responses. We noticed last year when my son applied, that the three SA's he applied to have different approaches to the application process. Navy and Air Force cultures are not the same. One is not better than the other, just different.
The BGO's volunteer their time...some are busier than others...I would not read too much into his vague responses. We noticed last year when my son applied, that the three SA's he applied to have different approaches to the application process. Navy and Air Force cultures are not the same. One is not better than the other, just different.
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Your son's interview was so long ago, he probably does have questions. Since the BGO's answers are vague, perhaps your son could try calling or emailing admissions.
usna1985
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I'm a BGO so will try to help but need to understand your question. Does your son have specific questions for the BGO that are going unanswered OR are you concerned that the fact the BGO isn't in frequent contact with your son is a bad sign in terms of his appointment chances?
Some background. BGOs are volunteers and most of us have demanding full-time jobs. Our primary job as a BGO is ensuring our candidates receive their BGO interviews in a timely manner. Secondarily, we do our best to answer questions from candidates in order to assist them in their application process. Most do their very best to be reponsive to candidates. To be honest, some are better at this than others.
Here is my approach, which I think is pretty typical. I email all my candidates (usually 12-20/year) as soon as their name pops into my system. I introduce myself and offer to answer any questions. Then, once they have 1/3 of their packet complete, I email them to schedule an interview. They are free to bring their parents (most don't) but I want to meet with them individually.
At the interview, I tell them that the application/nomination process is complex and lengthy and that I'm here to help answer any questions they may have (other than medical, which we're not allowed to address other than in a general sense). I indicate that the first step in showing you can handle a SA is to show you can meet the deadlines, etc. of the application process, so I won't be sending them little reminders. After all, I won't be there during plebe summer to remind them to get their uniforms pressed.
Finally, I tell them that I will be the last to know if they receive an LOA, appointment, etc. Which, BTW, is true. They know well before I do.
In most cases, I never again see the candidate other than maybe to present their appointments at a school ceremony. Usually 2-3 each year email me with questions to which I respond as quickly as I'm able. I've had a couple over the years who've asked to meet with me again re various issues and I've been happy to do so.
Thus, back to your original question. If your son has questions that aren't being answered, he should contact CGO directly or possibly post them on this forum. If you're wonedering why the BGO isn't calling all the time or shepherding your son through the process, he (as I do) may simply have a different view of the role of the BGO/ALO role than your ALO.
Also, it USED to be the case (do NOT know if still true today) that ALOs were reserve officers whose job was USAFA recruiting. If so, they should clearly be more active. However, in fairness, this may have changed and it may just be that your son's ALO is more involved, has more time, etc.
Some background. BGOs are volunteers and most of us have demanding full-time jobs. Our primary job as a BGO is ensuring our candidates receive their BGO interviews in a timely manner. Secondarily, we do our best to answer questions from candidates in order to assist them in their application process. Most do their very best to be reponsive to candidates. To be honest, some are better at this than others.
Here is my approach, which I think is pretty typical. I email all my candidates (usually 12-20/year) as soon as their name pops into my system. I introduce myself and offer to answer any questions. Then, once they have 1/3 of their packet complete, I email them to schedule an interview. They are free to bring their parents (most don't) but I want to meet with them individually.
At the interview, I tell them that the application/nomination process is complex and lengthy and that I'm here to help answer any questions they may have (other than medical, which we're not allowed to address other than in a general sense). I indicate that the first step in showing you can handle a SA is to show you can meet the deadlines, etc. of the application process, so I won't be sending them little reminders. After all, I won't be there during plebe summer to remind them to get their uniforms pressed.
Finally, I tell them that I will be the last to know if they receive an LOA, appointment, etc. Which, BTW, is true. They know well before I do.
In most cases, I never again see the candidate other than maybe to present their appointments at a school ceremony. Usually 2-3 each year email me with questions to which I respond as quickly as I'm able. I've had a couple over the years who've asked to meet with me again re various issues and I've been happy to do so.
Thus, back to your original question. If your son has questions that aren't being answered, he should contact CGO directly or possibly post them on this forum. If you're wonedering why the BGO isn't calling all the time or shepherding your son through the process, he (as I do) may simply have a different view of the role of the BGO/ALO role than your ALO.
Also, it USED to be the case (do NOT know if still true today) that ALOs were reserve officers whose job was USAFA recruiting. If so, they should clearly be more active. However, in fairness, this may have changed and it may just be that your son's ALO is more involved, has more time, etc.
Sounds exactly how my son's BGO approached the task. His BGO was not there to hold his hand or hold the parents hands. Questions pertinent to the application process were posed to the CGO as that is their job BGO is there to do the interview - no different than civilian colleges. He would have never dreamed of contacting the BGO during his freshman, sophomore or even junior years. Waited for the Academy to send him the contact information and then only contacted him to set up the interview and invite him to awards.
usna1985
15-Year Member
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In fairness, it's fine to contact your BGO prior to your senior year if you have questions or want additional information. I've had candidates do that over the years and I'm fine with it.
What you DON'T need to do is contact your BGO early because you think it will get you a better interview write-up when the time comes. I've given some of my strongest recommendations to candidates with whom my contact has essentially been limited to the interview itself.
If you have questions, you should turn to your BGO; most are happy to help out. But please don't feel you must contact your BGO repeatedly, etc. just to "stay in touch."
It's not necessary and, in some cases, could become counterproductive.- Joined
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I'm a BGO so will try to help but need to understand your question. Does your son have specific questions for the BGO that are going unanswered OR are you concerned that the fact the BGO isn't in frequent contact with your son is a bad sign in terms of his appointment chances?
Some background. BGOs are volunteers and most of us have demanding full-time jobs. Our primary job as a BGO is ensuring our candidates receive their BGO interviews in a timely manner. Secondarily, we do our best to answer questions from candidates in order to assist them in their application process. Most do their very best to be reponsive to candidates. To be honest, some are better at this than others.
Here is my approach, which I think is pretty typical. I email all my candidates (usually 12-20/year) as soon as their name pops into my system. I introduce myself and offer to answer any questions. Then, once they have 1/3 of their packet complete, I email them to schedule an interview. They are free to bring their parents (most don't) but I want to meet with them individually.
At the interview, I tell them that the application/nomination process is complex and lengthy and that I'm here to help answer any questions they may have (other than medical, which we're not allowed to address other than in a general sense). I indicate that the first step in showing you can handle a SA is to show you can meet the deadlines, etc. of the application process, so I won't be sending them little reminders. After all, I won't be there during plebe summer to remind them to get their uniforms pressed.
Finally, I tell them that I will be the last to know if they receive an LOA, appointment, etc. Which, BTW, is true. They know well before I do.
In most cases, I never again see the candidate other than maybe to present their appointments at a school ceremony. Usually 2-3 each year email me with questions to which I respond as quickly as I'm able. I've had a couple over the years who've asked to meet with me again re various issues and I've been happy to do so.
Thus, back to your original question. If your son has questions that aren't being answered, he should contact CGO directly or possibly post them on this forum. If you're wonedering why the BGO isn't calling all the time or shepherding your son through the process, he (as I do) may simply have a different view of the role of the BGO/ALO role than your ALO.
Also, it USED to be the case (do NOT know if still true today) that ALOs were reserve officers whose job was USAFA recruiting. If so, they should clearly be more active. However, in fairness, this may have changed and it may just be that your son's ALO is more involved, has more time, etc.
Does the BGO have access to certain records, such as whether you are scholastically or physically qualified?
usna1985
15-Year Member
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We know if a candidate has been deemed qualified by the admissions board and whether the candidate has taken (but not whether he/she has passed) the CFA. The academic qualification notice always comes after the interview.
We are also told the medical status -- qualified, incomplete, or rejected. No additional information due to privacy laws.
We are typically the last to learn if/when a candidate receives an LOA or an appointment. That info is loaded into our system about a week after the candidate him/herself learns the news.
We are also told the medical status -- qualified, incomplete, or rejected. No additional information due to privacy laws.
We are typically the last to learn if/when a candidate receives an LOA or an appointment. That info is loaded into our system about a week after the candidate him/herself learns the news.