FatherOfFive
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2006
- Messages
- 70
Q: Can you retake and resubmit your scores for the CFA if you have already submitted these scores on the website?
Thanks
Thanks
usna1985 said:Finally, I believe you have until the end of March (someone correct me if I'm wrong) to submit your CFA. Thus, if the candidate thinks his/her scores will improve even more with additional training, I would wait to take the test/resubmit.
Whistle Pig said:2 Questions:
What is the change in philosophy that leads to fewer LOAs now than in seasons past?
Can you share HOW a BGO is asked to respond/inform USNA Admissions to his/her interview with candidates? Is it a standard form? If so, what are you asked to assess? Does the BGO write his/her own description, observations, etc.? Do you respond in writing, email, both, neither? Can you tell us a bit a bout this? QUOTE]
The short answer on the reason for the decrease in LOAs is that they limit flexibility in forming the class.
As you know, an LOA is essentially a guarantee of an appointment assuming you get a nom and are medically qualified. So, if USNA hands out 500 LOAs (for a class of 1100) by October, what do they do if 750 more exceptional candidates come along? Yes, the early bird gets the worm, but USNA doesn't want to penalize strong candidates who complete their packets on time but not super early. Also, USNA must consider geographic issues. VA, MD, PA, TX, and parts of CA and FL are generally the most competitive states. Yet, they have the same 2 Senators as every other state and each Representative in those areas gets the same 10 slots as in ND, WY, AK, etc. where there are many fewer applicants. Lots of LOAs make it difficult to "slot" candidates, especially in these competive areas.
As for the BGO interview, there is a standard form. We're supposed to talk about Plebe Summer, Honor Concept, limited majors, etc. Other than that, it's up to the individual BGO. We're asked to indicate whether the student is applying to NROTC, whether he/she is interested in NAPS/Foundation, and intended major and service selection.
We're then asked to rate each candidate on a number of personal characteristics -- motivation, organization, leadership, physical fitness, communications skills, etc. The rest of the form is open narrative where you generally support your ratings on the personal characteristics with specifics and examples.
BGOs are the eyes & ears of CGO. Please realize that we're not just there to evaluate; we're also there to be a resource to candidates. The best candidates approach the interviews as something that will give them even greater insight into USNA, not as another hurdle to overcome.
Finally, as someone who's done lots and lots of interviews (BGO and other), there is no magic formula. Don't try to fool or your BGO. As with most interviews, being yourself is the best strategy in the long run.
Hope this helps.