What does a MALO Interview mean for candidates?

pchoi619

10-Year Member
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
52
I just scheduled an interview with my local MALO Officer.

I understand that these interviews are not mandatory.

So, what does it mean for the candidate?

Does it mean that they are seriously considering you?

Does it mean that they find something unique about you?

Can anyone revert me to a thread or help me out with this question?

Any response will be welcome.
 
Each candidate who has opened a file is put into one of several categories indicating candidate potential.
Two of the categories are 'Risk' and 'Competitve'.
We are suppose to interview the Competitive candidates and we can interview the Risk candidates if we want to.
So - I'm going to guess that you are a Competitive candidate although your MALO may be interviewing his Risk candidates also.

Interviews are two-fold.
We learn more about the candidate and the candidate learns more about West Point.
We are the eyes for West Point. Someone can look totally wonderful on paper but in person they could be a whole different story.
We also want to make sure that they understand what going to West Point means. There are candidates who get to R-Day and don't fully understand what they are committing to and end up leaving.
It's not just a great academic school.
It's not just a free education.
It is a military school with strings attached to that free education.
Some kids come not understanding all that. So we make sure in the interview that they understand what West Point is and the service obligation after graduation.
 
I was curious, how would a MALO interview compare to the Squad Leader "interview" during SLS (as in, questions asked and value)?
 
buff81's description of a MALO interview is exactly how my cadet's interview was conducted. He was considered "competitive" so his MALO came to our home and met with him 45 minutes to an hour alone. Parents were not invited to participate. This was a chance for my cadet to catch the MALO up on Boys' State, grades, baseball, etc. There was an indepth discussion of West Point and my cadet's perception of it and what Army life is like. It was relaxed and my cadet enjoyed the one-on-one.
 
Thanks for the reply guys.

My parents were not questioned either and he more than anything, just clarified the basics and understandings of West Point, Just like he ^ ^ said.

Hopefully I'm competitive! I've been aching to go to the Point.
 
I was curious, how would a MALO interview compare to the Squad Leader "interview" during SLS (as in, questions asked and value)?

I am *not* sure about what I am about to say, BillSL, and I will defer to someone on here who has more insight, but what my DS said he was told by his Squad Leader at SLS is that that the interview -- really just a chat -- that DS and his Squad Leader had as part of SLS counted as his "interview" and he should not expect a MALO to contact him to do a redundant interview. MALOs, he was told, are swampd with interviews, and so the SLS interview is a way to alleviate some of that backlog.

As aptly stated by others above, the interview is essentially an opportunity to have someone on the "inside" at USMA attest to the fact that you can speak well, seem poised, seem to understand what you are getting yourself into, and aren't crazy. Right or wrong, that's the story my son got. Good luck! :thumb:
 
attest to the fact that you can speak well, seem poised, seem to understand what you are getting yourself into, and aren't crazy. Right or wrong, that's the story my son got. Good luck! :thumb:

Oh okay. Well, it makes sense.

Do you know if the MALO interview is really, really simple? I mean, the SL interview was just 1 page of questions... It was done in 10 minutes tops.

Well, it makes sense it's fast, for the SL has been with you the whole week. I was wondering if the MALO interview is quite the same?
 
I attended SLS and had the squad leader interview too. My MALO interview was much different. It was informal but very informative. He came to my house. It was 1 1/2 hours and he asked me questions making sure I knew what I was getting myself into. He asked me about leadership in general, "Why West Point?," the usual questions. Then he gave me the opportunity to ask him questions (it was one-on-one for the first hour) about his experiences and about West Point in general from a graduate's perspective. After that, he invited my parents in to ask questions they might have. I really liked the opportunity to talk to someone who had experienced West Point and was in the civilian sector.
 
I attended SLS and had the squad leader interview too. My MALO interview was much different. It was informal but very informative. He came to my house. It was 1 1/2 hours and he asked me questions making sure I knew what I was getting myself into. He asked me about leadership in general, "Why West Point?," the usual questions. Then he gave me the opportunity to ask him questions (it was one-on-one for the first hour) about his experiences and about West Point in general from a graduate's perspective. After that, he invited my parents in to ask questions they might have. I really liked the opportunity to talk to someone who had experienced West Point and was in the civilian sector.

Thanks cj131222. So you had both SL and MALO interviews. Did you initiate the MALO interview, or did he/she contact you?
 
He contacted me. However, if you haven't been contacted by your MALO, it would probably be a good idea to seek him/her out. They can be a great resource, even if you don't have a one-on-one interview, I'm sure they would answer any questions you had over the phone. It is good to get your name out there if you're proactive about your application.
 
I was originally an applicant for 2015 and had both the SLS interview and the MALO interview last year, I believe sometime in August. I was also contacted by my MALO because I was "competitive". My interview was somewhat different from those described above, as my parents were present for the entire interview. The content was similar, but it is definitely a bit unnerving to have your parents listen to your answers - not necessarily bad but I know I'm always more conscious of my speech and conduct when my parents are present. There is a similar sheet that the MALO fills out, front and back, and sends to West Point about your abilities in different areas. My interview lasted over 2 hours and was an incredible experience - my MALO ended up being my best support network when I was dealing with medical waivers and ultimately disqualification last year.
 
Back
Top