ALO interview

To tell you the truth im still not sure how my parents changed their minds. I remember there was so much tension between me and my parents when I first mentioned going into the Air Force through ROTC. Then for some reason after summer seminar at usafa and the workshop, they magically changed. My dad was literally encouraging me to go, and my mom, although still skeptical, accepts it and encouraged me on in her way as well.

BTW to get a better view of the tension, my dad screamed at me several times when I mentioned anything related to ROTC and Air Force. He even threatened to ground me and cancel my membership at my gym. My parents even tried to get coworkers who were in the military to tell me the bad sides of it and hopefully convince me otherwise. It didn't work lol. :biggrin:
 
ALO Questions

I had my ALO interview today and was asked many basic questions. (I wasn't given any trick questions. None of them had right or wrong answers) :thumb: Here's some of the questions i was asked: Why do you want to be an Air Force Officer? What are your strengths/weaknesses? Did your parents pressure you into this? Have you ever had a time when you failed at something? What kind of leader are you? Describe yourself. Have you had a time when you were really stressed out, had many things to get done and couldn't possibly complete them all? (aka can you handle the academy stress load) Do you think the honor code is reasonable and do you agree with it? and other questions along that line. Hope that helps!! :wink:
 
Jarvin, they probably saw you left as a child and came back as an adult. We saw that with DS when he did NYLF, he left a quiet young man, and came back confident and outgoing. Thus, they now see the positive. It also might have been someone who said an off the wall remark like all you are doing is pushing him away, and that scared them. The thought of you joining the AF they could live with the thought that if the AFA accepted you and you never coming home again was something they couldn't live with.
 
I didn't want to say it, and it turns out that Christcorp said it better than I ever could have.

But remember, some people just can't be reasoned with on certain things, and somethings aren't worth arguing about; but you can find other ways of convincing them you might be able to bring them over to your side.

Use ChristCorps examples!

If they see that going to the Academy is something that you REALLY want to do then they SHOULD support you.

Christcorp said:
I'm not one for "Conning" parents. Well,,,,,, maybe I am. Anyway; if she's such an extremist to have locked you and your father out of the house, then reasoning with her about it being "your" decision probably isn't going to help. But what you might try is coming at it from a different position.

1. Make sure that she knows that you are also actively applying to other traditional colleges. (You are, Right?) The academy isn't a guarantee, and I emphasize that every person applying to the academy should also be applying to some big name schools. Not just state U. Nothing against state; but if you think; and are; qualified to be attending the air force academy; then you're qualified to be at Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Brown, etc... Anyway; let her realize that you are taking your education seriously.

2. Mention often how only approximately 14% of those applying to the air force academy will get in. Let her know that these are the same stats as many of the Ivy League schools. And that you understand that your chances of getting in are slim. It will at least realize that you are quite aware of process, odds, and commitment of attending the air force academy.

3. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Emphasize the FACT that you realize that you are still a young man, and that what you "Think" you might like or want today, could possibly change in the future. And emphasize the FACT that the academy realizes this also; and allows any cadet up to 2 FULL YEARS to realize that this might not be for you. You are free to leave at any time up to 2 years. And that you haven't wasted anything, because your credits can transfer to another school if the academy doesn't work out.

What is so important, is that you show your mom through words and actions that you are reviewing your educational options maturely and not only out of emotions. If you show her and ask her assistance with some of the other college applications; she will realize that she can't really complain about your thought process.

Don't try and argue with her about this being YOUR LIFE. Trust me; that means very little coming out of a teenager's mouth when as parents, we have seen ALL OF YOU change your mind about things at least 10 times a day. (And don't take offense; we parents did the exact same thing when we were your age). Instead, you need to SHOW her that you understand your educational and career opportunities and options. Leave a lot of civilian universities AND Air Force Academy literature around. Let her see all of it. Let her see scratch paper work sheets where you are figuring out the COST of the civilian schools; VS the 9 year commitment of the academy. Let he SEE that you aren't taking any of this lightly. Don't TELL her this; it doesn't count. You have to show her, WITHOUT ACTUALLY SHOWING HER. And again, DON'T FORGET TO ASK HER ASSISTANCE with the college applications, essays, recommendations, filling out financials, etc... Best of luck... Mike.....
Click to expand...
 
hard on the parents

We were very supportive of the kid's pursuit of USAFA. He'd dreamed about it for years, we reconciled ourselves to the military lifestyle he would lead, lack of freedom, etc. We have no military background whatsoever, but knew several Academy graduates and just flat liked the type of people that the academy put out. So, we were 100% supportive of him going to a service academy ...

until the day the West Point literature started showing up. Then pictures of our kid leading a platoon bashing down doors in Baghdad flashed through our heads. We became 150% supportive of him going to USAFA! Our excuse was his math/science skill set and his love of all things airplane, but frankly, we were just being hypocritical parents wanting to protect the kid as best we could.

He's having a "great time" he says in BCT, he loves it, and never applied to West Point. So, don't be too hard on the folks, sooner or later, they'll come around.

-D

PS - as we were dropping him off at In-Processing, wife said - "you know, this would be easier if we weren't dropping him off at the gates of hell". I told her hell had had quite a facelift!
 
All right, it's been a while since this thread was posted on, and it's about that time again. Does anybody have any advice?
 
Because ALO's are getting more and more applicants than in past years, there are a lot more applications being processed through the academy. In a round about way, ALO's have been told to hold the applicants more responsible. Because of so many applicants, ALO's are holding off on doing the form 4060 (Which goes to the academy), and doing interviews with applicants, until they have shown that they have basically completed as much of their application as possible. EXAMPLES: Many ALOs will hold off on doing an interview or filling out the 4060 If an applicant's SAT/ACT still makes them ineligible; if they haven't put in to have their DODMRB medical done; if they haven't done their CFA yet; if they haven't completed the online portion of the application yet; etc...But obviously, each ALO is different.

Most ALO's are volunteers; even active duty who's it's their primary job. They wanted this. But almost all ALO's active/retired/civilian have other work to do. I.e. Coddling applicants is not their full time job.

So, my advise is: "Blow your ALO away with your initiative and commitment. Impress them. If your application is completed sooner than the other ALO's applicants, the ALO will notice that. When you send them emails, and you're polite, professional, and MATURE; they will notice that. In other words, take charge of your application and your appointment. An ALO shouldn't have to tell an applicant or remind them to "Retake" their ACT/SAT to improve their scores. Let your ALO know that you are already doing this. Let your ALO know where you stand with your CFA, DODMRB, Teacher's recs, and the rest of your application. Make your ALO realize that YOU are in charge of your application.

Anyone posting/reading this forum has the advantage. You are getting getting advice and knowledge from a very large source. The average applicant is sitting there doing their application piece meal. Their ALO usually has to remind them of things. When your ALO and you speak, you need to be able to say: "That's already taken care of sir/ma'am". Hope this helps. mike.
 
What are some good questions to ask the ALOs? I don't want to sound like a smart ass saying that I know everything but I honestly don't have any questions at the moment since all the ones that I had have been answered. I know that it is beneficial to have to questions because it shows interest so I was just wondering whether someone has topics or questions that I should ask to learn more about.
 
Well, if you're truly interested in the academy, then we can assume that you're interested in the air force as a career. "At least 5 years worth". That means you obviously have some ambition has to "What you want to be when you grow up". ALO's are military members first. They weren't always ALO's. They do know what the "REAL Air Force" is like. Ask them about different AFSC's (Jobs). Mention what type of work you want to try for, and ask them the type of degree they recommend you go for. "Basically asking advice". If you're interested in possibly making the military a long career, and eventually may get married, ask them how their family's liked the military.

Not trying to have you play a psych game with your ALO, but I have to assume that you spoke with SOMEONE who was in the military once upon a time. You couldn't have simply decided you wanted to go to the academy and serve as a commissioned officer. Ask questions to your ALO the same way you would if you had an uncle that was retired military.

Realize too, not all ALO's went to the academy. I didn't go to the academy. I was a non Commissioned Officer. My son's ALO, who happened to be my commanding officer when I was still in the air force wasn't from the academy. She came in OTS. Ask about the air force in general. Maybe you've got some concerns about the recent news of cut backs in military spending.

Point is: Just as an ALO was to get to know the REAL YOU, they also don't want you to try and be a kiss a$s. You're obviously interested in the academy and the military. Hopefully you're PASSIONATE about it. Let her/him see that passion. Your ALO interview is the "Job Interview" of a life time. Treat it as such. "Why are you so excited about working for "MY COMPANY", and why should I HIRE YOU"? Hopefully you wouldn't go to a job interview and be "SHY". An interview is your opportunity to show why you should be given the job of a life time. "An Appointment". Best of luck. Mike....
 
A question that came up at interview with ALO:
What would he (the ALO) have done differently while he was at the Academy?

That generated discussions that my DS remembers to this day and refers to quite often.
 
lisah said:
A question that came up at interview with ALO:
What would he (the ALO) have done differently while he was at the Academy?

That generated discussions that my DS remembers to this day and refers to quite often.
Click to expand...

Hi,

Thank very much for your comment. It help me to think about for my ideals.




Tks again.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ds hasn't heard from his interviewer yet.... He's called and left messages...Afa says he is listed as candidate ....anyone know what's going on...DS is worried because he is leaving for college on Saturday.
 
jagabiti said:
Ds hasn't heard from his interviewer yet.... He's called and left messages...Afa says he is listed as candidate ....anyone know what's going on...DS is worried because he is leaving for college on Saturday.
Click to expand...

Interviewer? You mean the interview with their ALO? Well, if that's what you mean, ALO's aren't being directed to give interviews until the candidate has accomplished at least 3 of 5 areas in their application. (Not sure exactly the number of sections. But it's a certain percentage of their application). At that point, the ALO will be given a date by which they must complete the interview and fill out the paperwork (form 4060) and have it turned into the academy. That's usually up to 60 days out. So; assuming your son has finished the minimum required amount of the application by say today; the ALO would have until October to do an interview and fill out the paperwork.

so, has your son contacted his ALO? What have they said? If you never hear from your ALO, then you probably need to contact your admissions counselor and let them know, or go to the admissions site and look up who your LOD (Your ALO's Boss) is. Contact them. Hope this explains some. Mike....
 
This is explained in the booklet that Academy Admissions provided with your Candidate Kit (online). It is called "Instructions to Candidates" and you were required to read it as the first item on your checklist. It tells you where the ALO interview will take place on page 6.
 
bman2907 said:
this may seem like a dumb question, but where do the interviews take place?
Click to expand...

All interviews this year are 'virtual'. They will be via Skype or FaceTime or some similar mechanism. You should choose a quiet space where you aren't interrupted with a benign background. Dress as if you are meeting them in person. Make sure you have a good internet connection.
 
I had my ALO interview this Wednesday and it was totally not what I was expecting.
I know a mother who has a son at USNA, and she emailed me some of the questions she used to practice with her son along with questions that he was asked during the actual interview. She said that her son was grilled by the officer and that his interview was extremely serious and tough.
I, of course, became nervous about what my ALO may ask me or if he'd be as cold as the Naval officer the mother described. I had multiple relatives and teachers interview me. They asked me a couple of the questions I provided and also some entirely new ones. Suddenly my ALO interview rolls around. Since the interview is all done online via skype or google hangouts, my parents left the house 30mins before the interview was scheduled so I could prepare and have a quiet environment to speak in.
I was extremely nervous for my interview. I dressed nicely, in a modest dress and heels even though the ALO never saw my feet.:shake: I was expecting to be grilled like the USNA mom described her son's interview, but I was wrong. My ALO was really nice and welcoming. Before starting the interview he gave me some background information about himself and his experience as an ALO. His persona really eased my nerves and I was able to answer every question without almost having a mini heart attack. From my point of view, I think I did well on the interview and I owe that success to preparing and practicing.
I guess the moral of the story is to prep for the worst. Try to find some extremely challenging interview questions and practice. It's even better if your parents come up with some difficult questions and ask you on the spot so you learn to respond to unexpected questions.
 
Here are a list of some of the questions that I practiced with:
1) What interested you in the Air Force Academy?
2)Why did you choose USAFA over all the other academies?
3) What do you expect from the academy or a career as an officer in the military
4)What has prepared you to attend a service academy?
5)What has been the single most important job or event in your life that has prepared you to attend a service academy?
6) How will you handle the rigors of the academic and military training at an academy?
7) How do you interpret the duties of an officer?
8)Name one person you most admire and would like to emulate.
9)In the military, you may be asked to serve in a war, the basis for which, you may not agree. How will you reconcile your feelings with your duty?
10)There is a high attrition rate among those who enter the academies, what are your thoughts on this?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top