Meeting w/ your ALO

Fengawr

5-Year Member
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Feb 16, 2011
Messages
129
Hello. A while ago, I applied for the Summer Leadership Seminar. Recently, I just received an email from an Admissions Liaison Officer. She wants to know if I want to arrange an interview with her. I'm just kind of confused I suppose. Is this supposed to happen for everyone?
 
Hello. A while ago, I applied for the Summer Leadership Seminar. Recently, I just received an email from an Admissions Liaison Officer. She wants to know if I want to arrange an interview with her. I'm just kind of confused I suppose. Is this supposed to happen for everyone?

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....
 
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....

Okay, thank you! I am surprised to be receiving an email from mine, considering I applied quite late.
 
Just an FYI for all...

We had our "state" ALO meeting this weekend in Phoenix.

One of the discussion items was the "ALO interview for Summer Seminar" and its value.

Bottom line: it IS helpful to the folks making the selection. They (folks in USAFA/RRS) said they'd love to have comments; especially if the candidate is "vanilla" on paper but the ALO knows something "that is valuable and that we would like to know!"

So...if your ALO calls to see if you'd like to have an interview, IMHO: TAKE IT! :thumb:
(Like CC...I interviewed all my candidates):biggrin:

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Just an FYI for all...

We had our "state" ALO meeting this weekend in Phoenix.

One of the discussion items was the "ALO interview for Summer Seminar" and its value.

Bottom line: it IS helpful to the folks making the selection. They (folks in USAFA/RRS) said they'd love to have comments; especially if the candidate is "vanilla" on paper but the ALO knows something "that is valuable and that we would like to know!"

So...if your ALO calls to see if you'd like to have an interview, IMHO: TAKE IT! :thumb:
(Like CC...I interviewed all my candidates):biggrin:

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

I'll keep this is mind. Does anyone know when the deadline is for SLS?
 
I can't stress enough how to take advantage of your ALO's offer. Your ALO can be your greatest resource and ally. They are loaded with information which can aid you significantly. They know what it takes and take their advice as sincere. Don't view them as a checkbox view them as a coach. If they are willing to spend time with you, and many of them are busy with their own families and careers, then view that as a gift. IMHO I don't think the USAFA could get the best candidates without the legwork th ALO's do. A big cheer for them:thumb:
 
There is no dress code, but dress nice. You are making a first impression to someone who is going to have a big impact on you making it to USAFA. If you are not presentable then what will that say about your character? That being said, a suit is not necessary, but wear khakis with a nice shirt and shoes.
 
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