How to contact my BGO

navy/airforce-hopeful man

navy/airforce-hopeful man

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Oct 11, 2022
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Hello good people of the service academy forums. I'm currently a high school senior applying to USNA. (and USAFA.) I've finished my application packet and medical examinations, and I'm taking the CFA in two weeks. The only thing I have left to do is contact my Blue and Gold officer. (and ALO.) I have his email address and phone number, but I'm just overwhelmed by what to say. Most people contact their BGO's years prior, I'm very late to the process. Do I address this fact? What should I say? Should I try to get to know them, or be more formal and to-the-point? I have dreaded this part of the applications process the most as I am not always the most comfortable communicating over the internet. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Be a straight shooter. Don't waste their time. If you are late, and you are, OWN it. Don't make excuses.

Be available at any time/location they are willing to meet for an interview. You have asked for this requirement during a busy holiday season close to the end of the year. Remember BGOs are unpaid volunteers who for the most part, have full-time jobs, families, obligations, etc.

Be politely friendly, be concise, don't waste their time.
 
Heatherg21 said:
Be a straight shooter. Don't waste their time. If you are late, and you are, OWN it. Don't make excuses.

Be available at any time/location they are willing to meet for an interview. You have asked for this requirement during a busy holiday season close to the end of the year. Remember BGOs are unpaid volunteers who for the most part, have full-time jobs, families, obligations, etc.

Be politely friendly, be concise, don't waste their time.
Click to expand...
thank you!
 
I don't think you need to feel you are overly late in the process. My son didn't have any prior contact with his BGO officer before they set up their interview. Email them, introduce yourself, acknowledge that this is a busy time of year, but you would like to set your interview at their convenience. You might also include your resume in your initial email, so they have that to reference, but you by no means need to already "be buddies" with them. Then be prepared for your interview, wherever and whenever they set it up. It isn't that different then the interviews you have hopefully been doing for MOC nominations.
 
My son didn’t know his BGO until the year he applied. They are patient and informative. They gave him time to ask questions over a couple of calls, talk about their experience at USNA and then set up the actual interview. The BGO gave parents 30 minutes to ask questions too. Hope your experience is just as positive.
 
It's perfectly fine to contact your BGO only for the interview. I would say that is the norm for me -- fewer than 10% of BGOs contact me prior to either my contacting them or their contacting me to request an interview. No need to apologize.

Send an email saying your packet is complete but for BGO interview and CFA and that you'd like to schedule the interview. I'd get the email out now b/c your BGO may be traveling for the holidays. Also FULLY agree about being flexible re meeting times and places.
 
navy/airforce-hopeful kid said:
Hello good people of the service academy forums. I'm currently a high school senior applying to USNA. (and USAFA.) I've finished my application packet and medical examinations, and I'm taking the CFA in two weeks. The only thing I have left to do is contact my Blue and Gold officer. (and ALO.) I have his email address and phone number, but I'm just overwhelmed by what to say. Most people contact their BGO's years prior, I'm very late to the process. Do I address this fact? What should I say? Should I try to get to know them, or be more formal and to-the-point? I have dreaded this part of the applications process the most as I am not always the most comfortable communicating over the internet. Any advice would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
No need to second guess yourself. Your timing is what it is and there is time provided you move on it now. I don't think you need to justify your timing. If the BGO asks about your timing, just answer the question directly. BGOs want good candidates to succeed. So, there is no reason to dread this part of the process. Good luck.
 
I would avoid making assumptions about what 'most' other candidates do. As others have mentioned, the only time some applicants meet their BGO is for the interview and have little/no other interaction. If you lack self-confidence or interview skills, you should certainly work on those to improve your chances for success during the application process.
 
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