Mentor ALO

[Wendolyn.89]

Hello everyone, I was just recently promoted to candidate and have received in my student portal the name and contact information of my Mentor Admissions Liaison Officer. I am very new to this application process, no one in my family has ever applied to an academy before, so I'm still a bit fuzzy on who my Mentor ALO is and what they're assistance if needed for. Should I be in touch with them? What's their role in this process?

 

[Academician]

Your Mentor ALO is a good, local resource for you to use and ask questions about the application process, if needed. So, yes, as I tell my students, you should reach out to her/him in the spring. The M-ALO does not play a formal role in your application for USAFA, but again, he/she can be helpful with the process (plus you want to work with them professionally using good manners). When you submit the USAFA Candidate Kit, your Evaluator ALO will be named. The E-ALO will not be a local resource and will live in a different state than you. She/he will conduct your interview for USAFA, typically through a video conference bridge like Zoom or Google Meet. I hope that helps!

 

[Wendolyn.89]

Your Mentor ALO is a good, local resource for you to use and ask questions about the application process, if needed. So, yes, as I tell my students, you should reach out to her/him in the spring. The M-ALO does not play a formal role in your application for USAFA, but again, he/she can be helpful with the process (plus you want to work with them professionally using good manners). When you submit the USAFA Candidate Kit, your Evaluator ALO will be named. The E-ALO will not be a local resource and will live in a different state than you. She/he will conduct your interview for USAFA, typically through a video conference bridge like Zoom or Google Meet. I hope that helps!

Thank you it does!

 

[T-37IP]

Definitely reach out. They are volunteers (mostly) and may not get right back to you, be patient. Send an email with your details, an introduction, and your resume, if you have one. We have had different experiences with each mentor ALO. There are several ALOs on this forum.

 

[flieger83]

Hi!

I'm one of those nasty "Mentor ALOs." I'm also a nasty "Evaluator ALO!!"
(pause here for the dramatic music and maniacal laugh...)

The folks above gave you great info!!! And spot-on!

Reach out! I love hearing from new "candidates/applicants/interested folks." It's why I became an ALO...more than a few years ago! Egad...it was...well, President Clinton was in his first term.

ALOs are volunteers; it's not a job you're assigned, you have to seek it out. Most, but not all, are AF reservists (although that's slowly, very slowly, changing). We have ANG members, retirees, and some active-duty folks. There are even a few "highly involved/knowledgable parents and former enlisted members" as ALOs.

The mentor's role is to be your go-to guy/gal for quick assistance, ideas, bounce ideas off of, etc. Our role is to help YOU!!!

The evaluator...our role is to "evaluate" the candidate for admissions. I see that as being the "eyes and ears" FOR the candidate. I'll paint the picture of YOU; you give me the paint, canvas, and brushes.

We're really pretty nice folk.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[FightingFalcon2027]

My mentor ALO was my great resource-since I was 11! I asked my parents to help me get in touch with him. He basically set my course - changing to a school with A-G curriculum, attended Grassroots Christmas Party, informational meetings, attended a sports camp at the SA. I would give him updates on where I am and he would give me suggestions on how I can do better for a more competitive resume. I only met him once in person but the impact he made on my journey to the SA is very invaluable!