Stealth's story is so true. The most important thing about it is, even if you have the "Most INVOLVED" ALO in the country; Like Flieger; this is still YOUR application. It's YOUR Future. It's YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. I always thought that I was pretty involved with my applicants. That's why I spend so much time on these forums. I do care. But no matter how much I care, I CAN'T do the application, CFE, DODMRB, SAT/ACT, get your teacher's recommendation, school profile/transcript/etc.
Much is said about how important the ALO interview/report is. Truth is, it's very important. But I can tell you first hand, if your ALO contacts you for the interview, to chat, etc. and they ask how you're coming along with the application process, your interview/report will be dramatically improved if you can show that you've taken the initiative to get "EVERYTHING" completed. When the ALO sees that all you need is their interview/report, they recognize your commitment.
So in the end, it's nice if your ALO can be a mentor or a coach. But like stealth said, they aren't necessary if you are responsible for your application. Especially in the context of this forum. An environment where there is NOTHING that you could possibly need to know to assist you with the application, that you can't find right here. For the 95+% who don't visit this forum, the ALO may be more important to them. They may be overwhelmed by the process. But anyone reading these posts....... you have no excuses. If you don't receive an appointment, it's not because your ALO wasn't involved or to help you with questions. You can get all of that right here. It was simply because your application wasn't good enough. And even with a more involved ALO, the results would probably have been the same.
So take advantage of this forum. The posters here are other applicants, past applicants, current cadets and alumni, parents, and even ALO's. Of course, if you don't want to hear me pi$$ and moan, make sure you always use the SEARCH feature of this forum first. Chances are, you'll find 2,534,521 posts on the topic you have questions about. But if you don't find a satisfactory answer, definitely ask. Someone here DOES HAVE THE ANSWER. Best of luck