The Role of Blue and Gold Officers

It a normal part of the process for the BGO to 'rank' candidates. there are evaluated individually, and a detailed writeup is done, but the subjective metrics are all related to how an individual candidate compares to others. that is why many BGO's will wait to submit writeup until they have interviewed most/all of their candidates for a given cycle. they can't all be evaluated as 'top 5%'.

re: the OP's experience, it sounds to me like the retired admiral likes to stay involved, make himself available to candidates, and help them get a better understanding of what it is that they are hoping become a part of. it sounds like a great opportunity, but as others have said, it won't have any impact on the application process.

the impressions formed so far by the BGO will have some impact on the evaluation, and will probably have some impact on the questions that he/she asks during the interview.
You mention "Top 5%" and I will tell you that in my BGO area, the Area Coordinator has to personally approve any Top 5% wroteups before they are submitted. This was instituted by a leading Area Coordinator who wanted the Top 5% to actually be a very limited designation as opposed to one that is commonly used. Getting a top 5 approved has been quite challenging and there really aren't many flying around in this area.
 
concur, i've only had one 'top 5' candidate and had to get AC approval to do it. in order to get that approval, i called and spoke to several teachers/coaches at the candidate's school to corroborate and elaborate on the things in the file. the T5 should really be limited to those that are really in the top 5% of candidates

for candidates and parents, a top 5% evaluation does NOT ensure an appointment, and an average evaluation does NOT preclude an appointment. the BGO eval is only one of many inputs that the board uses to determine Qualified or Not Qualified. and if you ask, you probably won't be told what your eval was.

a particularly strong eval or a particularly bad eval may add or subtract a few points in the WPM, but it won't have a significant impact on the outcome.
 
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Very interesting, learned a lot today!
 
As a family joke/stressbuster, we are coming up with questions NOT to ask in BGO or MOC nomination interviews. My favorite yet is about the candidate's understanding of Plebe summer: "Can I bring my emotional comfort animal?"
 
My DS had his BGO interview at our home approx four months after applying and all school requirements submitted. The officer was extremely polite, professional and as sharp as you would expect a USNA Alum to be. He was at our home for almost three hours; sat with my wife and I separately ensuring we fully understood what our DS was getting into and if we were ready for it, sat with all of us to get a feel how DS interacted with the family and with just our DS. He took copious notes, learned about what DECA is and what our DS did to make a national title, viewed his Eagle Scout service project (Local Vietnam Vet Documentary), pressed him pretty hard on his interest in USNA. Gave him scenarios of life at USNA including Plebe Summer to see what his responses would be. At the end he gave DS a honest assessment and some idea of how the selection process works. He said he can usually size up a candidate within the first few moments (we can all attest to this) and after the first few minutes with DS he knew he was going to really enjoy the interview. He said DS was one of his better interviews and if it was up to him DS would be in, that he is the kind of candidate they are looking for at USNA however, with SAT scores just under 1300 he would likely be reviewed in later rounds by the board as the most elite are reviewed first even though DS has AP Physics, Calc, Chem, Gov, is an Eagle Scout, Capt of state champ swim team, Capt of a cycling team, DECA national title, great CFA, qualified DODMERB, and with a congressional nom and good BGO review. Still waiting on decision as of March 11th. Hop this helps you all and best of luck to your candidates.
 
My DS had his BGO interview at our home approx four months after applying and all school requirements submitted. The officer was extremely polite, professional and as sharp as you would expect a USNA Alum to be. He was at our home for almost three hours; sat with my wife and I separately ensuring we fully understood what our DS was getting into and if we were ready for it, sat with all of us to get a feel how DS interacted with the family and with just our DS. He took copious notes, learned about what DECA is and what our DS did to make a national title, viewed his Eagle Scout service project (Local Vietnam Vet Documentary), pressed him pretty hard on his interest in USNA. Gave him scenarios of life at USNA including Plebe Summer to see what his responses would be. At the end he gave DS a honest assessment and some idea of how the selection process works. He said he can usually size up a candidate within the first few moments (we can all attest to this) and after the first few minutes with DS he knew he was going to really enjoy the interview. He said DS was one of his better interviews and if it was up to him DS would be in, that he is the kind of candidate they are looking for at USNA however, with SAT scores just under 1300 he would likely be reviewed in later rounds by the board as the most elite are reviewed first even though DS has AP Physics, Calc, Chem, Gov, is an Eagle Scout, Capt of state champ swim team, Capt of a cycling team, DECA national title, great CFA, qualified DODMERB, and with a congressional nom and good BGO review. Still waiting on decision as of March 11th. Hop this helps you all and best of luck to your candidates.

Our experience with our BGO was the same... he first interviewed my husband and I - for over an hour. It was a great dialogue. Hate to admit, I started to cry as he asked how I felt about my son considering a SA. Not that I wasn't supportive - but understanding the sacrifice he is making in his decision to serve gets me emotional sometimes. We really appreciate our BGO. Very caring individual and thoughtful throughout the entire process of evaluating our son for the appointment.
 
I'm a sophomore in high school. Is this too soon to reach out to my BGO? Should I wait a little longer so there are more topics to discuss?
 
My DD’s BGO just reached out to her today and as soon as she submits her Personal Statement she will schedule the interview.
 
I'm a sophomore in high school. Is this too soon to reach out to my BGO? Should I wait a little longer so there are more topics to discuss?

This question has been asked and answered repeatedly , but bottom line --it's never to early to reach out to your BGO if you have questions about USNA or the Admissions process. That is what we are here for. That said, you don't have to reach out early to "get face time" or simply show your interest.
 
From all the Academy seminars we attended with my son, we heard how vital the BGO was in the application process. As soon as his BGO's contact was populated in his portal, my son contacted her. She responded immediately. He directly responded back as well. Then, radio silence. Over the past 3 months, she has not responded to any e-mail or voicemail from him as he has provided her with constant updates about his application process. He has 2 nominations (MOC and NJROTC), completed his CFA on the first try, is medically qualified, Commanding Officer of NJROTC, President of Young Men's Service League, NHS, etc. This has been his goal for years. But the one person we thought would help facilitate the process is incommunicado. Since it is the only open item on his portal, what options does he have? It leaves him feeling like they aren't interested although we can't speculate about the BGO's situation. My son doesn't want to create a negative situation with the BGO by complaining to his admissions officer, but she is now aware that my son has been trying to contact his BGO for months. Our admissions officer has been amazingly helpful and has still sent his application to the review board. However, our understanding is that a BGO interview is still required. Any suggestions for his situation? Thanks so much!
 
Over the past 3 months, she has not responded to any e-mail or voicemail from him as he has provided her with constant updates about his application process.
But the one person we thought would help facilitate the process is incommunicado.

Is DS asking to set up interview, or just providing updates on his progress ? If it is just progress reports, a response is a courtesy, but not really necessary. If he has been requesting an interview for three months and DS is over 1/2 through with his application, I suggest DS (not you !) reach out to the Area Coordinator (listed at USNA.edu) for assistance. (Before doing that, how has DS been communicating ? If text or email, try actually calling the BGO).

I don't know what is meant by the BGO being "vital" to the process. While a good BGO is a helpful resource to answer questions, we don't necessarily "faciliate" the process, and frankly, it is not our role to get someone in , or keep someone out, of USNA. We simply serve as local representatives of the Admissions Office. I don't try to hold a Candidates hand as they go through the process, but instead offer my services as a resource. I've had plenty of Candidates where my only role has been to interview , and present an Appointment at Senior Awards night,
 
Thank you. He has been asking the BGO for the interview. He has e-mailed and called (a total of 6 attempts over 3 months). In his e-mails, he provided updates to the BGO to let them know how far along he was in the process. The application very clearly says that a BGO interview is a required piece. His entire application has been submitted but still has no BGO interview or communication. He has navigated the process without issue. I'm just pointing out the information provided in the 4 Academy seminars we attended. It seems strange that the BGO responded quickly and enthusiastically the first time but hasn't responded since. He didn't want admissions thinking he wasn't taking the necessary steps to contact the BGO. He was trying to be proactive without being pushy, but it is ultimately up to him to make sure all the components of his application are complete. I found this resource and figured I would ask the question since I see the valuable information this forum provides. I appreciate your time.
 
The application very clearly says that a BGO interview is a required piece
He didn't want admissions thinking he wasn't taking the necessary steps to contact the BGO.
Continue to try to get the Interview done, but the Admissions Board will review an Application if the BGO Board is not completed. They will not hold the lack of BGO interview against Candidate if the problem is on the BGO side. It sounds like you have already reported this to DS Admissions Counselor, but feel to reach out to the Area Coordinator (that is the lead BGO in each state) if your BGO is non responsive.
 
Continue to try to get the Interview done, but the Admissions Board will review an Application if the BGO Board is not completed. They will not hold the lack of BGO interview against Candidate if the problem is on the BGO side. It sounds like you have already reported this to DS Admissions Counselor, but feel to reach out to the Area Coordinator (that is the lead BGO in each state) if your BGO is non responsive.
I value your insight and appreciate your time. Thank you!
 
I don't try to hold a Candidates hand as they go through the process, but instead offer my services as a resource. I've had plenty of Candidates where my only role has been to interview , and present an Appointment at Senior Awards night,
I am the same on this.
 
Area Coordinators (the informal "supervisors" of BGOs -- I say informal b/c everyone is a volunteer) generally track candidates who have most / all of their packets complete and are missing interviews. They typically "nag" the BGOs to get them done and, if that doesn't happen, will often try to reassign the candidate to a BGO who has greater availability. It appears something is falling through the cracks in this case. For example, the BGO may have quit the program or may have changed email address.

Also, please keep in mind that the BGOs are dealing with an entirely new computer system that was only introduced a few months ago and which is NOT AT ALL user friendly. It's much harder for ACs and BGOs to determine status, reassign candidates, etc. Not making excuses, just explaining reality. Not to mention that some folks have been hit harder with COVID issues -- again, not an excuse but could be a reason.

I agree that DS should reach out to the AC. He should be polite and indicate that he has made numerous efforts to contact the BGO for an interview without success and ask for guidance. That should spark some action. As noted, in the end, Admissions will review the record without an interview.

For the record, I'm with OldNavyBGO and OldRetSWO -- I'm a resource but not a pseudo "helo parent." As I tell my candidates, if they make it to USNA, I won't be there to hold their hands or nag them to get things done, etc.
 
Area Coordinators (the informal "supervisors" of BGOs -- I say informal b/c everyone is a volunteer) generally track candidates who have most / all of their packets complete and are missing interviews. They typically "nag" the BGOs to get them done and, if that doesn't happen, will often try to reassign the candidate to a BGO who has greater availability. It appears something is falling through the cracks in this case. For example, the BGO may have quit the program or may have changed email address.

Also, please keep in mind that the BGOs are dealing with an entirely new computer system that was only introduced a few months ago and which is NOT AT ALL user friendly. It's much harder for ACs and BGOs to determine status, reassign candidates, etc. Not making excuses, just explaining reality. Not to mention that some folks have been hit harder with COVID issues -- again, not an excuse but could be a reason.

I agree that DS should reach out to the AC. He should be polite and indicate that he has made numerous efforts to contact the BGO for an interview without success and ask for guidance. That should spark some action. As noted, in the end, Admissions will review the record without an interview.

For the record, I'm with OldNavyBGO and OldRetSWO -- I'm a resource but not a pseudo "helo parent." As I tell my candidates, if they make it to USNA, I won't be there to hold their hands or nag them to get things done, etc.
I appreciate the information about the process. He is going to contact the Area Coordinator for his recommendation. Thanks for your time!
 
My DD's BGO submitted his report over the weekend. Does anyone know approximately how long it will take to update portal status???
 
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