ALO Response and Interview Scheduling

[VintageRoj]

Currently I am a candidate for USAFA, and am about to complete all of the required forms. About three weeks ago I sent my first email to my ALO to introduce myself and to ask about a potential interview date.

I haven't received any word back from the ALO. I understand that ALO's have a lot in their schedules, and often might not respond for weeks at a time. However I am beginning to get worried since my rolling deadline is in early November.

Should I continue to contact him? Or should I wait a little longer for a response?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[GoCubbies]

Currently I am a candidate for USAFA, and am about to complete all of the required forms. About three weeks ago I sent my first email to my ALO to introduce myself and to ask about a potential interview date.

I haven't received any word back from the ALO. I understand that ALO's have a lot in their schedules, and often might not respond for weeks at a time. However I am beginning to get worried since my rolling deadline is in early November.

Should I continue to contact him? Or should I wait a little longer for a response?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

My DD is in the same boat. However, as she and I reviewed on her portal a couple days ago, that rolling deadline is only for your application to be completed less DODMERB qualification, nomination, and ALO evaluator interview. Your application won't be closed so long as it's only the 3 items that are still pending.

 

[kinnem]

Currently I am a candidate for USAFA, and am about to complete all of the required forms. About three weeks ago I sent my first email to my ALO to introduce myself and to ask about a potential interview date.

I haven't received any word back from the ALO. I understand that ALO's have a lot in their schedules, and often might not respond for weeks at a time. However I am beginning to get worried since my rolling deadline is in early November.

Should I continue to contact him? Or should I wait a little longer for a response?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

He might be waiting for you to complete the forms, or some percentage of them. There is no point in them wasting their time on someone who isn't going to complete, or at least get close to completing, their application.

 

[Finsup]

Remember, you now (as of last year) have 2 different ALOs.

The first will be a Mentor ALO, they are there to answer questions and help you thru the process. They will NOT interview you. They also have many other candidates, and my impression is that their response is proportional to the amount of work done by the student. According to my DSs ALO, only about 25% of candidates every finish their application enough to even get to the interview.

After you complete a majority of the application (ie everything you have control of, like GoCubbies mentioned), you will be temporarily reassigned an Interview ALO. Their job is just that, to interview you.

After the interview is completed, you will be back with your mentor ALO to be there for any further questions.

This is the new process as best I understand it, please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[BrotherhoodofSteel]

This thread is a bit old, but wanted to follow up on this to clarify.

Does this mean that, you must first submit all other application part two forms (CFA, Writing, DODMERB, Drug and Alcohol, etc.) before you can schedule an interview with your ALO? Additionally, is this interview is the interview for USAFA or is there a different interview with a board for USAFA? I am aware there are also interviews for congressional nominations, but I was just looking for clarification specifically for the USAFA application. Appreciate the help!

 

[shiner]

As you can imagine, interviews do take time. USAFA wants to ensure they are using their ALO resources efficiently and ask that the candidate complete several parts of the admissions paperwork before scheduling the candidate for an interview. You want to interview the serious applicants.
You could encounter 2 different ALOs - the one assigned to your high school, and the one that will conduct the candidate interview. The candidate interview is the one and only personal interview that will be documented and sent to the admissions board. The concept of an interviewing ALO is/was new within the last two admissions cycles. The change was in response to a need to balance the workload on ALOs in very competitive districts, and even out the number of write-ups and interviews each are performing.

The candidate can always contact the ALO assigned to your high school. Think of them as your trusted adviser. This engagement could start as early as the candidate wants to reach out - 8th grade.... or the 12th grade. It all depends on the candidate, and the level of activity could also depend on the bandwidth of the ALO.

The interviewing ALO will be assigned, and you will not know in advance who that is. It is often someone from out of state, and you will have one meeting with them (barring any need for follow-up questions from them to you).

The second interview you may be thinking about is the nomination board from your member of Congress (MOC). This board is typically comprised of Service Academy Graduates, and they can personally interview the candidates. Some MOC do not have in person interviews. The feedback from this board typically stays with the MOC office and is not funneled up to the SA.

 

[nms2024]

This thread is a bit old, but wanted to follow up on this to clarify.

Does this mean that, you must first submit all other application part two forms (CFA, Writing, DODMERB, Drug and Alcohol, etc.) before you can schedule an interview with your ALO? Additionally, is this interview is the interview for USAFA or is there a different interview with a board for USAFA? I am aware there are also interviews for congressional nominations, but I was just looking for clarification specifically for the USAFA application. Appreciate the help!

From my experience, this was the only interview completed for the USAFA application itself. I don't want to put false information out there but what my interview ALO told me was that the interview wouldn't be do or die, but just for a chance to see who you are as a person. He told me that the admissions board will look at his notes and simply see that you have quality as a person and would fit in with the academy lifestyle. Again, I don't want to downplay the importance of the interview, as it is very important, but more so to be able to evaluate the whole person, rather than just your accomplishments on paper.

 

[HawkeyeMom]

This thread is a bit old, but wanted to follow up on this to clarify.

Does this mean that, you must first submit all other application part two forms (CFA, Writing, DODMERB, Drug and Alcohol, etc.) before you can schedule an interview with your ALO? Additionally, is this interview is the interview for USAFA or is there a different interview with a board for USAFA? I am aware there are also interviews for congressional nominations, but I was just looking for clarification specifically for the USAFA application. Appreciate the help!

DD's evaluator ALO's name did not appear in her portal until everything else was completed on her application.

 

[PositiveEnergy]

DD's evaluator ALO's name did not appear in her portal until everything else was completed on her application.

I was deemed a competitive candidate just a week or so ago. On the pdf congratulating me and on that was the name and phone number of my ALO. I understand this isn't the ALO that will interview me, but what is the purpose of this ALO? Is this ALO just meant to answer any questions I have? My father is a USAFA grad so I've just been going to him, this forum, and reddit with any of the questions I have with the application.

 

[HawkeyeMom]

I was deemed a competitive candidate just a week or so ago. On the pdf congratulating me and on that was the name and phone number of my ALO. I understand this isn't the ALO that will interview me, but what is the purpose of this ALO? Is this ALO just meant to answer any questions I have? My father is a USAFA grad so I've just been going to him, this forum, and reddit with any of the questions I have with the application.

You are correct; the liaison ALO is meant to be a resource to answer questions you may have and is a different person than your evaluator ALO.

 

[PositiveEnergy]

You are correct; the liaison ALO is meant to be a resource to answer questions you may have and is a different person than your evaluator ALO.

Is there any point in talking to this one right now? I get asking questions but I seem to be getting around pretty well when I look on the forums and if I'm not being interviewed by this one I don't see why I should be contacting this one. Right now my biggest thing is waiting for July for my deadlines, it's killing me that it's so far away. I want to get this application done as much as I can right now, I'm very eager to get a response from USAFA as it's my dream school times like 10x.

I've never really applied myself in school too much getting a pretty avg GPA and such. Although I've taken all honors/AP classes, I just never really tried to strive for that A as I didn't really have a school in mind so I just sat in limbo. That was until the spring of sophomore year when I went to USAFA to see the cadet chapel while we were on a ski trip. While on campus I got this weird feeling about it like I could see myself there someday. When I got home from the trip and began to look into the school and began to see they had a very good computer science program, this combined with their outstanding cyber security and the ability to become an officer after graduation made it seem like the perfect school.

Since then I've been working my tail end off trying to make up for my shortcomings I had the first two years. I've managed to get my practice SAT scores up to a 1450 and now that they're pushed to August I'm gonna try to aim for 1500. I'm hoping to get my nomination through the presidential nomination (dad has 19 years active duty). I've been doing marching band since freshman year and sophomore year I started the swim, indoor percussion, and track. In marching band and indoor percussion is one of the primary leaders who help to coordinate everything, I'm also part of leadership for computer science club and dungeons and dragons club. Currently, I'm trying to bring the Computer Science Honor Society to our school with help from the computer science teacher but it will not be done in time for my senior year/application due to the lengthy process of starting an honor society. I'm not too worried about the CFA but I'm 6 foot and weigh 133 so something like the pushups and pullups seems a bit challenging at the moment but I know I'll be able to get there by the time I take it. I'm hoping for the best when I turn in the application, I know they do a whole person mentality and I hope they are able to see the type of person I am today is different from that kid a year ago. If I do not get an appointment into the class of 2025 then I will continue to apply until I either age out or I get accepted (I plan of going to a 4 year and joining ROTC if I don't get in this year but will submit next time).

 

[HawkeyeMom]

Is there any point in talking to this one right now? I get asking questions but I seem to be getting around pretty well when I look on the forums and if I'm not being interviewed by this one I don't see why I should be contacting this one. Right now my biggest thing is waiting for July for my deadlines, it's killing me that it's so far away. I want to get this application done as much as I can right now, I'm very eager to get a response from USAFA as it's my dream school times like 10x.

I've never really applied myself in school too much getting a pretty avg GPA and such. Although I've taken all honors/AP classes, I just never really tried to strive for that A as I didn't really have a school in mind so I just sat in limbo. That was until the spring of sophomore year when I went to USAFA to see the cadet chapel while we were on a ski trip. While on campus I got this weird feeling about it like I could see myself there someday. When I got home from the trip and began to look into the school and began to see they had a very good computer science program, this combined with their outstanding cyber security and the ability to become an officer after graduation made it seem like the perfect school.

Since then I've been working my tail end off trying to make up for my shortcomings I had the first two years. I've managed to get my practice SAT scores up to a 1450 and now that they're pushed to August I'm gonna try to aim for 1500. I'm hoping to get my nomination through the presidential nomination (dad has 19 years active duty). I've been doing marching band since freshman year and sophomore year I started the swim, indoor percussion, and track. In marching band and indoor percussion is one of the primary leaders who help to coordinate everything, I'm also part of leadership for computer science club and dungeons and dragons club. Currently, I'm trying to bring the Computer Science Honor Society to our school with help from the computer science teacher but it will not be done in time for my senior year/application due to the lengthy process of starting an honor society. I'm not too worried about the CFA but I'm 6 foot and weigh 133 so something like the pushups and pullups seems a bit challenging at the moment but I know I'll be able to get there by the time I take it. I'm hoping for the best when I turn in the application, I know they do a whole person mentality and I hope they are able to see the type of person I am today is different from that kid a year ago. If I do not get an appointment into the class of 2025 then I will continue to apply until I either age out or I get accepted (I plan of going to a 4 year and joining ROTC if I don't get in this year but will submit next time).

There is no need to contact him if you have no questions. You sound like a great kid who is motivated and talented!

 

[flieger83]

I'm going to toss in an opposing opinion.

"There's no need to contact him if you have no questions..." Well...on the surface that sounds fine but...

I've been an ALO for over 25 years. In the past several years our roles have changed however...the first ALO is the "mentor ALO." Their mission is to smooth any issues, to be a source of information (up to date and current, a graduate from 10 or more years ago, unless they're working at USAFA, or are an ALO, with respect, they do not know the admissions process now.) ALO's are kept up to date annually.

In addition, one of the most valuable services a good ALO can offer is interview prep. I probably do 20-40 "Interview Preps" each year. I have served for 10+ years on my both MOC and Senator's nomination panels, I know the type questions that are asked, I can prep a candidate with things they probably have never thought about. I can also do a "simulated Form 4060 Interview" especially since I'm one of those dual-hatted ALO's, I'm both a "Mentor ALO" and "Evaluator ALO."

ALO's have value, no matter how much the candidate may think they know. In some cases, maybe our entire role is to complement a very prepared young man or woman. Those are so nice...

Just my $1.09 (Circle K XL soda here).

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[Capt MJ]

Extra likes to flieger83’s comment. After reading the original post, I wondered why any candidate would ignore an official representative in favor of two unofficial anonymous Internet forums. USAFA dad is great for all kinds of insights rooted in his 4 years and AF culture and opportunity, but may not be up to speed on USAFA today.

Moral of the story, don’t leave an offered asset unused. From the ALO’s perspective, a candidate who fails to contact may not look like he or she is showing interest or initiative, compared to other candidates.

 

[PositiveEnergy]

I'm going to toss in an opposing opinion.

"There's no need to contact him if you have no questions..." Well...on the surface that sounds fine but...

I've been an ALO for over 25 years. In the past several years our roles have changed however...the first ALO is the "mentor ALO." Their mission is to smooth any issues, to be a source of information (up to date and current, a graduate from 10 or more years ago, unless they're working at USAFA, or are an ALO, with respect, they do not know the admissions process now.) ALO's are kept up to date annually.

In addition, one of the most valuable services a good ALO can offer is interview prep. I probably do 20-40 "Interview Preps" each year. I have served for 10+ years on my both MOC and Senator's nomination panels, I know the type questions that are asked, I can prep a candidate with things they probably have never thought about. I can also do a "simulated Form 4060 Interview" especially since I'm one of those dual-hatted ALO's, I'm both a "Mentor ALO" and "Evaluator ALO."

ALO's have value, no matter how much the candidate may think they know. In some cases, maybe our entire role is to complement a very prepared young man or woman. Those are so nice...

Just my $1.09 (Circle K XL soda here).

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

I'm sorry, I may have phrased my thoughts improperly. I'm not opposed to contacting the ALO I'm currently assigned to and I definitely have some questions that I have to ask about the timeline, paperwork I need to fill out, and especially about the presidential nomination. I plan on contacting him as well, I guess what I meant to say was if there was a point in me calling in the middle of April when I'm still 2.5 months out from getting any deadlines. In my mind Id rather just wait for these questions to build up that way I'm not calling him just for one question while also being over two months out from any actual application.

 

[shiner]

I would say that the timing in your admissions process is not a factor. For ALOs - their admissions efforts are likely complete for the c/o2024 cycle. Ask away. Asking for input on your student resume format is likely good. If your dad is 19yr, I suggest having him review and think of OPR bullets - crisp and with measurable impact where possible.

I led a coat drive

or

Selected by HS admin to lead 9 peers in a coat drive collecting 243 coats for needy in my community

 

[flieger83]

I'm sorry, I may have phrased my thoughts improperly. I'm not opposed to contacting the ALO I'm currently assigned to and I definitely have some questions that I have to ask about the timeline, paperwork I need to fill out, and especially about the presidential nomination. I plan on contacting him as well, I guess what I meant to say was if there was a point in me calling in the middle of April when I'm still 2.5 months out from getting any deadlines. In my mind Id rather just wait for these questions to build up that way I'm not calling him just for one question while also being over two months out from any actual application.

Ahh...okay, that's much clearer!!

That's not a bad plan. Keep track of questions that come up, check the forums here, etc. I really like Shiner's comment " If your dad is 19yr, I suggest having him review and think of OPR bullets - crisp and with measurable impact where possible" as that is SPOT ON!! Crisp, bullet statements, that hit home hard are like gold nuggets when your paperwork hits reviewers for MOC nomination panels.

Press on!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[famofmanyotters]

My son's attempt at contacting his ALO was unsuccessful. He e-mailed twice and called twice to no avail. He was late to the game, applying in November, racing to get the application finished and then the interview. His ALO never did get back with him. Unfortunately, I've read a few other posts where the ALO was unresponsive. Maybe overwhelmed? Unexpected events?

Thankfully, DS had other people to ask questions. Sounds like if he had been assigned to @flieger83 he would have hit the jackpot It's good you have other avenues to ask questions and hopefully you will end up with a responsive ALO.

 

[PositiveEnergy]

Ahh...okay, that's much clearer!!

That's not a bad plan. Keep track of questions that come up, check the forums here, etc. I really like Shiner's comment " If your dad is 19yr, I suggest having him review and think of OPR bullets - crisp and with measurable impact where possible" as that is SPOT ON!! Crisp, bullet statements, that hit home hard are like gold nuggets when your paperwork hits reviewers for MOC nomination panels.

Press on!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

My mother frequently sews clothing and sells it in Facebook groups for charity events where she will keep enough profit to replace material used but and proceeds go to the charity. I'm not great at sewing, I've tried once or twice but I do help a lot with measuring the amount of fabric and keeping track of the more technical side that I'm good at. I also have donated a lot of my personal money from yard work to organizations, these include things like covid-19 research, helping Australia wildfires, saving the rainforest, and helping a charity that gives ipads to childrens hospitals. During this pandemic, I've also been using my computer I built as part of the folding@home project where they use your computer power to help with research for things like covid-19 or cancer.
Of course, I have done other things like create supply bags for homeless in the winter or be a leader of the computer science club but I was wondering if these more odd things would be worth talking about on my application or interview.

 

[shiner]

Sadly there is a range within the ALO force. Some are graduates, and some are not. Some are receiving reservist credit, and some are not. Some do it to check a box and some legitimately want to help candidates. A USMMA liaison did more for me when I was applying than my USAFA ALO. The same USMMA liaison now sits with me on a MOC board, is guiding my DS, and I tell anyone that will listen that this USMMA liaison is the reason I have the life I have today.

Navigating the SA admissions process is hard - and was a million time harder before the advent of the internet. Sorry that you had a bad experience. Fortunately, resources like this exist to get questions answered.