It can. After you apply for summer seminar, there comes out an online printout to the applicable ALO with their "Summer Seminar Applicants". There is a place in this online app for the ALO to make comments. Similar to their interview with you for the actual application, but much less formal and generic in nature.
Now; the ALO comments are totally voluntary. Meaning, the ALO doesn't have to meet with the summer seminar applicant, and the ALO doesn't have to fill out anything online. Some ALO's, feel that by interviewing and providing online feedback, that it actually "Helps" the summer seminar applicant. That's debatable, but a thought. Also; the interview gives the ALO a chance to get to know you, and you him/her. Also, it makes the next interview easier. It also gives you a chance to ask your ALO questions about what classes to take senior year and extra curricular activities; as well as any other questions.
Me personally; I simply called my 2 summer seminar applicants and talked to them on the phone for about 20 minutes each. Talked about who they are; what their goals are; their plans for senior year; their history; anything that makes them stand out (Diverse) from other applicants; (e.g. economics, single parent, working numerous jobs, 1st in family to apply to college, bi-lingual, hardships, rural/farm life, etc...). I then filled out a couple of paragraphs in the online application. I figure it couldn't hurt. Plus, it allows me a chance to get to know the applicant for when I do their official interview for the application. Hope this explains it. mike....