How to Do Well on Your Blue and Gold Officer (BGO) Interview

Written By Chad Theriault

The Blue and Gold Officer interview is an important part of the Naval Academy admissions process. While it won’t make or break your application on its own, it carries enormous weight in showing who you are beyond grades and test scores. BGOs are looking for future leaders of character—not rehearsed answers.

The best advice: be authentic, genuine, and energetic. Let your motivation shine through naturally.

Here are five focus areas to help you excel:

1. Be Authentic in Your Motivation

  • Speak honestly about why you want to attend the Naval Academy and serve as a naval officer.

  • Avoid generic statements (“I want to serve my country”) unless you back them up with personal experiences.

  • Share specific moments—sports, leadership roles, challenges—that shaped your decision.

2. Show Genuine Leadership and Initiative

  • Highlight leadership roles (team captain, club officer, job responsibility, JROTC, etc.).

  • Don’t just list titles—describe how you led people, solved problems, or made a difference.

  • Use stories to illustrate leadership, rather than reciting a resume.

3. Demonstrate Energy and Enthusiasm

  • BGOs want to see if you’ll bring drive and positivity to the Brigade of Midshipmen.

  • Sit up straight, smile, and speak with conviction.

  • Show that you’re excited about the challenge of the Naval Academy and a career of service.

4. Be Honest About Challenges and Growth

  • Share a time you failed, struggled, or had to overcome adversity.

  • Emphasize what you learned and how it shaped your character.

  • BGOs respect resilience and humility—it shows maturity and self-awareness.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

  • Show that you’ve researched the Academy and Navy/Marine Corps service.

  • Ask your BGO about their experiences, lessons learned, or advice.

  • This shows curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to learn—not just “checking a box.”

Final Tip:
The BGO interview isn’t about perfection—it’s about potential. If you’re authentic, genuine, and energetic, you’ll leave a strong impression that you’re ready to lead at the Naval Academy.

Our interview preparation EXPERTS will help you perfect these 5 focus areas!

Chad Theriault