I prefer to NOT have the parents involved; it's just my method. After all, it's the student that is interested in the academy and I want to hear what they have to say.
Also...parents being there can be both a blessing and a curse. In MANY instances it's great: the parents are totally supportive and we have a great interview. However SOMETIMES the parents involve themselves in the interview, and can actually become a distraction for both me and their student.
Also some parents place pressure on their student by being there...and that's NOT what I want. I assume the candidate is a bit nervous; that's to be expected, but if the parent being there causes issues, it can only harm the candidate and potentially detract from their interview.
That being said, I will conduct the interview ANYPLACE the candidate requires with ONE proviso: if the candidate is female, we will hold the interview at school where we can be seen, or at the home with the parents in attendance. I do not know ONE ALO that will conduct an interview of an opposite gender candidate "privately."
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83