interview with the senator
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Just_A_Mom
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go to the nominations forum and do a search on interviews. There is lots of good discussion on what to expect - from what to wear to possible questions.
good luck to him.
good luck to him.
pinkharley99
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In a nut shell....
My daughter's interview lasted 10 minutes and 5 of those minutes the interviewer was on the phone. The 2 questions she was asked (1) Why do you want to go to the academy and (2) what has been the most memorable moment in your life.
Other interviews ranged from 2 minutes to 30 minutes.
Dress ranged from uniform (for National Guardsmen) to casual khakis and button down (with tie) to suits. Your choice, be yourself
Good luck. Hope to see you on the appointment thread in the near future
My daughter's interview lasted 10 minutes and 5 of those minutes the interviewer was on the phone. The 2 questions she was asked (1) Why do you want to go to the academy and (2) what has been the most memorable moment in your life.
Other interviews ranged from 2 minutes to 30 minutes.
Dress ranged from uniform (for National Guardsmen) to casual khakis and button down (with tie) to suits. Your choice, be yourself
Good luck. Hope to see you on the appointment thread in the near future
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Be yourself. If you have what it's got to be here, they'll see that. Tell him to calm down. They know that a 17/18 year old is going to be nervous, seeing as this interview could make or break their dreams. Every person going in there will be nervous. But if he acts composed and ready, he'll stand out.
They are most certainly going to ask something along the lines of "why do you want to go there? What compells you to serve your country? Why not USMA/USNA/USAFA/etc.? What do you think of the Honor Code? What are your best/worst qualities? Why do you think you can cut it at such a difficult institution?"
Be prepared for those questions, but don't answer in a robot voice just rambling off some memorized speech.
again, if he just shows who h really is, he'll be fine.
They are most certainly going to ask something along the lines of "why do you want to go there? What compells you to serve your country? Why not USMA/USNA/USAFA/etc.? What do you think of the Honor Code? What are your best/worst qualities? Why do you think you can cut it at such a difficult institution?"
Be prepared for those questions, but don't answer in a robot voice just rambling off some memorized speech.
again, if he just shows who h really is, he'll be fine.
Christcorp
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Excellent advice. Pink and Packer are dead on. There is no definites when it comes to interviews. Each rep is different each has their own sense of what's important. When my son did his ALO interview, it was 5 minutes after doing his CFA. So he did his interview in sweatpants and a t-shirt. When he did one of his MOC interviews, it was a "Pre-Interview" at a football practice in a dirty practice uniform. "Never had to do a real interview because he received a presidential nomination and appointment prior to the scheduled MOC interviews.
But each interviewer is different. Some care more about the "Why should I choose you over the other 20+ applying". Some care more about the candidate as an individual and their accomplishments. Some were in the military themselves, and want to know what you bring to the military branch of service. There are no "What can I expect" answers. But like packer mentioned; "BE YOURSELF". That's what it's all about. Sincerity; integrity; pride; confidence; enthusiasm; etc... That's what they are looking for. No matter what the questions or format, this is the common denominator. Best of luck. mike.....
But each interviewer is different. Some care more about the "Why should I choose you over the other 20+ applying". Some care more about the candidate as an individual and their accomplishments. Some were in the military themselves, and want to know what you bring to the military branch of service. There are no "What can I expect" answers. But like packer mentioned; "BE YOURSELF". That's what it's all about. Sincerity; integrity; pride; confidence; enthusiasm; etc... That's what they are looking for. No matter what the questions or format, this is the common denominator. Best of luck. mike.....
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My son did about 3 practice interviews with some of my husband's coworkers before his and that was the biggest thing he was told too. They told him he was giving great answers, but he had to sound like he meant them and believed in what he was saying, not just giving a canned response. I really think the practice interviews helped - he said at the senator interviews so many of the kids just looked terrified and he felt confident and that he wasn't asked anything he wasn't expecting.
raimius
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Be prepared for the general questions: Why USAFA? Why the AF? Best/Worst qualities, tough learning experience, etc. What do you want after graduation?
The oddest one I had was "What was the best book you have read in the last year?"
You never know what you'll get, exactly.
The oddest one I had was "What was the best book you have read in the last year?"
You never know what you'll get, exactly.
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I would suggest reading The Air Force Academy Candidate Book, as well as, setting up a few mock interviews. I haven't had my interviews yet but just try to turn your nervousness into passion about what you are saying. Good Luck!!
Pima
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The most important thing IMHO is to let him understand they realize he is 17 or 18, and that he might be nervous. When he accepts that it will calm him down. Tell him they already know he is the top of the top, so that is in his favor.
Second, follow his lead, if he wants to be silent in the car let him, if he brings up anything discussing the interview, talk about it, otherwise ask him where he wants to go out for lunch.
The interview committee typically asks the questions about why X service, when did you decide, what will you do if you get no appointment, and current events. As far as the candidate book, or reading about famous AF people, etc., I wouldn't waste my time unless it is something you want to learn about. They don't expect you to know the Airmen's Creed or the 1st graduating class from the AFA. They are looking at you from an overall perspective, they want to know that you are the most likely candidate to be commissioned in 14. They know that in 1 month from getting there you will have the Airmen's Creed down pat.
Second, follow his lead, if he wants to be silent in the car let him, if he brings up anything discussing the interview, talk about it, otherwise ask him where he wants to go out for lunch.
The interview committee typically asks the questions about why X service, when did you decide, what will you do if you get no appointment, and current events. As far as the candidate book, or reading about famous AF people, etc., I wouldn't waste my time unless it is something you want to learn about. They don't expect you to know the Airmen's Creed or the 1st graduating class from the AFA. They are looking at you from an overall perspective, they want to know that you are the most likely candidate to be commissioned in 14. They know that in 1 month from getting there you will have the Airmen's Creed down pat.