Question for BGO

tommyboy44

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Apr 12, 2016
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Sorry that this is kind of a random question, but would it be weird or impolite for me to ask my BGO how competitive my application is? I feel that my lower GPA puts me at a significant disadvantage and would like to have my BGO's opinion on it.
 
That's the type of question your BGO is there to answer; go for it. Our son told us his BGO told him right along what his competitive status was. At his request, we met with the BGO during our son's round, and the BGO told us outright where our son ranked.
 
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There is nothing wrong in asking your BGO for feedback in general on areas where he/she sees you need improvement. However, BGO's only have access to certain information about candidates and if you are asking them where you specifically stand compared to all other candidates applying this year, they don't have access to such information.
 
However, BGO's only have access to certain information about candidates and if you are asking them where you specifically stand compared to all other candidates applying this year, they don't have access to such information.

I suppose it depends. Our son's BGO told him right up to the end that "according to our MOC's office, you are the kid to beat." His army FFR, totally different source, told him exactly the same thing and added that the next candidate was a far second. They must know something. Across multiple MOCs, multiple academies, he received six noms.
 
This can vary by where you live also. If you are in Northern VA there are a lot of BGOs and MOCs spread the wealth. The assessment is much more difficult to give in an area like this. There are dozens of candidates who are extremely qualified from that area. Dozens will be appointed from this area. A smaller area with maybe a few BGOs who know one another sort of know what the entire field looks like can make a much better and informed decision like what you read above. Every BGO will answer this differently, some may be very specific and others will tell you are very competitive and give nothing more than that.
 
This can vary by where you live also. If you are in Northern VA there are a lot of BGOs and MOCs spread the wealth. The assessment is much more difficult to give in an area like this. There are dozens of candidates who are extremely qualified from that area. Dozens will be appointed from this area. A smaller area with maybe a few BGOs who know one another sort of know what the entire field looks like can make a much better and informed decision like what you read above. Every BGO will answer this differently, some may be very specific and others will tell you are very competitive and give nothing more than that.

I live in North Florida, so it is not crazy competitive
 
I'm not quite there yet, but I can tell you that your BGO is almost like a high school councilor. You can ask them where you need improvement and how to improve.
 
Being competitive for a NOM is different from being 3Q. One is determined by your MOC based on their own set of criteria, while USNA determines who is 3Q and the same criteria applies to everyone regardless of where you live. It wasn't clear in your original post which one you were referring to. You need to be 3Q AND have a NOM to be in the running for an appointment.
 
My take...it depends.
(1) If you are a rising senior, at this point, it doesn't really matter....what if your BGO says you aren't competitive...are you not going to apply? There is very little that you can change at this point beyond doing well in the fall semester (in case the Admissions Board wants to see first semester grades) and on the SAT/ACT. Most things in your application have been solidified...your transcript is what it is (at least for initial Admissions Board review)...hard to start a new sport or ECA(s) at this point, which would significantly impact your application package. I am not saying you shouldn't contact your BGO if you have questions, but keep this in mind. If you believe your course grades are not "up to par" at this point, that is what the Admissions Board is going to see on their first review...if they defer a decision, they might inquire into your first semester grades (which is another reason why you want to put forth your best effort).
(2) If any other class (rising juniors and below)...the question is more "appropriate" (in the sense that there is more time to make changes) because your BGO can help you with recommendations on how to become more competitive.

Lastly, BGOs only see your SAT/ACT scores and WHEN you submit application documents...we have NO idea on what your application "looks" like to Admissions. This includes the decisions on sending candidates to NAPS/Foundation. Hypothetically, two candidates could have identical stats from nearby areas and have two different outcomes...so even if a BGO gives you an idea...the weight should be just slightly more than a grain of salt.
 
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I would be curious what other BGO's think of this type of question , and how they would answer ? I am typically non-committal when (or if) asked if a Candidate is "competitive". I will give general advice about what USNA is looking for, and do counsel those who express an interest early enough (Freshman/Sophomore) on how to improve their chances, but never tell any candidate how they stack up against others. There is too much we don't see (including personal statements), and for every candidate who looks like he/she has great credentials there is always one better.
 
On the same page with you Old Navy BGO. The second paragraph of my previous posts seems to align with your comments/thoughts.
 
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