Admissions Counselor

R

Raptor_Hopefull_2025

USAFA Appointee c/o 25
Joined
Mar 29, 2020
Messages
154
Would it be smart to see if I could meet with my Admissions Counselor over a video chat (zoom, google meet, etc.) to ask a few questions and kind of dive into my "stats" I guess you could call them and see what I could improve on before the package opens in July? I also feel like it is smart because it puts a face to the name, kind of shows how bad I want it, and just kind of gets my name out, and If Im not mistaken, the Admissions Counselor controls who gets LOAs correct? I'm just spit balling Ideas, any feedback or insight would be very much appreciated
 
"I also feel like it is smart because it puts a face to the name, kind of shows how bad I want it, and just kind of gets my name out" .......... there's a billboard up the way on the main highway, perhaps a full size head shot with your stats, that should work:)
 
I never contacted my Counselor unless there was a concern over my application. They don't control who gets LOAs. Simply calling to get your name and how bad you want it won't change the chances of receiving an appointment. You could try to see what you could improve on, but to be honest, these forums will tell you everything down to the smallest details of what they like to see In an applicant. You just have to look. I also don't think they're open to calls right now as their offices are closed. I've only been in contact with my counselor via email since quarantine started.
 
Hi!

Okay...in no semblance of order. No, admissions counselors have no control over LOA's. They are there to advise, assist, and inform the candidate as to their particular situations. I use them for queries I may have about a candidate's file: "I just learned "X", can we get that in their file, they just scored "YYY" on their SAT, I know the scores will take 3 weeks, can you put them in as a "tentative" if I send you a copy of the score results, etc."

A video chat...you could certainly email them and ask however I think the odds of that happening are extremely (with a HUGE E) remote. There are 10 counselors for the entire program. Or put more graphically, those 10 counselors cover all candidates, applicants, and queries from around the globe. And at the end of the day, your face won't be remembered, there are just too many. In Arizona alone, we had 241 candidates for the class of 2024 and we already have over 100 applicants for the class of 2025. What's that mean? That the counselors are BUSY!! SUPER BUSY!

There's plenty of solid information here on the forum to answer the questions you seek, plus with a little research, you'll probably find the answer to most of your questions. However, if you don't, then I'm here and so are many others that work this process every year. I'm an evaluator and mentor ALO so I know both sides.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Raptor_Hopefull_2025 said:
Would it be smart to see if I could meet with my Admissions Counselor over a video chat (zoom, google meet, etc.) to ask a few questions and kind of dive into my "stats" I guess you could call them and see what I could improve on before the package opens in July? I also feel like it is smart because it puts a face to the name, kind of shows how bad I want it, and just kind of gets my name out, and If Im not mistaken, the Admissions Counselor controls who gets LOAs correct? I'm just spit balling Ideas, any feedback or insight would be very much appreciated
Click to expand...

No.

Also, Admissions Counselors have zero input on who gets a Letter of Assurance.

Edit:
Beaten by a few seconds. Consider what @flieger83 advises, above. Mine is the Reader's Digest version.
 
There was a Zoom call couple of weeks back with USAFA admissions, look out for those opportunities to ask questions. I have seen USNA, UMSA having regular Facebook online events/chats, you can participate in them too.
 
You might make the exact opposite impression of what you think you are making. Memorable for all the wrong reasons. “That guy.”

It’s great to brainstorm ways to make yourself stand out with self-branding efforts, but a superb application will always be the key. Channel that energy into the foundational parts of your application(s).

Take the time to read every page, link and menu item on USAFA.edu. Most answers are there.
Do the same for all your nom sources.
Develop and research your alternate plans. Research all the SAs to ensure you can answer articulately about why/why not you applied to other SAs.
Build out your detailed timeline and action steps. Organize your tracking system, whether white board, folders, notebook, online spreadsheet.
Research the DODMERB website and read the menu items on the left side of the page. Read the Sticky posts at the top of the Nominations and DODMERB forums here on SAF.
Skim through this USAFA forum for common themes and advice.
Get cracking on your CFA preps so you can get a strong score and be done with it.

There is an enormous amount of legwork to be done to prepare what are likely to be multiple applications. The SA application process is a test in and of itself, demanding executive organization skills, attention to detail, perseverance, determination, flexibility, patience, and plenty of work that has nothing to do with getting your face and name known through video chat.

As I said above, good to brainstorm (spitball!) ways to stand out, but nothing beats preparing the very best application you can and submitting it in a timely fashion.
 
I echo the “wrong impression” line of thinking.

I remember DS (now a mid) emailing USAFA something one time during his application process. The answer he received back was a resounding “that Info is available here” type answer. He felt stupid. Lessons learned!

EVERYTHING you need to know is on SA’s website.

And on the application instructions.

And in the “instructions to candidates” once you are a candidate.

And your ALO.

And on admissions various archieved videos on their social media sights.

And if all that fails, a search here.

You really shouldn’t need to ever contact admissions, expect for file updates.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top