When's it too early to contact my BGO?

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paintwithlightcolor

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Feb 19, 2019
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Hello, I was just wondering when would be the correct time to contact my BGO. I'm a freshman and was just not sure whether it was too early to. Also could someone give me some information on the correct way to go about doing that. Thanks.
 
If you are talking about being a freshman in high school, it’s too early. Are you signed up for usna’s mailing list? That’s something you could do now.

Usually people wait u til they are assigned a BGO, after opening their applications in April of their junior year. After you are an actual candidate, you will be assigned a BGO.

If you currently have questions about USNA, most answers can be found on their website. Or academy admissions on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
justdoit19 said:
If you are talking about being a freshman in high school, it’s too early. Are you signed up for usna’s mailing list? That’s something you could do now.

Usually people wait u til they are assigned a BGO, after opening their applications in April of their junior year. After you are an actual candidate, you will be assigned a BGO.

If you currently have questions about USNA, most answers can be found on their website. Or academy admissions on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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I am a BGO and will talk with anyone who has an interest in USNA. I would suggest watching youtube videos and researching USNA. May I also suggest that you take the comments on this board as what they are comments from folks who mean well yet may not actually know the facts. Here is general advice from USNA site...https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/General-Advice-for-Grades-9-12.php Good luck. Feel free to send me a message with any questions.
 
I would also second parent’s comment that most BGOs are willing to start talking to prospective candidates before the admissions cycle. With that being said, when contacting your BGO, have specific questions for him/her AFTER doing as much research as you can.
 
Like the other BGOs just above this post, I will make time to visit potential candidates from my schools when they or their parents want some general info that I can't give over the phone in 5 mins or so. I've done this a couple of times per year for some time now. Usually, they are High School Juniors who are trying to understand USNA and the process but I have had Sophmores and Freshmen as well.

I'm curious if any of the people who told the OP not to contact the BGO is actually a BGO or are they parents/candidates.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Like the other BGOs just above this post, I will make time to visit potential candidates from my schools when they or their parents want some general info that I can't give over the phone in 5 mins or so. I've done this a couple of times per year for some time now. Usually, they are High School Juniors who are trying to understand USNA and the process but I have had Sophmores and Freshmen as well.

I'm curious if any of the people who told the OP not to contact the BGO is actually a BGO or are they parents/candidates.
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I’m a parent, and I should have been more clear that what I was thinking when responding to OP, that a person isn’t assigned a BGO until they are a candidate. So junior year. I didn’t think about inquiring of any BGO in general. Rather thinking about reaching out to their assigned BGO.

I actually don’t think DS or myself would have know how to reach out to a BGO in general. Our school doesn’t have one.

They are very helpful!!
 
justdoit19 said:
OldRetSWO said:
Like the other BGOs just above this post, I will make time to visit potential candidates from my schools when they or their parents want some general info that I can't give over the phone in 5 mins or so. I've done this a couple of times per year for some time now. Usually, they are High School Juniors who are trying to understand USNA and the process but I have had Sophmores and Freshmen as well.

I'm curious if any of the people who told the OP not to contact the BGO is actually a BGO or are they parents/candidates.
Click to expand...

I’m a parent, and I should have been more clear that what I was thinking when responding to OP, that a person isn’t assigned a BGO until they are a candidate. So junior year. I didn’t think about inquiring of any BGO in general. Rather thinking about reaching out to their assigned BGO.

I actually don’t think DS or myself would have know how to reach out to a BGO in general. Our school doesn’t have one.

They are very helpful!!
Click to expand...
Actually, BGOs are assigned by school in almost every case that I know of. The school may or may not know who the BGO is but there is a BGO assigned to that "territory" . I have never had the time to do many school visits but instead respond when there is a candidate interested. I've tried to keep my schools apprised to who I am and contact info but generally, when a student gets in touch with me, they find me through referrals from a prior candidate or by contacting USNA or the area coordinator (phone numbers available online).
 
Can’t say enough about how helpful it was for DD to contact her BGO in spring of 10th grade. She wasn’t just kicking the tires or being frivolous. She’d done her homework, showed up poised and informed, and asked for advice that wasn’t easily found on the USNA website. BGO provided great perspective.

DD kept him informed of key milestones, such as impressions after attending STEM and SS. Stopped to say hello whenever he was on campus and attended all his presentations. Made sure he knew she was serious and on top of things.

So no, not too soon to engage with BGO. But show up prepared, so that you’re not wasting his/her time. First impressions matter.
 
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