- Why do you want to attend the Naval Academy?
- Why do you want to be a Naval Officer?
- If the Naval Academy is not your first choice in Service Academies, why is that?
- What strengths will help you succeed at the Naval Academy?
- What weaknesses will you have to overcome to succeed?
You look at your Blue and Gold Officer (BGO) and think . . . What should I say? How do I address this question? When will this be over!
As a candidate for the US Air Force Academy (USAFA), US Military Academy (USMA), US Naval Academy (USNA), US Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) or US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), you will undergo a number of interviews. Some may be in person and others may use the phone or a video platform. An interview will be conducted on the behalf of each service academy appointment that you seek. The BGO conducts the USNA evaluation. The AF Academy Liaison Officer (ALO) does the same for USAFA. Often, the Field Force Representative (FFR) conducts the USMA interview. The AAP, or Academy Admissions Partner, conducts the interview for USCGA. And, an admissions officer typically will interview candidates for USMMA.
Bottomline: prepare! You should prepare for your interviews by reviewing potential questions, including research about the school itself, the career path of the military service you choose, and the student lifestyle and responsibilities. Whats more, you should be able to answer the big things:
Although your preparation can seem daunting, a candidate should simply start the process of digging into the details. First explore and be able to articulate your motivations. My recent blog, Why do you want to attend the US Air Force Academy?, discusses some good pointers around this BIG question. Telling your story is important.
Another set of questions will focus on your knowledge of the path you are choosing. Have you visited the websites, read books or other materials about the school and career path of a commissioned officer in the Army or in the Coast Guard? What do you think you will study at the US Naval Academy? Have you ever visited the campus of the US Air Force Academy?
Educate yourself on all aspects of the cadet or midshipman experience, and then articulate why you are interested in this journey. A cadet must keep herself in top physical condition, meet all military standards throughout her training, and complete a Bachelor of Science degree, which includes an extensive core of curriculum. The interviewer will want to understand how your past and current performance demonstrates that you can succeed in this environment. Concrete examples, such as leading a money raising project for a school club, or completing your Eagle Scout project, will go a long way in convincing the interviewer of your qualifications.
A portion of your preparation should be practice. Use the video camera on your laptop, or other device, to practice your responses to questions. Focus on articulating your responses clearly. I often tell students to be conversational, tell stories, use full sentences and relax! The last bit of advice will come with preparation. As you explore, reflect and practice, you will gain confidence.
Remember, the interviewers job is to learn more about you and your motivations. The AF Liaision Officer (ALO) and BGO are not trying to trip you up or trick you into giving a bad answer . . . they truly hope for your best performance! As an ALO, I interviewed hundreds of candidates for the AF Academy. My goal was to do all that I could to make the experience a positive one for the student. Im sure your interviewer will do the same.
“Tell me a little about yourself?” will be the start of a fulfilling experience and a successful interview. With preparation, you will be relaxed as you respond with a remarkable, personal story!
[ I would welcome a chance to discuss details with you. I offer tailored coaching services to prepare you for your Academy interviews as well as for the entire application process. Contact me at [email protected] and/or 503.515.7406 ]
Advice for the service academy nomination interviews
Interviews for Top Jobs at United States Naval Academy
Budget Analyst Interview
I applied through other source. I interviewed at United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD) in Jun 2012
Interview
I was already working for a higher echelon in Washington, DC that had some connection with the USNA. Since the Academy was much closer to home for me, my supervisor connected me with the Deputy Comptroller here. She called me in to meet with her and the person I would be replacing due to their retirement and we talked about my current work in DC that was related to financial analytics. The meeting was only about 30 minutes long and very personable.
- Before I came for the interview, they asked me to send an example of some financial analysis I had done pertaining to any particular project. It was unexpected, but welcomed as I was happy to be able to prove myself with real data.
Music Teacher Interview
I applied in-person. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at United States Naval Academy (Bangalore)
Interview
first of all this is my first experience and interview against outdoor job, but this my best experience of my life to face such a tough thing and i’m so glad for this
- there is no such difficult or unexpected question because for this situation we learn and gain knowledge from academic side, that is why we have courage to stand in every difficulties
The rigorous “whole person” qualification process for admission to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis consists of an official government nomination, physical assessment, background screening and extensive medical exam. The number of potential nominations available for an applicant’s state and an interview with a “blue and gold officer” are factors considered when determining appointment. According to the Naval Academy website, of close to 17,000 applications processed annually, about 2,000 candidates are deemed fully qualified. About 1,500 applicants receive an early Letter of Assurance or Offer of Appointment, and around 1,200 of them will eventually become midshipmen.
A blue and gold officer located in your state of residence will conduct your interview on behalf of the Naval Academy. On June 1 before yu begin your senior year, you will be notified who your blue and gold officer is via the Naval Academy’s online Candidate Information System. Your officer should reach out to you to schedule your interview once you have completed at least a third of your application packet. You can find your state’s list of blue and gold officers and contact information in the “Admissions” section of the online catalog.
Tricia Chaves began her writing career after working in advertising and promotions for entertainment publisher “The New Times.” In 2005, she earned her real-estate salesperson license from the state of Ohio and certification for leasing and property management from the Northeast Ohio Apartment Association. She was certified as a life and weight-loss coach and master practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming in 2011.
Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Naval Academy and is programs and principles using its website and online catalog. Prepare a resume of your high school activities and make a copy of your admission essay to bring with you to your interview.
The interview may take place in your home, the officers home or other designated location and can last between a half hour and two hours. During your interview, the officer will get to know you better by asking questions about your motivation and interests, sports and activities, academic achievements, family military history and other topics. He’ll review the timeline and make sure you understand things like the honor concept and plebe summer obligations and discuss any interest you might have in the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Navy ROTC and the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation.
Educate yourself on all aspects of the cadet or midshipman experience, and then articulate why you are interested in this journey. A cadet must keep herself in top physical condition, meet all military standards throughout her training, and complete a Bachelor of Science degree, which includes an extensive core of curriculum. The interviewer will want to understand how your past and current performance demonstrates that you can succeed in this environment. Concrete examples, such as leading a money raising project for a school club, or completing your Eagle Scout project, will go a long way in convincing the interviewer of your qualifications.
Although your preparation can seem daunting, a candidate should simply start the process of digging into the details. First explore and be able to articulate your motivations. My recent blog, Why do you want to attend the US Air Force Academy?, discusses some good pointers around this BIG question. Telling your story is important.
As a candidate for the US Air Force Academy (USAFA), US Military Academy (USMA), US Naval Academy (USNA), US Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) or US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), you will undergo a number of interviews. Some may be in person and others may use the phone or a video platform. An interview will be conducted on the behalf of each service academy appointment that you seek. The BGO conducts the USNA evaluation. The AF Academy Liaison Officer (ALO) does the same for USAFA. Often, the Field Force Representative (FFR) conducts the USMA interview. The AAP, or Academy Admissions Partner, conducts the interview for USCGA. And, an admissions officer typically will interview candidates for USMMA.
“Tell me a little about yourself?” will be the start of a fulfilling experience and a successful interview. With preparation, you will be relaxed as you respond with a remarkable, personal story!
Remember, the interviewers job is to learn more about you and your motivations. The AF Liaision Officer (ALO) and BGO are not trying to trip you up or trick you into giving a bad answer . . . they truly hope for your best performance! As an ALO, I interviewed hundreds of candidates for the AF Academy. My goal was to do all that I could to make the experience a positive one for the student. Im sure your interviewer will do the same.
FAQ
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